The Last Time We Say Goodbye
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4.5 • 183 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
In the tradition of Thirteen Reasons Why and All the Bright Places, The Last Time We Say Goodbye is a deeply affecting novel that will change the way you look at life and death.
From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand comes a stunning, heart-wrenching novel of love and loss, which ALA Booklist called "both shatteringly painful and bright with life and hope" in a starred review.
Since her brother, Tyler, committed suicide, Lex has been trying to keep her grief locked away, and to forget about what happened that night. But as she starts putting her life, her family, and her friendships back together, Lex is haunted by a secret she hasn't told anyone—a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything.
A Heart-Wrenching Story of Grief: Lex is a survivor, left to pick up the pieces after her brother Tyler’s suicide. But moving on feels impossible when she’s the only one who knows the truth about that night.A Haunting Secret: A single text message. A call she didn’t answer. Lex is carrying a secret that could have changed everything, and it’s tearing her apart from the inside out.Fractured Family and Friendships: With her family shattered and her friends kept at a distance, Lex tries to navigate her pain alone. But the people who love her, including her ex-boyfriend Steven, won’t give up on her.An Unforgettable First Love: She pushed him away when she needed him most, but their story isn’t over. This poignant, character-driven novel explores the enduring power of connection in the midst of tragedy.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Hand (the Unearthly trilogy) shifts to realistic fiction with the story of Lexie, a math star and unashamed nerd whose biggest problems are the aftereffects of her parents' divorce and wondering whether she'll get into MIT. Then her younger brother, Ty, commits suicide. When the book opens, seven weeks after Ty's death, Lexie's grades have slipped, she has broken up with her boyfriend, and she feels like she might be going crazy. During the two-month span over which the novel is set, Lexie sees a therapist (reluctantly), reunites with an old friend, withstands another suicide in her Nebraska high school, and learns more about what Ty was thinking. Hand's writing can be stiff, and Lexie's ex-boyfriend, Steven, is a too-perfect cipher, but she persuasively conveys the aftermath of suicide and the ways those left behind struggle with grief, anger, and guilt. Although Lexie's movement from paralysis to possibility is a little quick, her range of emotions is believable, and Hand is effective at showing how guilt can impede one's ability to move through tragedy. Ages 13 up.
Customer Reviews
The last time we say goodbye…
I was very intrigued by the title of the book because my favorite cousin passed away suddenly. He was the one that kept our family together. So I found myself constantly looking for something new. He was like my brother, I still can’t count how many times I’ve tried to call or text him. What he went through in his last moments. How our family will never be the same. So this book got to me at certain points, how real it felt. Now I didn’t see death in a different light. Death comes and goes, always takes the good ones too soon. I highly recommend this book for anyone who experiencing grief. It does help if you closed off and not wanting to talk. But just to read about another experience and how much it reflects your own.
"Heart-Wrenching; Beautifully Written"
I just finished "The Last Time We Say Goodbye" and absolutely loved it. Beautifully written, flawlessly told, very real, emotional, humorous, and true, Ms. Hand did an excellent job on this novel. I applaud her on a job well done. I encourage her to keep up the great work and continue writing with as much passion and meaning as she put into this book. Heartfelt and brave and honest, this book took my emotions on a roller coaster. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. I hope I can read more from Ms. Hand! Congratulations on an amazing novel! You deserve all the praise you've received! I enjoyed this book so much I am planing on writing a letter to Cynthia Hand. I highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who has suffered from the loss of a family member of friend (specifically by suicide), or deeply admires and is compassionate towards helping and teaching loved ones about the importance of each other. This book hits all the right notes. Please read this; you won't regret it! I hope, if you decide to read "The Last Time We Say Goodbye," you enjoy it as much as I did! ❤️
Good Book
It’s a really good book but a little sad… You should read this book...