Preview
  • The Thing About Jellyfish

  • By: Ali Benjamin
  • Narrated by: Sarah Franco
  • Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (603 ratings)

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The Thing About Jellyfish

By: Ali Benjamin
Narrated by: Sarah Franco
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Publisher's summary

A stunning debut about how grief can open the world in magical ways.

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy was a rare jellyfish sting. 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.

©2015 Ali Benjamin (P)2015 Hachette Audio
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Critic reviews

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

What listeners say about The Thing About Jellyfish

Average customer ratings
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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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The thing about jellyfish

I loved this book it is my new favorite. And I recommend it to anyone who wants a heart-warming caring story. One thing I liked is that it played with my emotions and made me feel happy and sad at the same time.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

..... welp I loved it so like- I do not know what else I can say....

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

just read it

there's nothing wrong about the story.
there are better stories out there but this one still one you should read/listen.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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The best book I've ever read!

I'm not a big reader but this book made me love reading. I recommend it to all kids.

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Loved this book

Five stars

What I loved about this book Is that there is so many ups and downs. The person reading the book as I followed was amazing as well. I recommend this book highly😀😀😀😀😀😀

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great story

I was immediately drawn in to Suzy's character. The insight into her dealing with her friend's death was interesting and heartbreaking. While the story was good, I felt like there still things left unexplained. Maybe that was the point.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book.

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