They’ve been writing letters for each other since grade school and for about seven years, they’ve never seen each others’ faces. The story is all about childhood pen pals Misha Lare and Ryen Trevarrow. “Do you notice that, too? How all of us just want to get through life as quickly and easily as possible? And even though we know that without risk there’s no reward, we’re still so scared to chance it?” Such real characters that are flawed yet redeemable. Punk 57 was quite possibly one of the best books that I have read this year. Rarely have I read a book as raw and amazing as this one. Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it. I should’ve gotten his number or picture or something.

Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. Until I run across a photo of a girl online. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…Īnd that was the start.

And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter.

Punk 57 full book