4 of 5 stars. The Basics: This novel follows siblings Jenna and Jeremy after their mom is shot twice in the head by their father. Jenna, who was often at odds with her mother, is coping with her mother's death by seemingly trying to understand why her father committed the crime. As the novel progresses, Jenna realizes that she cannot take back the hurt she has caused her mother and that may be her biggest regret as she copes with losing her. Jeremy, on the other hand, is disgusted with his father and misses his mother dearly. As Jeremy and Jenna try to cope with the loss of both parents (one to death and one to jail) they mature and learn that it can be hard to be a human, period.
My Thoughts: The subject matter of this novel was tough. What does one do when they have lost a parent? In such a heinous way, at that? How do you cope at such an early age, realizing that your parents will no longer be there and your family dynamic has completely changed? Lester puts us right in the middle of a child's mind when coping with such loss. I like that Jenna and Jeremy had varying relationships with their mom so it was nice to see how each dealt with the loss. It goes to show that you should really respect your parents and show them love while they are still walking this earth to receive that love.
I will say that the sexual innuendos between Jenna and her father were quite disturbing. I think the story could have been told effectively without the sexual inappropriateness between these two characters.
Either way, I did enjoy the book, though I don't know if I would recommend it to just anyone. You have to be in the right state of mind to read something like this.
Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!
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