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Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension
It’s easy to believe in the apocalypse when you’re losing your religion.
NASA has assured everyone the passage of rogue planet Malachite will be safe, but Crosby's been getting other messages―from a fortune teller and Malachite truther message boards. And now she believes that Malachite will kill everyone who doesn’t ascend to the fourth dimension―a higher plane that transcends physicality.
She tries to prepare her friends and family to leave their bodies behind and raise their frequency by changing their diets, wearing the right crystals, and moving into her friend’s bunker before it’s too late. But no one is listening.
The more time she spends trying to talk her roommate and her quirky friends into her apocalypse plans, the more Crosby is forced to face the cracks in everything she believes to be true.
This novel in verse explores the danger and humanity of conspiracy in a post-truth world through empathy, friendship, and forgiveness.
NASA has assured everyone the passage of rogue planet Malachite will be safe, but Crosby's been getting other messages―from a fortune teller and Malachite truther message boards. And now she believes that Malachite will kill everyone who doesn’t ascend to the fourth dimension―a higher plane that transcends physicality.
She tries to prepare her friends and family to leave their bodies behind and raise their frequency by changing their diets, wearing the right crystals, and moving into her friend’s bunker before it’s too late. But no one is listening.
The more time she spends trying to talk her roommate and her quirky friends into her apocalypse plans, the more Crosby is forced to face the cracks in everything she believes to be true.
This novel in verse explores the danger and humanity of conspiracy in a post-truth world through empathy, friendship, and forgiveness.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2024
About the author
Rita Feinstein
4 books30 followersRita Feinstein is a poet and novelist based in Washington, DC. Her stories and poems have appeared in Permafrost, The Normal School, and Willow Springs, among other publications, and have been nominated for Best of the Net and Best New Poets. Rita writes across multiple age categories and genres but always manages to weave in references to her favorite video games.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 19, 2024
Not everything is an omen, Crosby.
Not everything means something.
Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension is a unique upper YA story told in verse about convictions so strong that they eventually lead to family and friends turning against each other and, in this case, believing in the end of the world. It reminded me sometimes of We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson (one of my favorite YA books ever), even though both stories are way different.
Crosby is an anxious, shaky mess, distrustful, and balancing on the edge of reality and deeply held convictions. She believes firmly in witchcraft, and when her best friend Shannon buys earrings she likes (from Malachite), and Crosby tries to convince her those earrings are not the right match for her, they fall apart. Then, she’s in college and watches at a party through a telescope. When she sees the rogue dwarf planet Malachite, Colby is convinced Sharon’s earrings are a warning and that the planet is a message for something bad to happen.
The writing is beautiful and poetic and so fitting for a story like this. The characters are fully developed, and the descriptions are so vivid, I felt I was there, but even without them, I could read this book only for the writing, immersing myself in the words and the sentences, the cadence, and the rhythm. It’s soft and atmospheric while Crosby’s anxiety and the eeriness of her beliefs bubble under the surface but emerge more and more.
Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension is a fantastic debut, and I can’t thank Rita Feinstein enough for asking me if I wanted to read an ARC. And thank you, Pagestreet YA, for sending me this ARC!
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Not everything means something.
Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension is a unique upper YA story told in verse about convictions so strong that they eventually lead to family and friends turning against each other and, in this case, believing in the end of the world. It reminded me sometimes of We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson (one of my favorite YA books ever), even though both stories are way different.
Crosby is an anxious, shaky mess, distrustful, and balancing on the edge of reality and deeply held convictions. She believes firmly in witchcraft, and when her best friend Shannon buys earrings she likes (from Malachite), and Crosby tries to convince her those earrings are not the right match for her, they fall apart. Then, she’s in college and watches at a party through a telescope. When she sees the rogue dwarf planet Malachite, Colby is convinced Sharon’s earrings are a warning and that the planet is a message for something bad to happen.
The writing is beautiful and poetic and so fitting for a story like this. The characters are fully developed, and the descriptions are so vivid, I felt I was there, but even without them, I could read this book only for the writing, immersing myself in the words and the sentences, the cadence, and the rhythm. It’s soft and atmospheric while Crosby’s anxiety and the eeriness of her beliefs bubble under the surface but emerge more and more.
Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension is a fantastic debut, and I can’t thank Rita Feinstein enough for asking me if I wanted to read an ARC. And thank you, Pagestreet YA, for sending me this ARC!
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December 28, 2023this is going to be so, so unique, i can't wait
April 6, 2024
I feel super privileged that I was able to read an earlier version of this book, and I absolutely just sat down and read that entire google doc front to back... and then went and read it again.
It's so, so powerful. The novel in verse format works so well for this story, giving it that dreamy, disconnected feeling as we explore the main character's thoughts, dreams, and hopes. This book feels both topical and timeless, relating to the scary reality of conspiracy theories and falling into these holes we dig for ourselves, while also grappling with very universal feelings such as friend breakups (or drifting aparts), moving from home to college, and finding ways to express yourself and your truth.
Most of all, Rita's writing will always continue to floor me with how powerful and poignant it is. So much is conveyed in just a couple lines, with rich imagery and soul-punching emotions. This entire book is a poem that came for my heart, ripped it out, stomped on it, then kissed me on the forehead in thanks.
(Also... Ladies, is it gay to be kinda obsessed with your bff and hate when she's ignoring you? Maybe so.)
It's so, so powerful. The novel in verse format works so well for this story, giving it that dreamy, disconnected feeling as we explore the main character's thoughts, dreams, and hopes. This book feels both topical and timeless, relating to the scary reality of conspiracy theories and falling into these holes we dig for ourselves, while also grappling with very universal feelings such as friend breakups (or drifting aparts), moving from home to college, and finding ways to express yourself and your truth.
Most of all, Rita's writing will always continue to floor me with how powerful and poignant it is. So much is conveyed in just a couple lines, with rich imagery and soul-punching emotions. This entire book is a poem that came for my heart, ripped it out, stomped on it, then kissed me on the forehead in thanks.
(Also... Ladies, is it gay to be kinda obsessed with your bff and hate when she's ignoring you? Maybe so.)
March 16, 2024
Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for giving me a free arc of this book! I appreciate y’all.
Everything in this review is my honest opinion, please respect it.
This book was strange. That’s as much as I’ll say but I was on the verge of giving it 1 star…
Good things:
- Lots of Taylor Swift references
- Incredibly written poems
- Well-developed characters
Spice: Very little
Cursing: A ton
Other stuff: Some
Strange Religious Stuff That Most Teenagers Would Question: All of it
Age: 16+
Thanks for reading this very small review!!
Everything in this review is my honest opinion, please respect it.
This book was strange. That’s as much as I’ll say but I was on the verge of giving it 1 star…
Good things:
- Lots of Taylor Swift references
- Incredibly written poems
- Well-developed characters
Spice: Very little
Cursing: A ton
Other stuff: Some
Strange Religious Stuff That Most Teenagers Would Question: All of it
Age: 16+
Thanks for reading this very small review!!
March 20, 2024
I was so excited for this one, and I think it ended up being... just not exactly what I thought it would be? That cover though, guys. She's a beaut. Anyway, I have some mixed feelings about it, but let me tell you a bit about the book. It's a novel in verse about Crosby, who is finishing high school and heading to college around the same time that NASA announces there is a planet heading close-ish to Earth, but it will probably be fine. Crosby does not think it will be fine. She thinks it will be the End of Days. I was kind of assuming this would be more apocalypse, less angsty poetry, but that one is probably on me.
What Worked For Me:
Obviously, the commentary about the messiness of society in terms of people believing absurd things with no scientific proof is important. Figuring out how people become susceptible to such things are likely the only way to try to lessen it, so that is a plus. I also love when characters are shown to be going through the transition from home to college, and all the upheaval that it entails. I certainly did empathize with Crosby on that front, because it is no easy task. There is also some character growth, but it is more alluded to than actually on-page.
What I Struggled With:
I'm sorry, but Crosby is wildly annoying. She’s very “I’m not like other people” in a way that seems very condescending and judgmental. Like- I kind of hoped that I'd at least be able to kind of understand how people end up falling for these Q-type ways of thinking, but in the end I still had no idea what Crosby's issue was. For awhile I wondered if she was mentally ill, frankly, which I could have at least had empathy for. But that did not seem to be the case. She spends a large portion of the book pining after her friend Shannon, who has gone away to school and is distancing herself from Crosby. In fairness, I also wanted to distance myself from Crosby, so I understood the appeal.
