Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira Published by Five Mile Press, Hot Key Books on May 2, 2014
Source: Publisher
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
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It begins as an assignment for English class: write a letter to a dead person - any dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain - he died young, and so did Laurel's sister May - so maybe he'll understand a bit of what Laurel is going through. Soon Laurel is writing letters to lots of dead people - Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Amelia Earhart... it's like she can't stop. And she'd certainly never dream of handing them in to her teacher. She writes about what it's like going to a new high school, meeting new friends, falling in love for the first time - and how her family has shattered since May died.
But much as Laurel might find writing the letters cathartic, she can't keep real life out forever. The ghosts of her past won't be contained between the lines of a page, and she will have to come to terms with growing up, the agony of losing a beloved sister, and the realisation that only you can shape your destiny. A lyrical, haunting and stunning debut from the protégé of Stephen Chbosky (THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER).
Love Letters to the Dead is one of the most depressing, emotional, and heartfelt books I’ve ever read. But it is also one of the most worthwhile, highly relevant and beautiful experiences that I will ever read. As Laurel writes honest letters to famous people who have passed away unexpectedly, you can feel her aching pain and confusion over the trauma that she’s experienced. It’s a book that covers her emotional journey as she deals with loss, finding herself after losing her sister, and eventually moving on after traumatic experiences including divorce, death, and even abuse.
Laurel’s letters were confronting, honest and raw. Seeing her childlike innocence and naivety clash with instances that force her to grow up and age are really heartbreaking. As she begins the project, she slowly becomes more and more comfortable with her letters and reveals memories of things she doesn’t want to remember. She’s a lost soul at the start of the book, but eventually seeing her spread her wings, be herself and fly is a beautiful experience.
I guess we can either be angry about it forever or else we just have to try to make things better with what we have now. – Sky
Thankfully, she’s surrounded by an amazing support network and great secondary characters who help her come out of her shell. Ava Dellaira doesn’t shy away from addressing many real, ‘taboo’ issues here such as gay romance, coping with death, suicidal tendencies, teenage drinking and drugs, and molesting. She does it in such an elegant way that the reader can’t help but become attached to Laurel and her friends.
There were however, a few things that I found unrealistic. Laurel is only 14, starting grade 9 at a new school and she has been through so many traumatic experiences. While I’m not discounting the fact that this may happen in real life, her journey into maturity would have been better swallowed if she was older. The relevance of 60s rock stars, such as Jimmy Hendrix, Kurt Kobain and River Phoenix was also lost on me. I’m a 90’s gal, which makes me a lot older than Laurel, but I hadn’t heard of half of these people who apparently had a profound impact on Laurel.
There’s also a glaring anomaly with the time period – Laurel mentions that she went to watch Aladdin when it was out in the cinemas which was released in 1992 when she was 13, and then she watches The Dark Knight which was released in 2008. If she is only 14 now, how does that match up? These are small anomalies, but they kept on niggling at me while I read the book.
What I told you about saving people isn’t true. You might think it is, because you might want someone else to save you, or you might want to save someone so badly. But no one else can save you, not really. Not from yourself. – Tristan
The friendship and romance were heart warming and well developed. Laurel has witnessed a range of relationships in her life, many dysfunctional. I’m so glad Sky is a sensible, caring and understanding guy who plays a big part in how Laurel perceives herself. Her best friends, Laurel and Hannah whose same sex romance slowly develops over the book was also addressed realistically, with the shame that Hannah felt, the avoidance and even promiscuity to ignore their feelings with each other.
For a highly relevant, beautiful, emotional and raw journey into coping with death and loss, Love Letters to the Dead is a wonderful debut. Be prepared for your emotions to be dragged out and your heart to be broken and slowly put together again, with a beautifully written book that will bring the tears.
Thank you to Five Mile Press for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
PS/Emma Watson loved this book too!
Rating: 4 out of 5
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I adored this book and I am so happy that you enjoyed it too.
LOL, didn't even notice those things about movies.
Glass recently posted…Bout of Books 10 – Glass Is So In!
Glad to hear you loved it too Glass! Yeah, I seem to be the only one lol
I like powerful, intense stories like this. Plus, I always like including things like written letters 🙂 I'm very interested in this book, but I will keep in mind that there are some inconsistencies.
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…Early Review 257. Cassandra Clarke – The wizard’s promise.
Oh it was so good Mel! Very powerful and intense, I think you will enjoy it!
Fabulous review hon, will definitely be purchasing!
