The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash: A Novel

Candace Ganger, in her debut novel The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash, submerges the reader into an epic tragedy, tissues required. Bash, our lead male protagonist, and Birdie, our lead female protagonist, meet at a party and through chance meet again working at a roller rink. However, had the rink not drawn these two souls together, the death of a loved one would have forced the two narratives to collide. And collide they do. While the relationship grows and changes, each character deals with different grief, that of loss and that of guilt. Without giving away too much, the roller coaster of emotions leaves the reader feeling sick yet satisfied with the end of this novel. Saving the novel from being a total sobfest is the acerbic wit and intelligent humor. These narratives, while melancholic, are delightful to read.

Ganger sets herself up for an older crowd initially through the complicated subject matter of loss and love. However, a young reader should also be aware of the language. Only a reader who can handle cursing should be encouraged to read this novel. But for the mature young-adult reader, the novel smashes the heart and picks up the pieces with little sprinkles of humor. While some compare this novel to those of John Green, Ganger sets herself apart in the dual narrative and in bringing a dual perspective into the tragedy. This lends insight into both perspectives, something unique in the romance. I found it perhaps more reminiscent of Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. Regardless, fans of young-adult literature will adore this novel.