Say Goodnight, Gracie

I was 14 when my best friend was killed, so I am very interested in youth books that deal with death. Most books sugar coat the topic, but this book deals with it head-on and is the most realistic I have read so far. It shows the horror, the pain, the confusion and anger one experiences when a loved one dies. It also shows how we can slowly come to terms with it and even grow from it, but never completely get over it.I also enjoyed the slight "gender bending" (for lack of a better term) in the book. The main character is a very independent, strong willed young lady - something lacking in most youth books. The other main character is a teenage boy who wants to be a professional dancer and, get this, he is not gay! While I am gay, it was fun for once to read about a straight boy in what is usually a gay venue. The book does touch on homosexuality in one single sentence, but it is refreshingly handled the way most of today's youths handle it - no big deal.My only criticism of this book is the aunt character. She is a clinical psychologist and she is a bit too quick to administer drugs to help the main character deal with the death of her friend. I would have down played the use of drugs to get through such a painful time. Most children/youths would not have such instant access to prescribed drugs and most do not receive them. If you know of a youth that has suffered a loss through the death of a loved one (or an adult who lost someone while as a youth), buy him/her this book. I have re-read this book several times and each time I cry - but in a good and helpful way. Make sure your local library or your child's school library has a copy of this book.

I loved this book I have read it about six different times it is wonderful. It made me smile, laugh, and even cry at times. I also liked this becuase you actually felt what the characters went through. I could not geet enough of this book and will no doubt end up reading it again.

This was probably one of the best books I've ever read. The heartwrenching depth of characters pulls you in from the beginning, making the conclusion one of the most emotional, I suppose, are in the world. I suggest this book to everyone from the ages of 10-18, but only if you like a GREAT book! The main character is so realistic, it's like your laughing and crying along with her.

I picked this book up in fifth grade, just a quick pick in a bookstore, I wasn't really sure what it was about. But I got it, read it in about four hours (from ten pm till about 1 am) with out stopping. I couldn't...I absolutly could not put it down. I was so deeply touched by the delicacy the author portrays losing a loved one. I laughed and cried...it wasn't overally sentimental or sappy, and it didn't focus on the death so much it was edgy and harsh. It was a perfect mix between the two. I am in eighth grade now, and still read it about every month. It's an absolute must bye for anyone.

"Say Goodnight, Gracie" is probably one of the best books I have ever read. This heartfelt story of to best friends who have known each other for all of the 17 years of thier lives is one that will surely win you over as one of your favorites! Let me give you a little taste of the book. It starts out in a town on the out skirts of Chicago where 1 young dancer( Jimmy Wolff) and 1 young actress (Morgan, narrator), both struggling to have careers in the city. Both go through good times and bad, when suddennly an accident has taken Jimmy's life and Morgan must learn to cope without him. Thanks to her aunt, mother and Jimmy's mother, it looks as though she will be just fine! I suggest this book to you because I have read it my self and believe me it is by far the best book I have ever read in my life. Both Jimmy and Morgan are compelling and loveable characters! I sure hope this book gets a lot of publicity because absoloutly should. I recomend you go to the nearest library and check this book out right NOW!!!!!!!