[Stasia Ward Kehoe] Grief and Imaginary Worlds
There is a curious correlation between loss and tricks of the mind. Do we use our imaginations to battle grief? To deny it? To make it make some kind of horrible sense? Here are three gorgeous titles which explore this connection and may just break your heart. A WORLD WITHOUT YOU by Beth Revis "A World Without You tackles grief, mental illness, and family dynamics with both grace and generosity...Readers will emerge from this book a little stronger than when they entered.” —Emily Henry I particularly appreciated Beth Revis' portrayal of "well" sister, Phoebe, whose viewpoint is depicted in contrast with her mentally ill brother, Bo. About her relationship with her parents, Phoebe observes: “I don't have the luxury of allowing myself to break...Because if I break, they'll break too.” A MONSTER CALLS by Patrick Ness There's no denying it: this is one profoundly sad story. But it's also wise, darkly funny and brave, told in spare sentences, punctuated with fantastic images and stirring silences. Past his sorrow, fright and rage, Conor ultimately lands in a place...where healing can begin. A MONSTER CALLS is a gift from a generous storyteller and a potent piece of art. —The New York Times My favorite quote: Stories are important, the monster said. They can be more important than anything. If they carry the truth. THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH by Ali Benjamin "Seventh-grade narrator Suzy Swanson will win readers' hearts as she silently struggles to come to terms with her complex emotions over the death of her former best friend."―Shelf Awareness