death – One Chapter

Never Forget Eleanor by Jason June

3.5 stars Children’s

This book was okay. The enthusiasm from Elijah was what made the pages turn for me. Elijah loved his Grandma Eleanor so much and he loved her Saturday story sessions. Elijah loved talking with his grandma and learning new words. Every Saturday, Grandma Eleanor would sit on her porch swing and tell stories to everyone who would gather. There were crowds typically around her porch: Elijah, grandma’s friends and family, they all loved to listen to her recite her stories.

One Saturday, Grandma Eleanor is not there. Elijah panicked at first but then, he had a plan. Elijah’s plan worked and grandma finds her way back home. Grandma Eleanor makes a lasting impression on Elijah as she shares her life with him.

The illustrations in this book were great. I loved the colors and the facial features. The emotions on the faces were nicely done. I really enjoyed the relationship between Grandma Eleanor and Elijah. The Author’s and Artist’s Note at the back of the book were a great bonus. I felt that some of the words used in this book were not words that children would understand. This book addresses Alzheimer’s and dementia without mentioning it at all. I liked the ending, but I was hoping for something more in the middle. 3.5 stars.

And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps

5 stars Fiction Book in Verse Children’s/ Middle School

And then, WOW! This book really packs a punch, and I loved it so much. Written in verse, this book is powerful as it deals with issues that many young adults unfortunately must face today. It’s just not the poverty that Joe needs to adjust to but it’s also the abandonment, the insecurity, and the loneliness that just keeps on popping up in his life. When will it ever end?

Mom gets “the itch” and before you know it, she’s out the door. Sometimes its weeks, months, or just a few days, that she’ll be gone. They lived with Joe’s grandmum in her house until she lost it on legal matters for Joe’s mom. Now, Joe and grandmum are living in a car and using food stamps to eat. My heart was breaking as Joe fought to use public bathroom facilities to maintain his appearance. They’re hungry but they’re doing the best that they can. As he tries to go to school, he struggles to hide his life from others that are around him. One of his best friends finds them a place to stay and finally, things change direction.

The mobile homeowner, Uncle Frankie is an amazing person, and he becomes a fantastic friend to Joe. One obstacle is taken down but the others remain. One moment in this book which has stuck with me is when Joe wins at Jeopardy in his classroom. Able to take any prize out the storage closet, which is filled with games and puzzles, Joe picks……. Yes, this is a storage closet so it’s also storing cleaning items and extra supplies. Joe picks out “an enormous box of toilet paper.” This is a 6^th grade boy, and he picks toilet paper as a prize. Yep, that got me……..

I can’t tell you much more about what happens inside the pages of this emotional read but I loved so much about it. I love how Joe gathered strength from within to keep moving forward. From everything that happened in his life, Joe could have lost hope or retaliated but he didn’t. His friends stood by him, and he learned many lessons along the way.

This is such a great read, one in which I could read it again and again. Read it because this is real folks, this is what is happening all around us whether you want to see it or not.

“Every time I hugged Grandmum,

I’d breathe in her scent.

When I miss her a lot,

like tonight,

I open the bag in the back of my closet

where I keep Grandmum’s quilt

and breathe in her scent.

I call it, “Grandmum in a bag.””

After Annie by Anna Quindlen

5 stars Realistic Fiction

This was a sad story to read. My heart went out for Ali as the story played out. Dad was just going through the motions as his children looked to him for something, anything. The friends and family who tried to step in but lost their way. What a powerful book.

Annie was finishing making up dinner while some of her children waited at the table for her. She had a killer headache, but she continued preparing dinner as she asked for some pain reliever. Annie hits the floor! Immediately her family runs to her side and an ambulance is called. Leaving by ambulance, dad accompanies his wife, leaving his four children home alone. I can’t even imagine what those children were thinking now as they sat home waiting to hear from their parents.

Annie never makes it back home, leaving her family broken. Annie was a special woman. Having only lived thirty-seven years, she lived life to its fullest. Each of her children handle their mother’s death differently, her death will have a lasting effect on them. Dad is not ready for help yet emotionally he is not present. Family and friends are on the scene, but Annie’s death has hit them hard too.