Interestingly, Crosby finds a lot of people who want to be her friend when she goes to college. She is awful to them most of the time, but they keep coming back and trying with her. She has little empathy for what others may be dealing with, and it made me... almost mad, I guess, that these people kept trying with her. Because in fact, that is just not how the world operates for most of us. Friendships are hard to come by, and showing that people kept trying over and over with Crosby felt almost unrealistic. Oh and speaking of college, there is quite a bit of casual drug use included.
Ultimately, had we seen more growth from Crosby, I may have been less annoyed. As it stood, she was overbearing and self-centered, and never really even thought about why her friend might be distancing herself. The world, quite literally, was apparently supposed to revolve around Crosby. Even the end of it, I guess.
Bottom Line: A lot of people liked this far more than I did, so check out their reviews, maybe it will work for you!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
What Worked For Me:
Obviously, the commentary about the messiness of society in terms of people believing absurd things with no scientific proof is important. Figuring out how people become susceptible to such things are likely the only way to try to lessen it, so that is a plus. I also love when characters are shown to be going through the transition from home to college, and all the upheaval that it entails. I certainly did empathize with Crosby on that front, because it is no easy task. There is also some character growth, but it is more alluded to than actually on-page.
What I Struggled With:
I'm sorry, but Crosby is wildly annoying. She’s very “I’m not like other people” in a way that seems very condescending and judgmental. Like- I kind of hoped that I'd at least be able to kind of understand how people end up falling for these Q-type ways of thinking, but in the end I still had no idea what Crosby's issue was. For awhile I wondered if she was mentally ill, frankly, which I could have at least had empathy for. But that did not seem to be the case. She spends a large portion of the book pining after her friend Shannon, who has gone away to school and is distancing herself from Crosby. In fairness, I also wanted to distance myself from Crosby, so I understood the appeal.
Interestingly, Crosby finds a lot of people who want to be her friend when she goes to college. She is awful to them most of the time, but they keep coming back and trying with her. She has little empathy for what others may be dealing with, and it made me... almost mad, I guess, that these people kept trying with her. Because in fact, that is just not how the world operates for most of us. Friendships are hard to come by, and showing that people kept trying over and over with Crosby felt almost unrealistic. Oh and speaking of college, there is quite a bit of casual drug use included.
Ultimately, had we seen more growth from Crosby, I may have been less annoyed. As it stood, she was overbearing and self-centered, and never really even thought about why her friend might be distancing herself. The world, quite literally, was apparently supposed to revolve around Crosby. Even the end of it, I guess.
Bottom Line: A lot of people liked this far more than I did, so check out their reviews, maybe it will work for you!
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
December 19, 2023
earthshatteringly glorious
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March 24, 2024
This wasn't what I expected/wanted. I was hoping for more of a sci-fi/spacey element but its mostly a contemporary honestly. I didn't mind it being told in verse and was hoping that style of writing would make it have a bigger impact. But the main character was so unlikeable and yet still is able to make friends so easily? I didn't feel attached to the story at all. The ending was also a big let down. This one just didn't work well for me.
November 30, 2023
5/5 STARS! Such a unique story, with a lyrical/poetic style that makes it an enchanting read, while dealing with a very heavy plot. Crosby is an 18 year old college freshman, struggling with losing her best friend Shannon, moving away from home, & her personal beliefs with spirituality/witchcraft. She starts to question everything when she begins to believe in a conspiracy that the world is ending by a rogue planet crashing into it. Needless to say, she goes down a dark rabbit hole. This book is inspired by the 2020 covid events & all the conspiracies that set off. Definitely felt the realness in this one with how easy it is for certain people to fall in the trap of wrong beliefs & how they are targeted in ways. This is a must read, & I highly recommend (for the style alone)!
March 27, 2024
This book was absolutely unputdownable. I’ve never read a verse novel before, but now I’m hooked.
I loved the characterization of the MC and supporting cast. The setting was so alive, and I could tell the author had hand-picked every turn of phrase. I sped through it in one afternoon/evening, and fully intend to return to it again this year so I can really savor the language.
