Michael Kun

I requested this all the way back in July 2017 and when the library unexpectedly added it to their collection this year, I couldn’t remember why I’d wanted to read it. But I’m very glad the library reminded me of its existence -- I was quickly hooked.

It’s 1982 and Cath has gone off to college, while her neighbour/school friend Scott has stayed home to work in his dad’s clothing store. Through letters, they support each other as they deal with transitions, relationship woes and family dramas. Their letters are poignant and funny, with a running in-joke referring to a classmate’s “We Are Still Tornadoes” graduation speech. I like that they have to learn how to translate their friendship into written words, and make mistakes along the way. Their letters also believably convey what happens when they meet in-person -- sometimes it takes several letters to piece together the full story and that kept me wondering.

(My only quibble would be that it ends a bit abruptly, and I do think the authors could have found a believable way to have a letter tell us a bit more of what happens, rather than relying so much on implying. But anyway.)

Did I tell you that my dad is giving me a 10% discount off anything at the store? How cool is that? (I’m being serious. I really want to know how cool that is. I think the answer is, “Not very,” but I’m not sure.)… (mehr)

4.5 stars.

We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun & Susan Mullen is a humorous, poignant and heartwarming novel. Set in 1982, lifelong friends Scott Agee and Cath Osteen exchange letters as Cath goes off to college while Scott stays in their hometown to work in his family owned clothing store.

Although Cath is excited about attending college, she is a little homesick as she settles into dorm life. Through her letters to Scott, she fills him on her somewhat quirky roommate, freshman shenanigans and her surprisingly close friendship with Jane. From her first college romance to struggling to keep up in her classes, she humorously and sometimes sarcastically keeps her best friend apprised of everything going on her life. Her letters take on an unexpected serious tone as her first holiday visit home approaches and Cath finds out unsettling, life changing information about her parents.

Back home, Scott is adjusting to working in the clothing store and while he is not exactly overjoyed with his career path, he is appreciative that working with his dad has improved their relationship. With self-deprecating humor, he minimizes his decision to coast through high school but as the months pass, he is rather contemplative as he tries to understand why he chose not to focus on going to college. Forming a band with some of his friends provides Scott the opportunity to try his hand at songwriting and they reach a measure of success performing gigs at local establishments. While the majority of his letters are light-hearted and humor-filled, they become much more serious after an unexpected loss.

Although Cath and Scott do talk on the phone and see one another in person, these events are only referenced during letters they write after the fact. Their letters occasionally cross in the mail so there are a handful of slightly confusing out of sequence exchanges but the next letter helps make sense of things. The more serious aspects of their correspondence are deftly balanced with their playful banter and personal jokes. The occasional misunderstanding sometimes leads to angry exchanges but their longstanding friendship easily survives these squabbles.

An absolutely charming novel with a nostalgic vibe due to music references, mix tapes and letter exchanges, We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael Kun & Susan Mullen has a refreshingly unique storyline and a wonderful cast of characters. While the overall tone of the novel is upbeat, Cath and Scott also undergo serious, life-altering events that strengthen their friendship. All in all, it is a captivating read that I absolutely loved and highly recommend to readers of all ages.… (mehr)