We walk this difficult road for one year, after Annie’s death. It’s an moving, emotional read with characters that could be my own family. 5 stars

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy

5 stars Fiction

This was such a sweet story! I will definitely have to reread this one over and over again as I loved its simplicity and the way the story made me feel. The isolation of Helen, how Helen felt when she met Sipsworth and what Sipsworth brought to her and everyone around her. The story felt simple, but it was a powerful story, in its connections and its emotions.

Helen has just returned to her hometown after being overseas for 60 years. Eighty-year-old Helen had just purchased a cottage off the internet and was now making it her home. Something about an 80-year-old woman desire to accomplish this, amazed me. As the book processes, it has been three years, and it seems that Helen has led a secluded life in her new cottage. She watches the neighborhood and she’s alert but she’s not one to partake in life outside her walls.

It’s Friday and she’s noticing her neighbor’s hauling their garbage out to the curb. Garbage day is a big event for Helen as she has scored some big finds for herself out of her neighbor’s trash. There’s something in this week’s trash that sparks her curiosity and so, while no one is watching, Helen sneaks outside. There’s a fish tank which has other items with it. Afraid of missing out on any treasures, Helen takes everything and hauls it all home. I loved how this garbage triggered a memory, and we learned a bit about Helen and her past. Leaving the items in her yard to clean-up tomorrow, Helen gets ready for bed.

Helen hears something that night coming from her backyard. The anticipation was killing me, as I didn’t know what Helen might do. Upon discovering the mouse amongst the items that she rescued from her neighbor’s trash, Helen goes about setting it free. It should be over, it should be out of Helen’s mind now because yes, she set it free. Yet when it starts to rain, Helen can’t stop thinking about the mouse and its safety. I had to smile as I read, for Helen is a loving and caring soul and now, the mouse is her companion. Helen tries to relinquish control by calling the authorities, but her efforts are brief. All thoughts and activities now include the mouse and Helen makes accommodations for her new friend. Bringing this mouse into her life opens the door for Helen as her compassionate and kindness spreads to others around her.

I loved the way the author transitioned through the days; it was such a fantastic technique especially towards the end of the book. As the days passed, I felt the drama, energy, and seriousness of the events unfold. I can’t say enough about this book except read it!! Such a sweet story about friendships, community, and family. 5 stars+

Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart

5 stars Middle School/YA Fiction

It’s been almost a year since Coyote and her father settled into this small Oregon town. Parking Yager, they’ve hung-up their traveling shoes for a more permanent home and now, Coyote is trying to find her place amongst her 7th grade peers. There’s been so much to adjust to and none of it has been easy nor does Coyote feel that her life will ever be the same. My heart starts to soften as I flashback to The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, the first book that introduced Coyote and her family. Back then, her life seemed carefree and simple but turned tiring and complicated as troubles began. Now, she’s living with her dad in a house, trying to establish a new life.

As we’re introduced to Candice, you can immediately get a feel as to how Coyote feels about that situation. Candice isn’t in Coyote’s face flaunting her relationship with Coyote’s father, yet any scene that Candice is present in, it’s just too much for Coyote. Emotions come flooding out of the pages when Coyote sees, hears, and or even thinks about Candice. Coyote doesn’t need another adult figure in her life, nor does she like seeing their PDA’s, and deep down inside there’s some jealousy there. Adding Candice to everything else that Coyote is trying to adjust to could be a good thing or a bad thing and right now, Coyote sees her as a threat.

Chilling out inside Yager, Coyote discovers a hidden box. This was a shocker for both Coyote and her father but now, they must face reality. I could understand the state their family is in but now, they must decide what happens next. Mom can’t stay hidden inside Yager forever, she must find a permanent resting spot. But where?

Dad knows the location, but he needs Coyote’s help getting there. It’s time for another road trip so with Candice, dad, Coyote and Salvador, it’s time to load up Yager and hit the road. Coyote is determined to make this a great trip but sometimes things don’t go as planned as she’s faced with complications and plans that are out of her control. Coyote learns to grow her own wings and she begins to find peace within herself. Such a great continuation of Coyote’s journey, I hope we get more stories about Coyote. 5 stars

“” But when this girl calls, I answer. Every time. And I always will. No matter what. I don’t even answer every time when my mom calls. But I do for you, Coyote.” …….”And you don’t even answer my texts,”” he said.

“Boy. He was right. He was one hundred percent right. Leave it to a best friend to make you feel like a million bucks and a total piece of crap in one conversation.”

“And I’m afraid that …. that…that I’ll never find where I fit.” (she’s a work-in-progress).

We Are All So Good At Smiling by Amber McBride

5 stars YA Mental Health

This book was a bit more abstract than I had originally anticipated. I felt I was dancing around through the beginning pages of the book trying to get inside what was happening so I could fit it all together. What put this book into motion?

I could feel the emotions in the text and the flow of this book was fantastic. The sentences were arranged on the pages, just so. I felt it. I could feel the energy and the pauses without even looking.

“You can’t avoid this forever

or you’ll end up back here

again & again & …….

Mom’s voice trails off.

I swallow,

filling in the blanks.

Until I don’t…….until I am gone.

I’ll try harder,

I promise.”

She’s being treated at the hospital for depression. Whimsy can count on both hands the times that she’s been hospitalized for her illness but this time, it’ll be different. Watching from her window, a car approaches the hospital and she notices the mint-green hair. He’s alone. She sees something in his shadow and now, she needs to know more about this boy. Really, did she really see this? I think she better check again. Who is Whimsy and now, who is this boy that she calls Fae boy.

In the hospital, Whimsy goes to group therapy where she assigns all the individuals who attend, a Fairy Tale name. These names correspond to a specific trait of that individual so they’re actually fitting but some of these names, I wasn’t familiar with. Therefore, “a boy with mint-green hair (an actual Fae-I believe) actually named Faerry.” And “the silent one with stories on her skin & magic like electricity in her hair – that would be Me (Whimsy).” Whimsy has an old notebook that she’s had for many years, that she treasures. Inside this notebook, she writes Fairy Tales, ones that she has created and ones that were told to her. I found this notebook very interesting as I think it reflects a lot about Whimsy.

Once Whimsy and Fae are released from the hospital, their relationship continues as Fae’s family moves closer to where Whimsy’s family resides. It’s a magical, fairy tale world as the two friends discover a forest which is more than just trees. As the book progresses, the story came together and Whimsy was able to fully show herself. We are all so good at smiling but what are our smiles really hiding? I enjoy reading books dealing with these types of issues and I really loved how the author used poetry to convey her thoughts. The cover of this book is incredible.

Things You Can’t Say by Jenn Bishop

5 stars Middle School

Things That You Can’t Say is actually things that you should say but the words are hard to find. Since his father’s suicide, Drew has been struggling with many issues. It’s a balancing act for Drew as he tries to balance his own life with the new responsibilities that he has taken on. As his mother recovers from the loss, Drew tries to support her while also caring for his younger brother. Drew has his own unanswered questions and ardently, this event has triggered some deep feelings and emotions which are swirling around in his head. Wanting to uphold his promise of being the new head-of-the-household, Drew feels the weight of this responsibility but like everything else, he keeps his head up and continues marching through his day. He’s now helping out at the library which he really enjoys. It’s the same library that his mother works at and with her being close, he feels safe.

When Audrey shows up at the library, I thought that Drew and her would become friends. She’s going to be working at the library and since Drew would be there, she could be the friend that he needs yet they didn’t hit it off quite like I pictured it would be. There’s some resistance but soon, they started to relax around each other and they ended up being good for each other. Just when I thought Drew was beginning to relax a bit, a guy stops by the house to see his mother. Drew puts on another hat and becomes part detective and part parent. Drew wants to know who this guy is and why he’s stopping by to see his mother?

I liked the complications that arose in this book and how things worked themselves out eventually. I thought the story felt realistic with genuine characters whose voices spoke from the heart. A great book dealing with a difficult issue. 5 stars.

Four for the Road by K.J. Reily

5+ stars Fiction YA

“We’re all just trying really hard to cling to something we’re not entirely sure can hold us up.”

I read this book over 2 months ago yet as I think about these characters and their story, I am reliving every moment of this fantastic book! It’s only been 12 months, 3 weeks, 1 day, 6 hours, and 14 minutes since Asher’s mother died. As the thick smoke fills the house and makes seeing the television screen impossible, Asher continues watching the television as the fire consumes his home. In the hospital, the support groups that Asher initially walks into provides more than just support for him.