Crosby was so relatable, it just shot me straight back to being a college freshman trying to find my people and carve out my own niche. I wouldn’t class Crosby as unlikable, rather human and nuanced. I think other reviewers would benefit from a deeper reading.
My favorite characters were Teagan and Bailey, I loved their slow and steady arc throughout the novel. I feel I got to know them like I would my own friends, snapshots of their past and personality revealed in their treatment of Crosby, how they reconciled her views with their own.
The plot itself was so engaging and well-paced. There was no wasted space in getting to know the characters; the author could illustrate them with less than a line. I’m not sure if other verse novels are as tightly written, but I felt this was craft at its very best.
I’m recommending this book to everyone. I only wish I hadn’t devoured it so fast in my first read.
I loved the characterization of the MC and supporting cast. The setting was so alive, and I could tell the author had hand-picked every turn of phrase. I sped through it in one afternoon/evening, and fully intend to return to it again this year so I can really savor the language.
Crosby was so relatable, it just shot me straight back to being a college freshman trying to find my people and carve out my own niche. I wouldn’t class Crosby as unlikable, rather human and nuanced. I think other reviewers would benefit from a deeper reading.
My favorite characters were Teagan and Bailey, I loved their slow and steady arc throughout the novel. I feel I got to know them like I would my own friends, snapshots of their past and personality revealed in their treatment of Crosby, how they reconciled her views with their own.
The plot itself was so engaging and well-paced. There was no wasted space in getting to know the characters; the author could illustrate them with less than a line. I’m not sure if other verse novels are as tightly written, but I felt this was craft at its very best.
I’m recommending this book to everyone. I only wish I hadn’t devoured it so fast in my first read.
March 21, 2024
Don't read this for a likable main character, although she has her moments and is often relatable anyway (she has a very strong "not like other girls" energy that's quite offputting). Read it for understanding how someone gets sucked into a conspiracy theory even when it drives a wedge between them and their loved ones. Read it for the portrayal of new age spirituality and how characters find common ground despite their drastically different religions and beliefs. (I loved the friendship between main character Crosby, a witch, and her roommate Teagan, a devout Christian.) Read it for the beautiful and moving poems (seriously, this author is gifted and I'm going to check out her other poetry work). Read it for the emotional journey of untangling what you really believe and why, and what you do when that changes. I'll be rereading this book for sure.
February 21, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5/5.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rita Feinstein's "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" invites readers into a world where belief teeters on the edge of reality, exploring the danger and humanity of conspiracy in a post-truth era. Set against the backdrop of impending apocalypse, this novel in verse weaves together themes of friendship, empathy, and the search for truth in a world inundated with misinformation.
At the center of the narrative is Crosby, a protagonist grappling with the weight of impending doom as rogue planet Malachite hurtles towards Earth. Convinced that salvation lies in ascending to the fourth dimension, Crosby embarks on a mission to prepare her friends and family for the inevitable cosmic event. However, as she delves deeper into her apocalyptic beliefs, Crosby is forced to confront the cracks in her convictions and the consequences of blind faith.
Feinstein's storytelling is both unique and enchanting, drawing readers into Crosby's world with rich imagery and visceral emotions. The verse format of the novel lends itself perfectly to the atmospheric and fast-paced nature of the story, immersing readers in Crosby's journey of self-discovery and disillusionment.
Throughout the narrative, Feinstein expertly navigates the complexities of belief and conspiracy, shining a light on how easily individuals can fall prey to misinformation and false promises. Inspired by the events of 2020 and the conspiracies that followed in its wake, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" offers a poignant reflection on the power of belief and the consequences of unchecked paranoia.
The novel's ensemble cast of characters, including Crosby's roommate Bailey and her quirky friends, adds depth and dimension to the narrative, providing moments of levity amidst the looming apocalypse. However, unresolved storylines, such as that of Shannon, leave readers yearning for closure, detracting slightly from the overall satisfaction of the ending.
Yet, despite its flaws, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" remains a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of belief and humanity in a world fraught with uncertainty. Feinstein's fresh take on the theme of blind faith offers a timely reminder of the importance of critical thinking and empathy in the face of conspiracy.
In conclusion, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" is a powerful and evocative novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. With its compelling characters, rich imagery, and thought-provoking themes, it is sure to captivate readers seeking an immersive and introspective literary experience.
