The Rest of Us Just Live Here A funny, heartwarming and clever YA novel exploring the pressures, struggles and mental health of ordinary teenagers ... and the end of the world

the chosen one who has to save the world and sacrifice (some of) their friends while doing so only to heroically fulfill their destiny in the end! that's NOT what this book is about. sure, all that stuff is indeed happening and it's kind of part of the story - but it's not the focus! it's not even a "minor plot point"; instead it's just happening in the background while the main characters are just normal high school kids with (mostly) normal problems and all that

"The Rest of Us Just Live Here" is a fun and quick read that for once focuses on the non-special teenagers rather than the chosen ones who go around saving the world. Mikey and his friends have four weeks left before graduation. Just four weeks before the wind will scatter them in different directions and everything will begin to change. While the indie kids use this time to fight some evil supernatural enemy, Mikey and his friends have to deal with more personal issues. Teen angst, psychological issues, love and above all friendship are the most prominent topics featured in this refreshing YA novel. I like how the author focuses on the underdogs rather than the heroes and shows that everyone has their load to bear. Mikey, Henna, Mel and Jared are very likeable and relatable characters and make up a tight-knit group of friends some might envy for their group dynamic. Alongside the issues addressed in this book - which, to me, is done very authentically, considering its length - I also appreciate the little summaries of the supernatural goings-on at the beginning of each chapter. They are just hilarious - even though they kind of make fantasy novels look ridiculous. Patrick Ness hasn't written a story that has never been there before, but his writing style and structure offer a different kind of reading experience than most of us are used to. Recommended!