Author: Matthew Quick
Genre: YA Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2013
Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)
Format: eBook
Yearly Count: 55
From NetGalley:
In addition to the P-38, there are four gifts, one for each of my friends. I want to say good-bye to them properly. I want to give them each something to remember me by. To let them know I really cared about them and I'm sorry I couldn't be more than I was--that I couldn't stick around--and that what's going to happen today isn't their fault.Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol.But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart--obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.In this riveting book, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made--and the light in us all that never goes out.
This was one of two eBooks that were given as a gift from NetGalley for participating in the Wellness Challenge. It was an impulsive click that led me to accept it, and I read it just as quickly.
I think this subject matter has to be dealt with kid-gloves, and Quick did a fantastic job of doing just that. There were many subjects or areas of debate that could arise from this novel, and they were all handled respectfully. I appreciated Quick's ability to infuse sensitivity into his characters.
My interest was captured throughout, and I liked the creativity of the story, but giving this a rating was a little difficult. There was one component (Leonard's travels) that I didn't buy at all, but I thought the honesty and sincerity of the book was very good (4/5).
My thanks go to Little, Brown Books and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley. It is scheduled to be published in August, 2013.
This sounds good but disturbing.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ Yep, a little bit disturbing, but well done.
DeleteI wanted to read this too but the download wouldn't go through. I think maybe it's not available to reviewers outside of the US maybe. I got the other one though which I was more interested in, so, c'est la vie!
ReplyDeleteNicola ~ You can always try again. Sometimes they don't go through cuz the site is overwhelmed. I've had to go back and try the links later and they've worked. I got the other one, too. :) Both were great choices for me. Happy Reading!
DeleteI almost clicked on this one but my numbers are a bit too high so I decided not to get it. I may read it further down the road!
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ I'm glad I read it, but I understand your concern with the "numbers." I just added about 6 or so to mine! Eek!
DeleteHmm. The introduction to this one sure sounds good! I am glad you ended up liking it, Joy. It sounds like a thought provoking book.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline ~ I thought it was definitely worth my time. With just a few minor changes, it could have been so much more (for me). :)
DeleteI'm intrigued by this one. It's the first I've seen of it.
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye ~ Quick is the author of The Silver Linings Playbook. That might encourage you even more to pick it up. :)
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