Source: Library
Pages: 400
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: February 10th 2015
Series: Standalone
Verdict: Buy
Summary: The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment.
Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.
As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.
Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.
Review: Let me just start off by saying that this is a beautiful book. It tackles a really sad subject - suicide - and the authenticity really captured my attention and heart.
Lex is a character that I could really feel for. I could see how broken up she was and how much everything in her life has affected her. Her parents went through a rocky situation that ended up in a divorce and a broken home with broken members. And then her little brother kills himself, leaving nothing but a collage and a post-it note as a final goodbye.
Lex goes through a lot during the course of this book. It's understandable how she feels lost and empty. Then more tragedy strikes, and everything and everyone around her is wary of her as she becomes wary of everything and everyone around her as well. She really has nobody that she can confide in. Everybody either doesn't know how to react around her, or they're overly sympathetic. And she can't handle that considering her situation.
But then there's Steven. Poor, sweet Steven. He truly cares about Lex and wants nothing more than her attention again. He has an innocent hopefulness that is so endearing. But Lex broke up with him after her brother killed himself, but we don't find out why until the very end. And it's a heartbreaking revelation that makes everything seem right again, while simultaneously showing how wrong everything still is.
Throughout the entire book, Lex hints about something big, something life-altering. She shares her guilt. She's haunted by the fact that she could have possibly done something, but didn't. Her nightmares and seeings are overwhelming and there is a lot of inner turmoil and remorse and sorrow.
The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a heart wrenching book that brings out the grief, sorrow, hope, and genuineness that comes with a life-changing event such as the one that Lex goes through. It's an engaging book that is written in the most expressive manner. This is truly a timeless and worthy read, a read that is one for the books.
Lex is a character that I could really feel for. I could see how broken up she was and how much everything in her life has affected her. Her parents went through a rocky situation that ended up in a divorce and a broken home with broken members. And then her little brother kills himself, leaving nothing but a collage and a post-it note as a final goodbye.
Lex goes through a lot during the course of this book. It's understandable how she feels lost and empty. Then more tragedy strikes, and everything and everyone around her is wary of her as she becomes wary of everything and everyone around her as well. She really has nobody that she can confide in. Everybody either doesn't know how to react around her, or they're overly sympathetic. And she can't handle that considering her situation.
But then there's Steven. Poor, sweet Steven. He truly cares about Lex and wants nothing more than her attention again. He has an innocent hopefulness that is so endearing. But Lex broke up with him after her brother killed himself, but we don't find out why until the very end. And it's a heartbreaking revelation that makes everything seem right again, while simultaneously showing how wrong everything still is.
Throughout the entire book, Lex hints about something big, something life-altering. She shares her guilt. She's haunted by the fact that she could have possibly done something, but didn't. Her nightmares and seeings are overwhelming and there is a lot of inner turmoil and remorse and sorrow.
The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a heart wrenching book that brings out the grief, sorrow, hope, and genuineness that comes with a life-changing event such as the one that Lex goes through. It's an engaging book that is written in the most expressive manner. This is truly a timeless and worthy read, a read that is one for the books.
Really enjoyed
★★★★☆
I've not read anything by this author! I saw this one and was interested because it's a standalone. It seems like a contemporary novel that might not be my thing (contemps and I don't always get along!), but I'm so glad you enjoyed the book, Grace. Excellent review!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week :)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Yes, it's definitely contemporary, but there are so many sides to this book. But if you don't like contemporary much, I'd probably read a different one, one that's happier and lighter since let me tell you, there are many sad and heavy moments in this book!
DeleteThanks so much, Alyssa! Have a great week as well!
-Grace :)