I'll be honest. I'm a huge fan of the soundtrack but I have never seen the musical itself. I knew the rough idea of the story but other than that I went into this not knowing a great deal.
I wasnt expecting the multiple perspectives and I'm not sure how I felt about the POV from someone who was dead and looking in on the situation. I also found it hard to tell who's view I was reading from but that may simply be a formatting issue.
Overall the book was quick and easy to read and I liked the moments in the books where I could see the link to the songs. I liked how the words were not exact copies from the songs themselves and it just really helped to make the scenario seem more realistic.
A good read and I'm looking forward to seeing the musical now even more so that I've had an insight into the story a bit more.

3.5/5 Stars

When a letter that was never meant to be seen by anyone draws high school senior Evan Hansen into a family's grief over the loss of their son, he is given the chance of a lifetime: to belong. He just has to stick to a lie he never meant to tell, that the notoriously troubled Connor Murphy was his secret best friend. Suddenly, Evan isn't invisible anymore. And Connor's parents, with their beautiful home on the other side of town, have taken him in like he was their own, desperate to know more about their enigmatic son from his 'closest friend'. As Evan gets pulled deeper into their family, he knows that what he's doing can't be right, but if he's helping people, how wrong can it be? No longer tangled in his once-incapacitating anxiety, this new Evan has a purpose. He's confident. He's a viral phenomenon. Until everything is in danger of unravelling and he comes face to face with his greatest obstacle: himself.

I was unsure what I was going to make of this, I will be honest, I could not really see why a novel would be written for an already successful musical. Still, as a big fan of the musical I did still want to read this. For the most part I enjoyed it, I found the beginning hard to get into and the borrowing of lyrics meant I constantly had the songs running through my head which did not really assist with reading. Once I got into the flow of the plot, I enjoyed this novel about teenage angst and surviving. The more I read of the novel, the more I liked the use of lyrics in the text so this is definitely a book to stick with!

Of course, this book sticks close to the musical so if you know the story for that then you will know this, I did enjoy reading a book about the plot as it means that some scenes are fleshed out more in book format. I particularly enjoyed the epilogue and would say this is worth reading just for that! The characters are well developed as well, again it helps having characters to start with and as a reader I knew who I was going to be following but I relished following them in book format and understanding them more.

This book is perfect for any fans of the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. I still do not think that this necessarily needed to be written but I did thoroughly enjoy the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK for an advance copy.

I have heard great reviews of this show, so wanted to read the book. I loved this story, I now realise why the title is Dear Evan Hansen as Evan is writing to himself. This really is the most fantastic atory of how social outcast Evan becomes popular following the death of his ‘best friend’. Can’t wait to see the show now.

My thanks to Random House (Poppy) and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read DEAR EVAN HANSEN.
This is without doubt one of the most endearing and well-written coming of age books I've read. From the first page I was tearful because I recognised the feelings Evan relates in this insightful and amazing story. As a woman with autism I related perhaps more than many to the lows and highs Evan goes through, the taking of decisions because they seem so right at the time (usually to please someone else), only to discover it was totally the wrong one.
Evan doesn't fit in. Anywhere. He has no friends, and although he says he doesn't want any because it puts more pressure onto the already heavy load he carries on his shoulders, he envies the huddles of kids at school, the occasional scream of laughter, the plans to meet up at the weekend. Evan doesn't do any of this. He spends his time alone in his room. Just be yourself, his mother tells him. Yeah right. Look where being me got me!
But suddenly Evan's world changes. A passing almost forgettable conversation with Connor is suddenly seen as something very different when Conner takes his own life and is found with a letter he took from Evan, a letter he wrote to himself on the instruction of his therapist. The Letter, is the beginning of something Evan tries to catch the tail of but is constantly out of reach, and gradually he finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into the lie that has been created.
I understood Evan, He's a beautiful soul, muddled perhaps, but not malicious. He tries to help and it goes wrong. It often happens. Read this and get your kids to read it. There are so many out there who are misunderstood and suffering in silence, and just need someone to reach out to them. A wonderful, wonderful book.

"I turn my attention to the sky. A clear night. Stars visible. Where are they, exactly, those stars? They're gone, but still here. Extinguished, but burning bright. A contradiction. How can that be? Maybe I'm like those stars now. I have a place in the universe, just not here anymore. How does it end up this way? I try to follow how it happens, all of it. Still, I can't begin to understand."

Dear Evan Hansen is one of my all-time favorite musicals. If you're like me, and know the lyrics to all the songs by heart — then I think this one is a must-read. Just like the musical, this book was emotionally very heavy: I felt very angry, I cried, I cringed, I laughed … If you're planning on reading this one, you're in for a rollercoaster of emotions, that's for sure !