Asher meets a variety of individuals and I loved every single one of them. With unique personalities and stories, these individuals have so much to offer while still dealing with their own issues.

“We’re all just trying really hard to cling to something we’re not entirely sure can hold us up.”

As the groups gathers, Asher hears his own struggles and pain coming from the mouths of those around him. These individuals know the battles and scars that he has, he’s not walking alone.

“I’m not completely alone in my head with this monster.”

Asher needs closure so he can move on and these individuals are there for him. With a list of questions, Asher decides to find the answers. It’s a road trip and Asher is not going alone. The new friends that he includes in this ride are perfect. I was smiling, laughing, and enjoying this car trip so much. What a ride! The group does more than just get answers to Asher’s questions, they have an adventure. Everyone benefits from this excursion.

With short chapters, fun and entertaining characters, this was one book that I couldn’t put down. I enjoyed the author’s use of language as there were many great passages inside this book. I thought the author did a great job handling the topics covered inside this book. One of the best books I read this year. I highly recommend it!!! 5+ stars

“Then I start thinking about how many grieving groups they would need to have just for the 10,262 people killed last year by drunk drivers and how there just aren’t enough days in the week to take care of that many people with dead family members so I just sit down on the garage steps and think about hammers and baseball bats and then my dad sits down next to me.”

Better Place by Duane Murray

My emotions were all over the place with this graphic novel. It started out super sweet with a grandson and his granddad playing the parts of Red Rocket and Kid Cosmo, the grandson’s favorite comic heroes. Mom had had her father move in with them and the duo were creating their own real-life versions of the comic book duos adventures. With granddad behind the shopping cart handle and grandson Dylan, helping with the navigation, they glide through the neighborhood saving the universe. As a new kid, Dylan doesn’t know anyone so granddad is the perfect friend.

Mother knows she should get granddad into a home since his recent diagnosis but granddad doesn’t want to go and they know that Dylan would be lost without him. Then, there’s an incident with Dylan in the parking garage and later, they arrive back home to some emergency vehicles at their house. Oh, granddad. I wasn’t ready for what happened next but granddad is no longer in the picture. Instead of being honest with Dylan, she tells him that granddad went to a “better place.” While mother deals with the loss of her father, Dylan begins another adventure looking for the “better place” so he can find his granddad.

I loved the relationship between Dylan and her granddad. Even though his granddad was sick and didn’t act like a typical granddad, they had fun together and you could see how much they loved and appreciated each other. Mother never really had time for Dylan at the beginning of the novel which I thought might change once her father died and left Dylan with no one but mom had her own emotions and issues surrounding her father’s death. It’s quite emotional as both Dylan and his mother realize what granddad’s death means in their life. They’ll need to start relying on each other.

The book did a great job of showing the emotions and difficulties that Dylan went through, whether he sailed or struggled through them. I really enjoyed the illustrations. I feel there is something about the facial expressions in a graphic novel that bring the story to life and these were spot on. With terrific details and the slightest use of color, this graphic novel is a winner. 5 stars

Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

I didn’t know what to expect going into this graphic novel but the cover and the title grabbed me at the library. This was one of those fantastic finds, that touched my soul and left a deep impression within. Being both a sad and humorous memoir, the story is one that I feel most individuals will be able to relate to, in some respect, as Tyler is as real as it gets.

At the age of 19, Tyler’s mom dies from cancer. When her mother discovers that she’d been misdiagnosed, there were signs of hope but then…. It was now, less than a year since Tyler heard the dreadful news and now……. Tyler’s dad and her two younger siblings had each other but Tyler ………… Tyler had just started college; she was feeling isolated and ……. Tyler needed a shoulder, someone to listen to her, a ……… This book is about loss, it’s about the struggle an individual faces when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Tyler voice is honest as she combines humor and affection in this story of survival after the death of her mother.

Tyler’s spoke from the heart and her honesty was appreciated and respected as she says what so many individuals feel but are hesitate to speak out about. As Tyler shares some Jewish traditions, I enjoyed reading about them and her perspective on them. I honestly liked the idea of the Shiva. What a wonderful, 7-day tradition that brings the whole family together celebrating the life of the individual who has passed away. I really enjoyed this book and it does a fantastic job talking about grieving process yet I thought the book wasn’t heavy or depressing. 5 stars