Danielle recently posted…Girl in Love by Caisey Quinn | Review
Thank you lovely, I hope you enjoy!
oh my!! This definitely sounds like something I WILL ENJOY! I'm a sucker for depressing and emotional books! (weird huh?) Will have to add this book to my TBR! Also, new follower of your blog!! You game as well! I LOVE THAT! Will tweet you about games :3
– Farah @MajiBookshelf
Farah recently posted…Review: The Here and Now by Ann Brashares
Glad to hear you love it! Thank you so much for following me Farah, yay for meeting another book/gaming nerd! Definitely Tweet me 😀
I'm really glad you liked this, Jeann! I don't think I can do it though. Books about the death of a sibling absolutely gut me, and I am also completely OCD about inconsistencies timeline-wise, so the Aladdin/Dark Knight, etc. things would drive me NUTS. Lovely review though 😉
Jessica @ Rabid Read recently posted…Review: Dreams and Shadows by C. Robert Cargill
Thanks Jessica, it is quite an emotional read so you have to be prepared for it! Thank you Jessica 🙂
Thanks Alise, yeah I guess I was already aware about the celebrities not being relevant to me despite being older than the protagonist.
Nice catch on the movie time period thing, that would have totally slipped past me! It seems like a lot of people enjoyed this one except for the few things you mentioned that were negatives. Like her being so young, definitely unique for a book like this!
Alise recently posted…Aristocrat’s Ransom: The Falconer by Elizabeth May
I only skimmed your review because I have this one on my kindle and I need to find the time to read it. GAH!!! I know it's gonna make me cry and blow me away at the same time!! And I love the cover…I'm a sucker for beautiful covers!! ♥
Cristina recently posted…Monster in His Eyes (Monster in His Eyes #1) by J.M. Darhower
Oh yes the cover was exactly what attracted me in the first place. You need to be mentally prepared to read this Cristina!
I really liked the writing style in this one and how it was done in letters and not chapters, because it felt so much more personal.
Lily B recently posted…Review: Death of a Mad Hatter (London Hat Shop Mystery #2) by Jenn McKinlay
Yeah, although the letters kind of flowed on from each other which is good.
I've seen this book around a lot but I never knew what it was about! It does sound a bit sad but I kind of like those types of books sometimes, you know? I'll have to keep my eye out for it at the bookstore!
Karen @ One More Pag recently posted…Meeting… Lissa Price, Author of Starters and Enders
I'm glad the book is getting a bit of buzz because it is amazing! Hope you find it at your bookstore Karen.
If Emma Watson loved this book, why haven't I picked it up yet? Lol great review. It definitely sounds really emotionally heavy, so I'm guessing I'll need to be prepared for all the tears. Great review!!
Marianne @ Boricuan recently posted…{Novella} Review: Red at Night by Katie McGarry
I know right, I was so pleased to see that she was promoting a book on Twitter, that is so amazing! You do need to be prepared Marianne. Thank you!
I agree! This was such a beautiful, emotion-provoking book and I'm so glad you loved it so much Jeann! <3 I didn't notice the timeline inconsistencies, but now that you mention it I can see how you would have been annoyed by it! Thanks so much for sharing Jeann, and, as always, <b>BRILLIANT review! <3 Gah…so glad you loved it so much!
Zoe @ The Infinite T recently posted…Dorothy Must Die
I am so glad there is a lot of love for this book Zoe <3
The unrealistic aspects and timeline issues worry me, but it sounds like overall this was a tear jerker. I do love the idea of the letters and you have me admittedly curious. Wonderful review Jeann.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Giving In by Maya Banks
Thank you Kimba, the timeline didn't really seem to bother anyone else so it might just be me. It is a fantastic book Kimba, that I definitely recommend to everyone.
Well if you love it and Emma Watson loves it, I guess I have to read it too. Great review Jeann!
Bieke @ Istyria book recently posted…Bookish Babble: How and why I started reading & new on the blog!
Thank you Bieke, it was a fantastic book!
Thanks Francoise, its a very deep book and I hope that you enjoy the journey! I looked up how old she would be in her grade and she's quite young. But yes, I'm glad it does touch on the important issues.
Ah yes, I meant the celebrities were probably at their peak a bit earlier than the 90s, but thanks for pointing that out Pili, I appreciate it. If you loved the same celebrities, this book would probably be a lot more relevant to you. Thanks Pili! <3
It is really nice to read these once in a while just for the FEELS. definitely check it out sometime, Cyn!
It was amazing Tammy, I don't think anyone else mentioned the time issues but yes, it did bug me more than it should have. No problems!
Yeah, I do the same Amanda until reviews tell me it's good, because otherwise how would we know? It will bring you to pieces, it's so sad. Thank you Amanda! I hope you do read it.
Yeah, I think I'm missing the point with the movie references, she's just trying to relate to famous people who have passed away. I think she included Heath Ledger because that's one that we can all relate to as of recent times, otherwise the rest will be the oldies.
Oh it's amazing Emily, I can't see anyone who wouldn't like this book (except for how depressing it is). So glad to add to your TBR as usual 😉
Definitely add it to your TBR Cassandra, it's a really worthwhile book to read.
