Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE

book

THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE

Patrick Ness

A high schooler struggles with the everyday business of growing up. (Ages 13 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Strong themes include anxiety, depression, eating-disorder recovery, family abuse, illness, death, supernatural danger, and relationship conflict. The treatment is emotionally mature but not graphically sexual or gory. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • LGBTQIA characters3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters die in the backdrop of the supernatural events, and the story deals with the weight of loss.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of supernatural combat effects, but not gratuitous.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes moderate profanity typical of contemporary YA fiction.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA identities and relationships are prominent and treated as ordinary, meaningful parts of the characters' lives.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious concepts are touched upon tangentially, but not central to the plot.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teen crushes, dating, kissing, and relationship uncertainty are recurring parts of the story, alongside strong friendship bonds.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Features creepy supernatural entities like 'immortals' and soul-eating monsters, though the tone is mostly satirical.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to sexual situations and thoughts consistent with the teenage protagonist's experience.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Some underage drinking and experimentation occur within the peer group.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Supernatural background violence occurs, but it is often peripheral and comedic compared to the protagonists' mundane struggles.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face mental-health challenges, family hardship, illness, social pressure, and supernatural danger with persistence and mutual support.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its inventive premise contrasts ordinary teens with the stereotypical chosen heroes of a fantasy apocalypse, encouraging imagination and fresh perspectives.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The cast includes varied identities, sexual orientations, family experiences, and mental-health circumstances, with major characters given agency and complexity.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into living with OCD and managing anxiety.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, loyalty, listening, and practical support among friends and family are major strengths of the novel.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages support empathy, friendship, mental-health care, resisting stigma, accepting differences, and helping others through crises.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The teens are flawed but often supportive and resilient; some make risky choices, while the story shows the value of honesty and seeking help.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE
Demon RoadDerek Landy · 2015Ages 15+Dead or AliveDerek Landy · 2021Ages 13+Mortal CoilDerek Landy · 2010Ages 14+ChainsLaurie Halse Anderson · 2008Ages 14+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating