Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Review: The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

Title: The Last Time We Say Goodbye
Author: Cynthia Hand
Published By: HarperTeen (February 10, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Contempprary/Grief/Family
My Rating: 4 Stars!



Book Description:
There's death all around us.
We just don't pay attention.
Until we do.

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.

From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand, The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a gorgeous and heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and letting go.









I knew this was going to be great, I mean come on, this is Cynthia Hand we are talking about. I even knew this would be emotional considering the subject matter, but what I didn't know was that I would end up reading this all in one sitting. And while it was emotional, it wasn't cry your eyes out emotional. It was something more. Something very hard to put into words and to explain. But something great nonetheless.

Sometimes when I write up my reviews I wish I was an eloquent writer with beautiful words and descriptions. Someone who could make you see and feel all that I did while reading a story but sadly, that wasn't my gift in life. So instead you are stuck with this version of me, the one right now, struggling to help you understand all that I felt while reading this and how wonderful and raw I think the story truly was.

Suicide is never something anyone wants to talk about, let alone acknowledge. For whatever reason it is a very taboo subject. One that is avoided at all costs. Looked over and sometimes even ignored. But it shouldn't be because it is a very real, very serious matter. Not only to those that contemplate it but to those that love those that do.

What happens to those that are left behind? How does it affect them, change them, and how do they go on?

This was so beautifully done, so beautifully spoken. 

This doesn't just poke and prod at a tough subject matter, it digs in, elbows deep, into the heart of the matter. It is gritty and raw and really shows the painful side of those that are left to deal with the aftermath. How it changes them. It is the bad, the ugly, and the even uglier parts of the story no one wants to think about. That probably, no one really knows or can completely understand unless they have been there. 

Did I mention this was beautiful? Did I mention that it tore me up in all the right ways and really made me feel? Really opened my eyes and let me just simply see?

Well done Ms. Hand. Well done. I never expected to love this and have it move me as much as it did. So again, well done. I can't imagine how hard, how painful at times and also challenging this must have been to write. To experience and to live.

The author's note at the end is something that should also be read to fully understand just how amazing, how beautiful this story really is.






*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

38 comments:

  1. I loved Cynthia Hand's Unearthly series, and I'm so glad this one was great! It sounds beautiful and I'll definitely be reading the author's note now.

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  2. Oh wow. All in one sitting is definitely a good recommendation. Not my typical reading fare but I'll keep it in mind :D

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  3. WOW I knew that this book will be good, glad you liked it, at first I wasn't sure but I really want to read it now :) Lovely Review

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    1. It was pretty wonderful and her writing is always beautiful. :)

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  4. One of my most anticipated. I'm glad all the buzz surrounding this book is at least warranted.

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  5. We're review twins today, Ali! I liked this one a little less than you did and it's entirely my fault. I went in trying not to feel too much and ultimately it was the downfall for me. But the author's writing is just so beautiful!
    Lovely review, Ali!

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  6. Hey now, I like this version of you Ali!!! It would be so boring if we all had the same reviewing style, we wouldn't need to have our own blogs then:( While I'm taking an extended break from anything dealing with heavy topics or social issues, I'm definitely keeping this on my list for when I'm feeling up for it again. Glad this was such a beautiful story for you!!!!

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  7. Cynthia Hand? How on earth did I miss this. I have, admittedly, been living under a rock lately, but this shouldn't have slipped by me. It sounds amazing! And emotional, which kind of scares me, but not enough to stay away.

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  8. I just read Nick's review and she had a harder time with this one. I am reading it right now and so far I am liking it. I will finish it today, I am hoping that it will be a remarkable read in the end.

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    1. I am so glad you are liking it so far Heidi. :)

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  9. I know that I'm a little leary of this one, it sounds so emotional. But I know that Cynthia Hand is an amazing writer!

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    1. She really is and it is an emotional read but in a really good way. ;)

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  10. Oh gosh I didn't know she has a new book out! I loved Unearthly!! Okay, gotta go look this up some more. Thanks for the head's up!

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  11. I wasn't a huge fan of Hand's UNEARTHLY trilogy but I really love the sound of this one and am so glad that it delivered to be a truly thought-provoking and moving tale. Wonderful review, dear! :)

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  12. I've seen this book in my GR feed, but didn't pay it much attention. I guess I should, though. I've never read anything by this author, but apparently I need to change that.

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  13. Eeek, this is going to hit the heart. Suicide is such a tough subject. Sounds like a good book.

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  14. OMG, I didn't know Cynthia Hand had a Contemporary book out! I loved her Unearthly series, am a fan of her writing, and I'm ashamed I wasn't aware of this. Usually when you get suicide books, it's all about the person who killed themselves. It's never out the person they left behind, so this book definitely gives me something to look forward to in that respect. I feel like I'll be a crying wreck once I'm done with this, too ;___;

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. I think you will really love this one as well Faye even with the tough subject matter. :)

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  15. Emotional reads are my weakness. I've never read this author before, but a lot of my friends love her work. Great review!

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  16. I do admit that books like these are hard for me to read, and yet, like you have, I come to appreciate them. Beautiful review.

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  17. Wow you have me so excited to read this! I know it's going to be emotional, but worth it. I love her last series, so I can't wait to get my hands on this. Lovely review!

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    1. You are going to love this and I am so excited you are willing to try it, emotions and all. ;)

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  18. Wow, this sound awesome. Adding it to my list now.

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