Margin Notes

Althea & Oliver by Cristina Moracho is a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and the trials of growing up. The story revolves around Althea Carter and Oliver McKinley, best friends since childhood, whose bond is tested by unexpected challenges as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Oliver suffers from Kleine-Levin Syndrome, a very rare and real condition that causes him to fall into deep sleep for weeks or months at a time. impacting his daily life and relationships. Althea, struggling with her own identity, and feelings for Oliver, finds herself grappling with the complexities of their relationship and the uncertainty of their futures. Moracho excels at creating multidimensional characters who are both relatable and compelling. Althea’s fierce loyalty and vulnerability, coupled with Oliver’s quiet strength and the impact of his illness, make for a poignant and authentic portrayal of young adulthood 

 The novel delves deep into the emotional landscapes of its characters, exploring themes of love, identity, and resilience. The raw and honest depiction of Althea and Oliver’s evolving relationship is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.  Moracho’s lyrical prose and keen observations about life and growing up add a rich layer to the narrative. Her ability to balance humor and sadness captures the essence of teenage life in a way that feels real and unforced. The inclusion of a rare medical condition like Kleine-Levin Syndrome adds an interesting twist to the story, highlighting the challenges and misunderstandings that come with such a condition. 

Despite the many strengths of Althea & Oliver, the content can be heavy and heart-wrenching. The emotional depth and rawness of the story, while compelling, can be quite heavy. The intense and sometimes heartbreaking experiences of the characters are impactful, but living those emotions through the characters in this story can be exhausting. 

This is a perfect novel for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives. The focus on the internal struggles and everyday life of the characters means that there are stretches where not much happens plot-wise, however, the story wraps up in a way that feels complete and satisfying. The journey of Althea and Oliver reaches a natural conclusion, and left me with a sense of closure. In conclusion, Althea & Oliver is a beautifully written, emotionally rich novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

“An ice Capp a day keeps the stress away.” Sixteen-year-old Yasmine Al Khleif writes heartfelt letters. Growing up, she moved often and had few friends, so she kept a journal. Her writing improved over time, turning into poems. When her family moved to Canada, learning a new language limited her expression, but rekindled her love for writing. Yasmine continues to find her voice amidst new languages and cultures.