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February 24, 2015

Review: The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand


Title: The Last Time We Say Goodbye
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: February 10, 2015
Genre(s): Contemporary
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC
Pages: 400
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.
I needed some time after reading this book to gather my thoughts and think about how I wanted to write this review. The Last Time We Say Goodbye deals with suicide, a very hard topic to read about and not sob through the entire book. This book was just amazing in so many ways.
The story begins a few weeks after Lex's brother, Tyler, has committed suicide. Her therapist has recommended that she start writing in this journal to let out some of the feelings that she's been keeping inside. Through these journal entries, we can see the struggles that she's facing and the things she refuses to tell anyone else. What I liked most about these entries was that we are able to connect with Lex emotionally, I could feel the pain and sadness she was going through and it really felt like I was right in her place. 
Soon after Lex starts writing in her journal, she starts seeing Tyler's ghost throughout the house. She keeps thinking that there's still more to his story and that she must find out what happened that night that would push him to end his life. 
The thing about this book is that it doesn't focus as much on Tyler's suicide as it does on the events that occur after. When all the surrounding people move on and forget, you're still stuck with a loss that is too difficult to get over. How do you move on from losing your own brother? We are able to see what it's like to be part of a family who's lost someone to suicide and this book describes it in the only way possible: heart-wrenching and bitter-sweet.
On a side note. I listened to All I Want by Kodaline on repeat while reading this book. It seemed to be a fitting song. Oh and don't forget a box of tissues as well.  


3 comments:

  1. Great review. I really want to read this one. I just need a break from all the heavy stuff for a bit. I have read too many books this year that deal with suicide.

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  2. This book BROKE me. Even now, when I start thinking about it, I get all choked up. SO glad you liked it, too!

    Kate @ Ex Libris

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  3. I should read this one, but I've been hearing mixed reviews - thank god I've found your lovely review! It's made the novel more clear :) Benish| Feminist Reflections

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