About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager seems stuck in a cycle of numbness or cynical detachment following the loss of a loved one. It is specifically designed for teens who resist sentimental or 'easy' answers to grief. The story follows sixteen-year-old Ryan, whose life has felt like a standstill since his sister died of cancer. While visiting a classmate, he meets a young girl named Marla who claims to see the dead, forcing Ryan to confront his own suppressed emotions. Ron Koertge uses a gritty, realistic lens to explore the heavy themes of terminal illness and sibling loss. Parents should know the book contains mature language and honest depictions of teenage rebellion, making it most suitable for ages 14 and up. It is an excellent choice for a teen who needs to see that grief is messy, often ugly, and that finding a way back to the living world is a slow but necessary process.
