The Last Time We Say Goodbye - Cynthia Hand

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: February 10, 2015
Source/Format: Edelweiss (Thanks!) || e-galley
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects my review.]

The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When she had a family that was whole. A boyfriend she loved. Friends who didn't look at her like she might break down at any moment. Now she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. And it feels like that's all she'll ever be.

As Lex starts to put her life back together, she tries to block out what happened the night Tyler died. But there's a secret she hasn't told anyone-a text Tyler sent, that could have changed everything. Lex's brother is gone. But Lex is about to discover that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on.

Grief is a fascinating thing. There are many ways that it can affect a person, influence their choices and actions and be dealt with. There is no "one way" to experience grief, and the large collection of stories about grief is testament to its variations. The Last Time We Say Goodbye is Cynthia Hand's take on grief, particularly after losing a sibling to suicide. It's a beautifully executed, well-told tale that tugged on my heartstrings from start to finish.

Main character Lex is the type of gal who enjoys a good mathematical formula, works hard academically (and has the results to show for it) and believes that most things in life have a logical explanation. So, everything she feels after her brother's death? It turns her world upside down when she can't logic her way out of it. The Last Time We Say Goodbye is about how Lex is working through her grief. There are ups and downs, but it's all about the step-by-step forward progress she is making. Whether or not you wind up liking her (I did!), her experience is certainly easy to relate to.

The Last Time We Say Goodbye chronicles one girl's emotional journey as she grapples with grief, guilt and anger. It is a privilege to be able to walk with Lex, to witness all that she goes through in a portrayal that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Though it will be quite the sucker punch to your emotions, I highly recommend reading The Last Time You Say Goodbye and can easily say it's one of the most moving books I've read already this year.

Do you prefer Cynthia Hand's paranormal series or her contemporary novel?

Hands down, I loved The Last Time We Say Goodbye more. Even though I also love the Unearthly trilogy (Unearthly, Hallowed, Boundless) to pieces (and it even made me cry!), my personal connection to Lex was the clincher in my choice. Lex's story is painful; it's hard to go through so many different emotions, particularly for a gal like her. But there's something beautiful about watching the pain and anger break her open, leave her raw and seeing how that wound slowly, slowly, slowly starts to heal. Just thinking about it makes me want to hug Lex and this book!