Find more reviews at What I'm Reading
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rita Feinstein's "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" invites readers into a world where belief teeters on the edge of reality, exploring the danger and humanity of conspiracy in a post-truth era. Set against the backdrop of impending apocalypse, this novel in verse weaves together themes of friendship, empathy, and the search for truth in a world inundated with misinformation.
At the center of the narrative is Crosby, a protagonist grappling with the weight of impending doom as rogue planet Malachite hurtles towards Earth. Convinced that salvation lies in ascending to the fourth dimension, Crosby embarks on a mission to prepare her friends and family for the inevitable cosmic event. However, as she delves deeper into her apocalyptic beliefs, Crosby is forced to confront the cracks in her convictions and the consequences of blind faith.
Feinstein's storytelling is both unique and enchanting, drawing readers into Crosby's world with rich imagery and visceral emotions. The verse format of the novel lends itself perfectly to the atmospheric and fast-paced nature of the story, immersing readers in Crosby's journey of self-discovery and disillusionment.
Throughout the narrative, Feinstein expertly navigates the complexities of belief and conspiracy, shining a light on how easily individuals can fall prey to misinformation and false promises. Inspired by the events of 2020 and the conspiracies that followed in its wake, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" offers a poignant reflection on the power of belief and the consequences of unchecked paranoia.
The novel's ensemble cast of characters, including Crosby's roommate Bailey and her quirky friends, adds depth and dimension to the narrative, providing moments of levity amidst the looming apocalypse. However, unresolved storylines, such as that of Shannon, leave readers yearning for closure, detracting slightly from the overall satisfaction of the ending.
Yet, despite its flaws, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" remains a must-read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of belief and humanity in a world fraught with uncertainty. Feinstein's fresh take on the theme of blind faith offers a timely reminder of the importance of critical thinking and empathy in the face of conspiracy.
In conclusion, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" is a powerful and evocative novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. With its compelling characters, rich imagery, and thought-provoking themes, it is sure to captivate readers seeking an immersive and introspective literary experience.
Find more reviews at What I'm Reading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Page Street Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" is a very interesting upper YA novel-in-verse that looks into convictions and conspiracies, which can sometimes blur the lines between reality and belief. Set against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse, the story follows Crosby, a protagonist teetering on the edge of sanity, as she navigates the murky waters of her deeply held convictions amidst the chaos of a world rife with misinformation. You can definitely tell that this book was inspired by all the events that followed the explosion of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically with false information and how quickly people begin to believe the misinformation spread everywhere.
My favorite part of the book was Feinstein's lyrical prose. The novel-in-verse format of this book is extremely beautiful and it just immerses you in Crosby's journey, infusing each line with rich imagery and raw emotion. The verse format lends itself perfectly to the atmospheric and fast-paced nature of the story, capturing the dreamy, disconnected feeling that fits this book perfectly as Crosby grapples with her beliefs and fears. I absolutely love novels-in-verse, and I will definitely be picking up a physical version of this book to add to my collection.
At the heart of the novel is the theme of blind faith and its consequences, as Crosby becomes increasingly entangled in her apocalyptic convictions. As stated earlier, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" definitely serves as a timely reflection on the dangers of misinformation and the fragility of belief. This book will definitely have a bigger impact right now due to how recent the COVID-19 pandemic was, but I believe that these themes are timeless and readers will still be affected by these themes in the future. I think older YA readers, though, will get the most out of this book.
I enjoyed all the different characters in the book; I think they added a lot of depth and dimension (pun) to the narrative. They really helped lighten up the plot at times and keeping the story from being too dark in certain areas. Some scenes were a bit repetitive though, and I found myself stopping a few times due to this.
Overall, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" I did really enjoy this book, especially due to the prevalence of misinformation right now in today’s society as well as all the different unhinged conspiracies circulating on the news.
"Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" is a very interesting upper YA novel-in-verse that looks into convictions and conspiracies, which can sometimes blur the lines between reality and belief. Set against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse, the story follows Crosby, a protagonist teetering on the edge of sanity, as she navigates the murky waters of her deeply held convictions amidst the chaos of a world rife with misinformation. You can definitely tell that this book was inspired by all the events that followed the explosion of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically with false information and how quickly people begin to believe the misinformation spread everywhere.