Thank you for your comment and visiting!
Oh those timeline flubs would annoy the bejeezus out of me. Maybe she saw Aladdin in one of those theaters that show older movies. lol – okay, I'm reaching here. This really does sound good though despite that.
Christy recently posted…London Falling by T.A. Foster
Yeah I know, I think she was more talking about people who were relevant to her personally, but applied it to a character that was a lot younger. So it was really weird for me. But anyway, I think I'm hung up on a minor detail, the book was awesome 🙂
It is kind of morbid but I love how writing to dead celebrities kind of makes her deal. Thanks Jackie!
Yup, this one would definitely be ugly cry material.
Oh my god Jeann i've been dying to get my hands on this book because i've heard so many great things about it but i've been worried since i know that it's really emotional. I love the idea of the MC writing letters to famour people who have died and on some fundamental level that really reaches me. I love how you said the author doesn't shy away from topics and really handles difficult subjects perfectly.
I can't wait to get my hands on this one!
Lily @ lilysbookblog
lily recently posted…How Diverse are Your Bookshelves?
Awesome, if you love the sound of it Lily I think you'll enjoy the book. It was really deep and emotional and heartbreaking.
I dislike crying over books but if I were to, this would by the kind I'd do an ugly cry with.
Braine Talk Supe recently posted…Loved It: The Last Good Knight by Tiffany Reisz
This book sounds intriguing and while I'm not a person who likes reading books in a letter format I do like the concept of how the character is writing to famous dead celebrities. It sounds kind of morbid, but I look forward to see which celebrity she chooses to write to. I wasn't sure if I should read it, but glad you gave it a positive rating on it. 🙂
Great review, the book is on my wish list, I can't wait to read it!
Librarian Lavender recently posted…Tasting wine with Gina and Zoe
I've been seeing this book everywhere and the concept has always drawn me in, but I have yet to pick it up. It sounds great though, so maybe I'll ad it to my summer TBR.
I have been wanting to read this book for a while, and hopefully I'll get to it this month! I love the format through letters and I love that she'd be addressing dead celebrities like Kurt Cobain and River Phoenix cause they did while I was a teenager and I can feel their relevance. Which btw brings me to a point in your review, Jeann… Both Kurt Cobain and River Phoenix died in the 90's (Kobain 1994 and Phoenix in 1993) not the 60's.
Great review anyways, and thanks for the warning about the emotional tears and need for tissues!
Pili recently posted…Friday Reads: The Liberator by Victoria Scott!!
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this! I usually don't read "depressing" books, but sometimes it's just really nice to have that heartfelt book (: I think I'll have to check it out sometime! Lovely review!
Cyn @ Bookmunchies recently posted…Review: Searching For Perfect by Jennifer Probst
I can't wait to read this! I think I would also be bugged by the incorrect time line issues, but overall it sounds like an amazing read. Thanks for reviewing it!
Tammy @ Books Bones recently posted…Blog Tour: Interview with Walter Jury – Co-Author of SCAN
I'd kind of shrugged this book off when I didn't get accepted to read it, but now that I'm seeing some of the reviews coming in, I might think twice about blanking it. It sounds raw, gut-wrenching and really heart-breaking and you've made me reconsider. I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as you did Jeann 🙂
Amanda @ Book Badger recently posted…Five Friday Favorites #13 – Not So Favourite Leading Laddies
I seriously want to read this! I have heard mixed things about it…buuuut it does look really awesome and unique. Kind of flinching at those movie references mistakes though. Maybe there's a reason she did that??? >_<
Cait @ Notebook Sist recently posted…Should you write consistently or in bulk?
I'm 100 pages in and I'm loving it. This book is very deep and I love how the author doesn't shy away from important topics. I didn't realise she was meant to be 14 but I totally agree with you. I had never heard of these people before and I'm only 15 sooo…but I have to say the whole drugs and things isn't a surprise because as much as people like to think this doesn't happen at this age…it does.
Woah the whole time period thing…didn't notice. Now I am! Ah!
Great review 😉
Francoise recently posted…{Review} The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Well, that's it. If both you and Emma Watson liked it, I have to read it. Plus the premise is really cool. I think the time period thing would annoy me as well, and I don't know much about those music people, but hopefully there are many more things to enjoy despite that. Another one for the TBR 🙂
Emily @ The Loony Te recently posted…It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini: I review one of my favourite contemporaries
I really loved Sky's character in this book. And yes, tissues were a must while reading this one. I bawled so much when I was reading this book. It was so emotional, especially when we find out what really happened to May and why she did it. 🙁 Brilliant review, Jeann!
Dre @ Sporadic Reads recently posted…Review 167 : Noble Ark by Colette Black
Sky turned out to be a pretty decent guy actually! Oh my god, it was so emotional, just with everything that's happened to Laurel and May. Thank you Dre!