About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is exhibiting signs of severe social isolation, nihilism, or a profound disconnect from their peers and family. It is a vital resource for starting high stakes conversations about mental health, the impact of trauma, and the desperate need for meaningful adult intervention in a young person's life. The story follows eighteen-year-old Leonard Peacock on his birthday as he carries a gun in his backpack, intending to kill his former best friend and then himself. Throughout the day, he delivers goodbye gifts to four people who have shown him kindness. While the premise is harrowing, the book serves as a powerful mirror for the internal struggles of marginalized youth and emphasizes that even one supportive adult can change a trajectory. Due to its intense themes of suicidal ideation and sexual abuse, it is best suited for older teens and should ideally be read alongside a parent or educator.
