A lot of books show up at my home that go unread - to be given away or
on the never-ending TBR pile. Thankfully something about Everything
Grows urged me to read it and now. And that is exactly what this books
does to your heart - it plants into your heart and tears it apart as it
blossoms.
Aimee Herman gives us the tale of Eleanor, a teen in
1993 (This GenXer is still floored each time she reads a book that is
nostalgic for her own high school days and LOVES it. Even if it is hard
to read "historical fiction" for that time.) whose bully has recently
taken his own life just months after her mom attempted to do the same.
At the prompting for her English teacher, Eleanor journals her way
through the months after the bully's death, exploring not just their
relationship, but also her relationship with her mother, and most
importantly herself.
There are definitely places in this book
where I felt it was a bit unrealistic, but it works in the end. It all
works. 1993 was a huge year for me. I am the same age as Eleanor's
sister, who struggles through her first year of college. Every step
along Eleanor's journey was deeply felt due to both superb writing, but
also personal flashbacks.
I am not sure how this would go over
with someone who has survived their own attempt to take their lives, so
please consult someone. I do know that this book is full of hope as
Eleanor wrestles with what suicide means - is it giving up? Is it giving
in? Why? Why not? This book is also about queer youth, as signaled by
the rainbow button on the cover. According to the Trevor Project
"suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10
to 24 and LGB youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times
the rate of heterosexual youth." From everything I know of LGB youth and
young adults, I would like to think this book is a welcome addition to
their lives as it is affirming not just for one's identity, but for the
really fucked up ways we all stumble through figuring out that identity.
As a parent, I appreciated the insight into the teen mind. As I
get older, I lose the finer touch of my memories. Aimee Herman reminded
me of all the drama that happens in our minds and hearts. And why
sometimes the best thing a parent can do it simply say, "I love you. I
accept you." and the shut the fuck up.
I was going to give this
to a parent who spotted me reading it at soccer, but I think I'm going
to walk this over to our Gender and Sexuality Center over my lunch
break.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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