My favorite part of the book was Feinstein's lyrical prose. The novel-in-verse format of this book is extremely beautiful and it just immerses you in Crosby's journey, infusing each line with rich imagery and raw emotion. The verse format lends itself perfectly to the atmospheric and fast-paced nature of the story, capturing the dreamy, disconnected feeling that fits this book perfectly as Crosby grapples with her beliefs and fears. I absolutely love novels-in-verse, and I will definitely be picking up a physical version of this book to add to my collection.
At the heart of the novel is the theme of blind faith and its consequences, as Crosby becomes increasingly entangled in her apocalyptic convictions. As stated earlier, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" definitely serves as a timely reflection on the dangers of misinformation and the fragility of belief. This book will definitely have a bigger impact right now due to how recent the COVID-19 pandemic was, but I believe that these themes are timeless and readers will still be affected by these themes in the future. I think older YA readers, though, will get the most out of this book.
I enjoyed all the different characters in the book; I think they added a lot of depth and dimension (pun) to the narrative. They really helped lighten up the plot at times and keeping the story from being too dark in certain areas. Some scenes were a bit repetitive though, and I found myself stopping a few times due to this.
Overall, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" I did really enjoy this book, especially due to the prevalence of misinformation right now in today’s society as well as all the different unhinged conspiracies circulating on the news.
January 2, 2024
"The world is such a fucking mess," he continues.
"Can't trust the media, can't trust big pharma,
can't trust a single word out of the president's mouth.
We're all just looking for answers, right?
And when we hear one that clicks—" he snaps
his fingers, "—boom. A silver bullet to all our problems.
Finding this book out in the wilderness of publishing industries is like finding a cool oasis that my reader soul has been craving for so long; an upper YA novel-in-verse with Another Earth kind of premise i.e. taking sci-fi elements as the vehicle for character development. It's brilliant, unique, honest, and thought-provoking. The poems are gorgeous, a perfect blend of voice and plot so you'll get both beautiful writing style and a clear story. The cover and page break illustrations perfectly sums up the reading experience and aesthetic of the book.
Crosby, the main character, starts relatable but once she gets into college it feels like I needed to put up with her irritating behavior. But I get it, and honestly the poetic delivery of her frustration and annoyance is what got me through the first half. In the second half, I spotted repetitive scene (opens up with waking up in the morning), the unclear boundaries and status between Crosby and Bailey , and half-baked resolution with Shannon . In the end, it only begged for more question and left me wanting more—what happens between Bailey and Crosby? Is Crosby and Shannon's friendship salvageable? What happens after Malachite?
I like this, I really do, especially the writing style and the fresh theme about escaping blind faith. Maybe because I'm used to YA that's clear cut, neatly-tied, un-cliffhanger unless it's a series, I feel there are still gaps waiting to be filled, especially when there's no plan for a sequel. It's perfect for a 'just vibes' kind of reading mood and those who are looking for atmospheric + fast-paced read.
The digital advance copy is kindly provided by Page Street Publishing and NetGalley.
March 31, 2024
wow wow WOW. This book!! This is a lyrical, soulful, glorious read that will stay with me for a long time. While it's shelved as YA (and is an incredibly important addition to contemporary YA which needs more brilliant literary fiction) this is really a book for anyone. Especially those who have had relationships affected by misinformation or conspiracy thinking over the past few years.
So many incredible lines, some favorites:
The star's greenish gleam reminds me
of the glow-in-the-dark ones on the bunk bed
Shannon had all to herself,
how I thumbed them off while she slept
and arranged them into more auspicious constellations
The more you fuck with fate
the less adhesive it becomes
_____________________
I didn't cast invisibility
but no one seems to see me
______________________
Maybe what I thought was magical
puberty was just magical menopause
This is an easy 5/5 stars, a true must read. I've been trying to think of a relevant comp and the best I've got is this is like Fangirl meets Speak meets Educated. It's rare to find a book written with so much empathy and love and skill, it really is beyond compare!