Knowing the musical almost by heart, I was afraid the book would feel redundant and read almost like a retranscription. Thankfully, the reading experience was very enjoyable to me: Not only are we presented with new scenes and situations, we also get to read the characters' thoughts and feelings regarding specific scenes from the musical. It made me feel so much more connected to them — in that way only books can. I loved re-discovering the story through the characters' perspectives. We are also introduced to a new parallel plot-line which I really loved.

Mental health is a very difficult subject to talk about, and everyone has different experiences. I couldn't really relate to his feelings, but reading about Evan's struggles and vulnerabilities was very enlightening to me. Although I hated his actions and decisions, I loved his evolution as a character. The one thing I disliked was the relationship between Evan and his psychiatrist: it felt quite reductive and I wish it had been treated differently.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Dear Evan Hansen. If you're looking for a moving coming-of-age tale with a modern twist, then I highly recommend you pick this one up !

Oh, Evan Hansen, what a hole you have dug for yourself. This is one of those books where you read whilst cringing at the mess the protagonist is getting himself into, but unlike others, rather than digging himself, out he lays himself bare. A lovely book for all you loners out there

After Conor Murphy dies by suicide, Evan Hansen finds himself from invisible to visible as a letter from his therapy sessions gets mistaken as Conor's suicide note. Now, he's stuck with a lie he never meant to tell. Dear Evan Hansen expands upon the musical of the same name. Told from the perspectives of Evan Hansen and Connor Murphy.

I've glad I decided to listen to the musical after I had read this. I've come to love the musical so much that I feel like it would've shrouded my review of the novelisation of the musical. Which definitely has its flaws.

The characters are absolutely phenomenal, and we get a more in-depth look to all the beloved characters from the musical. Especially Conor Murphy. You get a much better in-depth look into his mind which I really appreciated and loved the most about the book. You don't get much from Connor that isn't from his perspective in the musical and the novel did well on his side. Everyone transcends beyond the time limitations of the musical.  Dear Evan Hansen is a thoughtful coming-of-age tale that depicts mental health issues and how social media impacts connections on a global scale.

Like I said before, I'm glad I read this before listening because the beauty of the songs would've shrouded my review of the book. There was a bit of frustration at how Evan allows the lies to spread for him to gain a sense of belonging, but it's understanding of communication and finding meaningful relationships is utterly amazing. But its moral ambiguity of the entire situation was somewhat unsettling. While Evan's lies did aid them in their grief, it was still disturbing. And how everyone forgives him for it was somewhat disappointing. Maybe, it was easier for plot sake, but I would've liked it to be emphasised on him facing some sort of consequences for his actions, rather than brushing it off. I'll link to this review which describes some issues of the musical. I don't think I could put it words better than they had.

Overall, Dear Evan Hansen has its flaws which I definitely acknowledge. The importance of its central message to everyone that they are never alone. And I really needed that. Take a listen to the musical, even if you're a not a fan of the format, it really is so powerful.

Dear Evan Hansen a five-star read that will make you think. I think this was a compelling read as it deals with something that affects a lot of us at different points in our lives, isolation. It is darkly depressing and its not all fun and giggles, but as someone who deals with social isolation on a daily basis in my professional capacity it was eye opening at the lengths some will go to, usually I see the opposite, but it made me open my eyes so much wider. I hadn’t even known about the musical or soundtrack but after reading this I will certainly be looking out for them.

Dear Evan Hansen started as a hit Broadway musical which won a ton of awards, from reading the book I can see why!

Dear Evan Hansen has a great understanding of issues that teenagers can deal with throughout high school, from trying to find who you are, feeling invisible, dealing with grief and the pressure to mourn in a certain way.

I enjoyed the characters as a whole and the story felt like it could happen, the difference that feeling invisible can make and what you would do to feel like you belong. Evan took it a bit far but I feel that is part of the point, it was good to see the consequences of his actions and how he learned from it.

It was definitely an enjoyable yet difficult read, trigger warnings for talking about suicide. The book includes contacts for organisations to talk to if you are having any mental health issues which was an important inclusion.

I would recommend this book for high school age and above that can deal with the heavy topic as it is an important read

*ARC received by Penguin via netgalley, all opinions are my own *

If I didn’t already know it, this book would really confirm the adolescent mental health crisis going on at the moment. Evan Hansen is both remarkably confused and clear sighted at the same time. He makes a split second decision to keep quiet about a misunderstanding, then suddenly he’s entwined in a web of lies. Like most teenagers he decides to keep the lie going rather than face the consequences of coming clean.

If you’re looking for an insight into the teenage psyche then look no further.

Dear Evan Hansen, I'm old enough to be your grandmother and before I read this book I had never heard of you or your musical. I hadn't even realised it was a YA book. In a lot of positive ways it reminded me of bits of "lovely bones" and the diaries of Adrian Mole. You are a wonderful character and speak across generations -you have certainly found a place in my heart and I wish you many amazing days.

