The Thing About Jellyfish

By: Ali Benjamin

Narrated by: Sarah Franco

This stunning debut novel about grief and wonder was an instant New York Times bestseller and captured widespread critical acclaim, including selection as a 2015 National Book Award finalist!

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting--things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door.

Oddlot Entertainment has acquired the screen rights to The Thing About Jellyfish, with Gigi Pritzker set to produce with Bruna Papandrea and Reese Witherspoon.

Critic reviews

*"A painful story smartly told, Benjamin's first solo novel has appeal well beyond a middle school audience."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech, Benjamin's novel is a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

*"Benjamin's sense of timing and delivery is extraordinary, as she blends the visceral experiences of Suzy's journey with an internal dialogue that is authentic and poignant....readers...will fully immerse themselves in this superbly written, heartfelt novel."—School Library Journal, starred review

*"Benjamin's involving novel features clean, fluid writing that is highly accessible, yet rich with possibilities for discussion.... Her highly individual, first-person narrative makes compelling reading.... An uncommonly fine first novel."—Booklist, starred review

*"This novel has it all: just-right pacing, authentic voices and characters, beautifully crafted plot, and superb writing. Readers will find that this story lingers with them after the book is closed."—VOYA, starred review

"There are...a lot of children who might not only benefit from this book but also find themselves deeply moved by it."—New York Times Book Review

"Seventh-grade narrator Suzy Swanson will win readers' hearts as she silently struggles to come to terms with her complex emotions over the death of her former best friend."—Shelf Awareness

"A heartfelt read for kids and adults."
—First for Women Magazine

This is overal my favorite book I just love how you don’t know what’s going to be next and it’s so exciting

I’m so glad I got to read this book and see all the details about the girl and her life it’s everything is so good and love it!!!!!!!!!!

One of my favorites!😄😃

This book is so good I would totally recommend it. I was hoping that she would get to slow dance with Justin though. Totally in my top 5

Heart warming story

I love this story it was my first audible and I am glad I chose this story, it shows how much Suzy needs a friend, and that she just needs to let go of what happened to franny.

enjoyable and transporting

This was an enjoyable listen from beginning to end. I am a 31 year old woman & this book took me back to younger years. just beautiful.

Love this story!

beautifully immersive i love how perfectly the perspective of Suzy is portrayed through her greif. she reminds me a lot if myself when i was in middle school and now, i love seeing it so well represented.