Say Goodnight, Gracie

When I was in middle school, my best friend (or, well, one of them) was a boy. At some point, I randomly checked this book out from the library and fell in love. It was a little raunchy, a little silly and everything I wanted to be. I lent it to my best friend, and he loved it to. It became 'our book' and when in high school, when we were going to different schools, I bought two copies of this book, one for him to write in and give back to me, and I would do the same for him. We each still have our copies. Reading this again, it is kind of ... wooden. And predictable. But damn if it didn't make me cry all over again. I thank my close friend for not dying at 17.

Morgan and Jimmy were kids together, whirling around the porch on hot summer days. They've been friends forever, and by now they know each other inside out. They do everything together--from cutting high school to go into the city to coaching each other at dance auditions and acting workshops. They even argue well. A perfect friendship. Best friends. For life.
So how could life be so right and then be so wrong? After a terrible accident, Morgan suddenly has to face life alone. Without Jimmy around, though, it's like the best part of her has died. How could he do this to her? And why is love so hard?

Another one of my favorite books as a teen. Deaver's character development is real and believable. The reader cries right along with the main character. Also brings home the idea of death and loss in a real way.

This is a little story that I came across in a second hand book shop. It's funny and draws you in willingly then, just as you begin to care about the characters it becomes very very sad. Having read it repeatedly over fifteen years it always makes me smile and never fails to make me cry.

Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo.com

Jimmy and Morgan have been friends all of their lives. After seventeen years of friendship, the two know everything about each other. There is no one in the world that knows as much about Morgan as Jimmy does. He knows how to calm her, how to make her brave, and how to make her laugh.

But after Jimmy is killed in a car crash, Morgan has a big void in her life -- one that used to be occupied by Jimmy's friendship.

The road to recovery is hard for Morgan. She doesn't know how she can live without Jimmy, this constant she's had her whole life. With the help of her parents, her aunt, Jimmy's parents, and a school friend, Morgan finally comes to cope with Jimmy's death.

Julie Reece Deaver writes a very show more touching story about losing a best friend. While hopefully readers never have to relate to this event, nevertheless, it is very touching and helps readers understand the importance of friendship and love.

SAY GOODNIGHT, GRACIE is a story to stay with readers for a lifetime. show less

Not recommended for elementary and maybe even middle school aged children

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