GoodReads Description: After his older brother dies in Iraq, Matt makes a discovery that rocks his beliefs about strength, bravery, and honor in this page-turning debut.
Ever since his brother, T.J., was killed in Iraq, Matt feels like he’s been sleepwalking through life — failing classes, getting into fights, and avoiding his dad’s lectures about following in his brother’s footsteps. T.J.’s gone, but Matt can’t shake the feeling that if only he could get his hands on his brother’s stuff from Iraq, he’d be able to make sense of his death. But as Matt searches for answers about T.J.’s death, he faces a shocking revelation about T.J.’s life that suggests he may not have known T.J. as well as he thought. What he learns challenges him to stand up to his father, honor his brother’s memory, and take charge of his own life. With compassion, humor, and a compelling narrative voice, E. M. Kokie explores grief, social mores, and self-discovery in a provocative first novel.
Why I'm Excited: I'm a sucker for stories that will make me cry, especially ones about siblings. I'm also fascinated by the idea of knowing people. I find it hard enough to just know myself and sometimes it feels impossible to truly know another person. I love stories that explore this idea.
Personal Effects comes out September 11, 2012 from Candlewick Press.
Posts
Um. Yes. That is all.
ReplyDeleteI used to say I wouldn't read military stories but the prevalence these days is sorta something I can't ignore anymore. Awesome pick. *adds to ever-growing TBR*
I can't wait to read this book. Great choice!
ReplyDeleteWaiting For Wentworth
Great pick for this week! Thanks for spotlighting it! Please check out my WoW!
ReplyDeleteOooh, thanks for the heads-up. I just so happen to be working on a review series on war-themed books and I'll add this one to my list!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this one, not sure it's for me, but you know I'm looking forward to when you read it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not really big on books that make me bawl, I have to really be in the bood to read them. This one looks good, but I will have to be in the right mood to read it.
ReplyDeleteI have to be in the mood for a good cry, and this sounds like the perfect story!
ReplyDeleteoooooh i am so excited you picked this book, you know I loved it - and i love your reason why you're waiting for it, I suspect you will quite enjoy this one then! Tweet me as you're reading it, I want to know your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI'm not big on sibling stories, but this book also sounds really depressing! Which leaves me kind of shocked because you usually go for such funny books! Can't wait to hear what you thought of this one.
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