You Are Not Here by Samantha SchutzMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shutz's latest novel in verse is fiction about a Annaleah who has a secret relationship with jock, artist, basketball player Brian, who suddenly dies. Only 3 of Annaleah's friends knew and didn't necessarily approve of them being together. With Brian's death, AnnaLeah is plunged to the depths of despair and now we as the reader find out about Brian from Annaleah. Brian didn't always make time for Annaleah but it is her friend Marissa, who keeps calling her friend (will Annaleah return her calls?), is honest with Annaleah (at times at the expense of their friendship),and provides empathy which Annaleah desperately needs. Annaleah spends her days visiting Brian at the cemetery, and at home in her pajamas, annot talking to her mother. Friends Parker and Jess give a grief book to Annaleah, which she refers to as the "death book" but she does read it and even though she mocks what she must do, Annaleah begins to wade through this book. It is when she takes a job at a pizza parlor that we feel Annaleah confront her pain and loss and begin to try to ease back into her old life, and friends. Girls who enjoy a romance, and a quick read will enjoy this novel in verse about a lost love.
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