So many incredible lines, some favorites:
The star's greenish gleam reminds me
of the glow-in-the-dark ones on the bunk bed
Shannon had all to herself,
how I thumbed them off while she slept
and arranged them into more auspicious constellations
The more you fuck with fate
the less adhesive it becomes
_____________________
I didn't cast invisibility
but no one seems to see me
______________________
Maybe what I thought was magical
puberty was just magical menopause
This is an easy 5/5 stars, a true must read. I've been trying to think of a relevant comp and the best I've got is this is like Fangirl meets Speak meets Educated. It's rare to find a book written with so much empathy and love and skill, it really is beyond compare!
December 11, 2023
90/100 or 4.50 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The vibes/atmosphere created by writing this story as a novel in verse was amazing. I don't think prose would have elevated the story like it did. I think this was an overall better version of "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson, which I did not like whatsoever. I think it did what Hutchinson failed to do with this kind of story.
I'm not usually someone who likes an open ended story, but somehow this book pulls it off. I would love to get my hands on physical copy when it comes out and put it in my library.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The vibes/atmosphere created by writing this story as a novel in verse was amazing. I don't think prose would have elevated the story like it did. I think this was an overall better version of "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson, which I did not like whatsoever. I think it did what Hutchinson failed to do with this kind of story.
I'm not usually someone who likes an open ended story, but somehow this book pulls it off. I would love to get my hands on physical copy when it comes out and put it in my library.
April 26, 2024
I've never read a novel in verse and didn't know what to expect, but damn was I completely blown away. The story, about a college student losing her best friend while facing a "new age crisis of faith" tugged at my heartstrings and I finished it in two sittings (very unusual for me, slow reader.)
The writing is beautiful, the narrative construction within the constraint of poems is wildly imaginative. Well I say constraint, as I thought it would be, but it's clear that Feinstein is in her element here and there seems to be a freedom with this method that your standard prose writers might envy. I'll 100% be picking up her next book.
The writing is beautiful, the narrative construction within the constraint of poems is wildly imaginative. Well I say constraint, as I thought it would be, but it's clear that Feinstein is in her element here and there seems to be a freedom with this method that your standard prose writers might envy. I'll 100% be picking up her next book.
January 13, 2024
Thank you @pagestreetya for this gifted copy to read and review.
👧🏻 review: this is absolutely out of this world, literally!!! In this book, all the questions in my head were the same things discussed in this book! Eerie!!! I love the writing style and the topic gave me the opportunity to read and think at the same time, like the whatifs?!? It is scary but I feel that this could possibly be a perfect book for young generation to read and start thinking and wondering about our future! I really like this book, definitely different and well-written!
👧🏻 review: this is absolutely out of this world, literally!!! In this book, all the questions in my head were the same things discussed in this book! Eerie!!! I love the writing style and the topic gave me the opportunity to read and think at the same time, like the whatifs?!? It is scary but I feel that this could possibly be a perfect book for young generation to read and start thinking and wondering about our future! I really like this book, definitely different and well-written!
April 12, 2024
This book gets 5 out of 5 stars! It's a special story, written in a beautiful way that makes it captivating, even though the story is serious. Crosby is a college student dealing with big challenges like losing her best friend, moving away, and figuring out her beliefs. When she starts believing a conspiracy about the world ending, things get even more intense. The book reflects real events from 2020, showing how easily people can get caught up in false ideas. It's a must-read, especially for its unique style!
April 4, 2024
Small disclaimer: I went to college with the author. Now that's out of the way: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS. I haven't read a novel-in-prose in ages, and this one absolutely slaps. Through Crosby's vivid imagination we get a front row seat to what could lead an otherwise intelligent young person to dive into conspiracy theories. What we find is uncomfortable and, truly, compulsively readable. The characters are treated with such compassion and honesty in a way I vibed with, and not for nothing, the book made me sit with some judgements I've passed on others in my life. All great books should make you think, and this certainly did.
I would highly rec this to anyone who likes campus novels, new-agey crystals, witchery, poetry, and has a fascination with astrology and/or astronomy.
I would highly rec this to anyone who likes campus novels, new-agey crystals, witchery, poetry, and has a fascination with astrology and/or astronomy.
April 13, 2024
This was a hard one to rate. I liked the format - a novel in free verse. The images were elegant and easy to visualize. I just didn't care for the story itself or any of the characters. The author's afterword explained her concern about the proliferation of conspiracy theories sucking people into the dark world of the current day and the supposed messiah (I refuse to capitalize the word because of whom it represents) who is going to lead us back to our former glory days.
