Review: And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard

Genre: YA

Pages: 240

Release Date: January 28th, 2014

Summary:

When high school senior Paul Wagoner walks into his school library with a stolen gun, he threatens his girlfriend Emily Beam, then takes his own life. In the wake of the tragedy, an angry and guilt-ridden Emily is shipped off to boarding school in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she encounters a ghostly presence who shares her name. The spirit of Emily Dickinson and two quirky girls offer helping hands, but it is up to Emily to heal her own damaged self.

This inventive story, told in verse and in prose, paints the aftermath of tragedy as a landscape where there is good behind the bad, hope inside the despair, and springtime under the snow.

My Review:

*ARC Provided by NetGalley*


When we first meet Emily, she just started going to a new school. Immediately you learn that Emily has been through a very traumatic event, so through the flashbacks you learn that her boyfriend brought a gun to her old high school, but at first you are guessing, why? Throughout the book, Emily tells her story, but does it in a very unique way. She writes poems, even though her poems tells her life story, and everything that she has gone through within a 4 month span.

I was reluctant on reading this book, because of the shootings that happened last year. But, something told me to read this book. I am thankful that I did. Yes, this book is YA, it’s not your typical YA book, where the girl and guy fall in love. This book is about a young girl who didn’t know that her take unexpected turn, when she started dating this guy(Paul). Through out the book, you find out that Emily looks up to Emily Dickinson. Emily Dickinson helps Emily, find who she really is, helps her cope/deal with what happened to her, eventually she lets her roommate help with her grieving. There were times when I wanted to jump into the story, and hug her. Very touching story, I think everyone who loves to read should read this book.

Thank you, Jenny Hubbard for writing this story.

I give it:

                                                             

(Admin Jazzy)