Hello, Universe is a touching novel of friendship, perseverance, and love. It is written from multiple characters' perspectives, emphasizing the innocence and purity of the challenges that each character had to overcome. Its simplicity is what made this book so emotionally powerful, as the author used just the right amount of sentiments, tenderness, and passion to evoke emotions in the reader.

Hello, Universe takes place in a single day, and though may seem rushed at first, ends up capturing the plot perfectly. The main character, Virgil Salinas is introverted and almost highly relatable. I instantly fell in love with Virgil for his sense of morality, and most of all, purity. He is born into a family of extreme introverts and doesn't seem to fit in. He is called "Turtle" by his parents and brothers, which breaks his heart every time. It's not that he doesn't want to socialize, but rather, is misunderstood by everyone around him. However, the only exception is Virgil's grandmother, Lola, who, though very cryptic, understands what Virgil goes through. Lola and Virgil's relationship was one of my favorites in all the books I've read, as it was simple, yet sweet. Lola's advice to Virgil through folk tales was very deep and applicable to my own life as well.

The lives of three other middle schoolers are soon intertwined with Virgil's in extremely unexpected ways. Kaori, a young physic, her sister Gen, Virgil's secret crush Valencia, and Chet, the school bully find themselves part of something larger, which could change their lives forever. Each child faces different obstacles, which I found to apply to the challenges faced by middle schoolers in the real world as well. For example, Chet is misunderstood for being the meanest bully at school. However, Chet comes from an environment where his dad expects the best of him, and when he is unable to meet his expectations, is disregarded as worthless. Chet's backstory hit me as a reader because I realized that there are so many people in our lives that we see as mean or unusual. However, we never truly know what caused that person to act the way they do, because we don't know their backstory and what challenges they face behind the scenes.

Kaori was one of my other favorite characters as well. Her adult-like manner and practicality, tied in with Gen's second-grade innocence and humor played along perfectly. Kaori is Virgil's true friend and stays loyal throughout the entire book. Her attempts to bring Virgil and Valencia together were humorous but kind.

Finally, the heroine of the novel, Valencia was one of those unforgettable characters. Valencia is deaf, yet the most strong-willed and determined character in Hello Universe. Virgil, Kaori, and Chet are all depicted in third person, but Valencia remains first person. This shift in perspective throughout the chapters added a personal touch to Valencia, as the reader was able to empathize with the isolation and loneliness someone deaf might have. I thank the author for using symbols throughout the novel, especially through Valencia's nightmares. Ever since her friends confronted her about "ruining everything", Valencia had been having the same dream about standing in a field with a girl with no whites of her eyes showing during a lunar eclipse. Though it took me a while to understand the symbolic meaning of the nightmares, it eventually did make sense: the obscuration of light can cause a fear of being alone, especially with someone with a disability.

In the end, however, Hello Universe was a delightful novel that captured the essence of what it means to be in middle school while trying to balance personal obstacles. I think some people might find this book slow-paced at some times, but the author's gorgeous style of writing and occasional humor overpower. Though Hello Universe might not be for everyone, I certainly do recommend it for anyone who is struggling to find their place in the world. Hello, Universe undoubtedly holds a special place in my heart.

Check out Hello Universe from the Newport Beach Public Library!