What a read. Aimed at anyone who has ever felt alone and wanted to "belong". The story is of one lie spiralling out of control with wide reaching consequences. Is there a way back? How I felt for Evan. What a miserable existence he led, mirroring that of young people the world over. He's not one of the popular ones at school, and he is an introvert, school and socialising is torture. How to get through the day until he can return to his room and peace. His mum is always at work, or studying at night school to better their lives. Since Evan's dad left his life seems to have changed dramatically, and his poor mum is trying to live her life and get Evan the help she feels he needs. This really made me think - if Evan had been able to talk to the other kids at school who were classed as the "outsiders" he may have found friends and his life completely changed. His introversion, as so often happens, looks like self absorption. It's a vicious circle. One day, Evan makes contact with others at school, and ends up crossing paths with Connor Murphy. When Connor completes suicide, Evan's whole world changes. How does he get out of the situation he finds himself in? Evan becomes part of the Murphy's family, hurting his mother in the process. How long can he live a lie and where will it end up? But does some good come from it. A wonderful read, about the intensity of adolescence. At the end of the book, there is a note from the authors with links to mental health resources. What a great idea. I've just closed my kindle and I am wrung out. And I'm praying for Evan's future. #netgalley #dearevanhansen

Dear Evan Hansen is a YA novel about the hugely successful Broadway musical of the same name. I liked elements of the book but didn't really like how it was written- I felt it was very clear it was a collaborative effort and it didn't flow very well. Having heard the music from the show I found it hugely helpful to get the context for the songs and I wish more musicals would release books like this. Evan Hansen is unpopular at school but is catapulted into fame when another student kills himself and people come to believe that the two were friends. It's an enjoyable enough read but I imagine its much better told in the musical.

Although it explores the topical issue of teen mental health, the story isn't terribly original & I felt as though I was missing something...perhaps some knowledge of the musical is necessary to stir the emotions but it's a bit flat overall.

I find this story really sad. My heart hurts for Evan and the struggles he faces and the situations he gets himself into. Reading the book was more emotional than the musical because the novel format allows you to delve further into Evan's brain and really expand on the emotions and issues he experiences. This also makes the book far heavier than the musical as there are no lighthearted catchy tunes to raise the mood. With no light relief the book is a really intense reading experience which is incredibly immersive.

The author's writing is captivating and very believable. I imagine it was extremely hard to write this story without making it sound preachy- how can Evan learn his lesson without making it sound like a cheesy cautionary tale?
The authors managed to tell the story with compassion and through it all Evan remains a sympathetic, lovable character.

I recommend curling up with this book with the soundtrack on in the background. You can never have too much Dear Evan Hansen!

* Interested to read before the musical hit the British shores.
It was such an easy read (despite not such easy subject matter) mainly due to the voice of Evan Hanson.
A really likeable guy,all wound up and in on himself,that let's a small lie get totally out of control.
The situations seemed pretty accurate to me.
Some good light hearted humour,along with the mental health issues and the lies we all tell.
Looking forward to the show already.

This book was sent to me unsolicited. I am not going to read and review a children's book that I have no interest in.

Highly emotional, sensitively dealt with subject matter but brilliant. I adored it and cannot wait to see the theatre production.

I admit, I'm a bit disappointed. I think I went into this story with too many expectations and succinctly, was led down. I still enjoyed Dear Evan Hansen, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone.

What struck me as the most peculiar was the sudden switch during the Epilogue- the writing style and overall arc of Evan just shifted into something quite unbelievable. Evan Hansen has a somewhat distinct voice, and then all of a sudden, it felt like the author was trying to wrap up the story as fast as possible by a very reflective look at Evan's graduation and taking a year off and it just felt like an entirely different novel. Evan is suddenly realizing all these things and honestly, it felt like those moments in horror movies when they get the only survivor to appreciate life and marry and stuff so the movie doesn't end with blood and gore.

The pacing also really wasn't for me. At times I had to drag myself through the story while at others things just seemed to happen with no reason whatsoever.
The characters weren't fleshed out - at all. Jared, Evan's "family" friend has no personality besides being a hacker - which is never explained or addressed - and making crude jokes about every woman that crosses his path. Been there, done that.

And while I did like Evan, I couldn't entirely relate to his anxiety because it was mentioned so infrequently, and only when it seemed to fit a certain scene, then to be forgotten for thirty pages. I know that this could be attributed to the fact that his anxiety lessens with the use of his medication, but it just felt very inauthentic. I also do understand how he kind of got roped into lying about his own letters, but he was so unfair to his mom and the grieving Murphys in the process that I could just not relate to that, at all.

All in all, this novelization just wasn't for me. I think I'll stick to the soundtrack for now.