Dispatches from Parts Unknown
Bryan Bliss
📚 Genre
Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
🏢 Publisher
Greenwillow Books (an imprint of HarperCollins)
📅 Publication Year
2019
🔢 ISBN
9780062453624
About This Book
A poignant Young Adult novel exploring themes of grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of human connection. The story follows a teenager navigating a life disrupted by his father's sudden departure for a cult-like community, leaving the family to pick up the pieces. The cover features bold, blocky typography with a colorful, abstract soundwave-like graphic passing through the text against a clean white background.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
336 pages
Edition
First Edition Hardcover
Series
Standalone novel
Target Audience
Young Adult (ages 14-18)
Collector Information
Condition
Fair. This is an ex-library copy indicated by the prominent library barcode on the front cover. It is housed in a reflective plastic library-grade Mylar cover, though visible wear is apparent underneath. The spine and edges show some shelf-wear.
Estimated Value
$1 - $5
Rarity
Common. The book remains widely available in both new and used conditions. Ex-library copies typically hold the lowest market value due to permanent markings and heavy handling.
Historical Significance
Bryan Bliss is a National Book Award longlisted author. This specific title was longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, recognizing its literary merit in contemporary YA fiction.
Collector Notes
This particular copy has very low collector value due to its ex-library status (Dawson High School library barcode). Collectors typically seek 'trade' editions without library stamps, pockets, or barcodes. For preservation of a better copy, keep away from UV light to prevent the white cover from yellowing. Modern YA novels like this generally do not see significant value appreciation unless they become iconic through film adaptations or win multiple major awards.
Similar Books
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner, We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Looking for Alaska by John Green.
Notable Features
National Book Award Longlist nominee (sticker or text on cover mentions 'Book Award Nominee'), library protective jacketing, library barcode and school stamp.