Love Letters to the Dead

First I will say, I don't usually willingly read sad books. Sometimes they sneak up on you. This beautifully told story is of Laurel, sister of May. May has died, possibly suicide, possibly accident. Laurel feels responsible. She told May something and then May (jumped?fell?). Now Laurel must cope with what happened to her and what was really going on with her troubled big sister. Laurel changes schools so no on in high school will know about her sister. She meets Hannah, Natalie, Kristen and Tristan who become her support group without knowing it. They bring her back to life. She meets Sky, the mystery boy with an unknown past. Laurel tells her story in letters to the dead- Kurt Cobain, Judy Garland, Amelia Earhart, River Phoenix and others. In these letters, the truth of what has happened to Laurel comes out and chronicles the devastation of a broken home, an absent mother and a dead sister who may not have been as perfect as Laurel thought. Sky helps Laurel realize she has to face her past and stop disappearing. She must come to terms with what has been done to her and find a way to forgive not only herself, but her sister and all those who have let her down. This book was heartbreaking in it's language and story. I enjoyed the smattering of facts about these troubled people she writes to. It makes you realize that being famous isn't always about money and adoration. Laurel ends up in a healthier place by the end and I have hope she will have a happier future. I think I need a break from serious and have to head back into the supernatural or apocalyptic world for a while. I do, however, recommend you spend some time with Laurel and her letters. You won't be sorry. Happy reading my friends!