Hand, Cynthia.
THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE
New York : HarperTeen, 2015
IL YA
ISBN 0062318470

Alexis (Lex) cannot seem to get beyond the grief of losing her brother, Tyler to suicide. For the most part, Tyler seemed well adjusted and happy, despite a previous suicide attempt, therefore, his death is all the more baffling to her and others. Her mother, enmeshed in her own grief, offers no relief, as she senses, feels, even smells Tyler’s presence in the house. Lex’s father, who years ago left the family after becoming involved with his secretary and later marrying her, is somewhat distant and offers little support. Her boyfriend Steve tries to give her support, however, she continually rejects him, as well as Dave, her therapist. She refuses the help and sympathy of her girlfriends. Why won’t she accept the helping hands that are reaching out to her? Will she destroy all of the relationships that can help her heal? Will she continue to torture herself with the reminders and remembrances of Tyler to the point that she actually believes that he is visiting her? This beautifully written novel explores Lex’s torment as she recalls, acknowledges, and eventually comes to grips with her sense of guilt surrounding the circumstances of her brother’s suicide, and at last has the strength to experience “the last time to say goodbye.” (Prepared by: Minerva T. King, MLS, NBCT, St. John’s High School, Minerva_king@charleston.k12.sc.us  South Carolina Young Adult Book nominee 2017)