March 14, 2024
I got an ARC of this book.
I tried, I really did. The writing wasn't for me. When I realized I couldn't tell if one of the characters was a teddy bear or a human, I sort of gave up. I read for another twenty pages or so. I just couldn't get into it.
I am not the biggest fan of books in verse, but usually I can at least follow the plot. So this might just be me.
I tried, I really did. The writing wasn't for me. When I realized I couldn't tell if one of the characters was a teddy bear or a human, I sort of gave up. I read for another twenty pages or so. I just couldn't get into it.
I am not the biggest fan of books in verse, but usually I can at least follow the plot. So this might just be me.
March 23, 2024
Beautifully written and poignant, this story in verse about main character Crosby, uses her descent into a conspiracy theory to depict the loneliness and transitional challenges experienced by many college freshman. Filled with resonant passages that give both the sense of Oregon and deep insight into Crosby herself, this book is not to be missed!
March 28, 2024
I don’t know if it was the formatting of the ebook or the writing but I dnfd this book on page 3. I returned it to the library as soon as I could.
April 16, 2024
A novel in verse that breaks out of the "young adult" segregation - so much so that one wonders if the only reason it is identified as such is because novels in verse are more acceptable in that genre than in the regular "fiction" section? This is both in praise of the novel and in sorrow of the state of the literary publishing landscape that desires to pigeonhole for the sake of sales over the actual level or subject matter of the book itself.
Regardless of that non-narrative intrusion, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" is an intense descent into the mind of a woman who, upon learning of a major astrological event, finds herself beginning to disbelieve the scientific evidence, preferring to listen to her gut and the nascent conspiracy theories that are beginning to catch hold. As an illustrative to how an individual can begin to believe in non-facts despite what is actually happening in front of one's own eyes, this book is an all-too-real examination of this phenomenon. It is also a good story and told beautifully through the poetry, which is easy to follow but not simplistic in any way.
Regardless of that non-narrative intrusion, "Meet Me in the Fourth Dimension" is an intense descent into the mind of a woman who, upon learning of a major astrological event, finds herself beginning to disbelieve the scientific evidence, preferring to listen to her gut and the nascent conspiracy theories that are beginning to catch hold. As an illustrative to how an individual can begin to believe in non-facts despite what is actually happening in front of one's own eyes, this book is an all-too-real examination of this phenomenon. It is also a good story and told beautifully through the poetry, which is easy to follow but not simplistic in any way.
April 19, 2024
This book instantly sucked me in in a way that surprised me. For someone not well read with novels in verse, it instantly set a sense of place and set me in the center of Crosby's head. What she thought and felt wasn't nonsense - it followed her own logic. The alienation and realizations she faced were real in a way that's still hard to put into words. I highly recommend this more than anything I've read in years.
December 13, 2023
This is such a beautiful, heartwarming, heartbreaking read!! The reader follows the story of witchy "Malachite-truther" Crosby as she tries to prep her friends for the end of the world. Crosby's perspective provides a unique lens into the world of conspiracy theories and natural medicine--it's so well-rounded and richly crafted that I wasn't at all surprised to learn in the Author's Note that much of this is drawn from Feinstein's own life.
Some specific things I loved:
How Crosby's challenged to think critically about her beliefs
The agony of friendship loss with Shannon!
The arc with Deva
Low-vibration vs. high vibration emotions
Shrooms
Some specific things I loved:
How Crosby's challenged to think critically about her beliefs
The agony of friendship loss with Shannon!
The arc with Deva
Low-vibration vs. high vibration emotions
Shrooms
December 1, 2023
This book blew me away. A gorgeous exploration of self, religion, beliefs, and finding your own path. It was raw, vulnerable, and generous with character growth and empathy. All the characters felt complex and engaging, an every line was well-thought-out and heartfelt.
MEET ME constantly had me thinking about the ways we engage with information, the world, and even ourselves when everything seems to be crumbling down.
I desperately wanted to hug Crosby while reading this and also hug my teenage/young adult self.
A must-read!
MEET ME constantly had me thinking about the ways we engage with information, the world, and even ourselves when everything seems to be crumbling down.
I desperately wanted to hug Crosby while reading this and also hug my teenage/young adult self.
A must-read!
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