Saying It Out Loud
by Joan Abelove
1999
From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up-This brief but powerful novel relates Mindy's thoughts and feelings during the very painful month preceding her mother's death. Through journal entries, narration, and flashbacks, the 16-year-old relates the course of her mother's illness from the numbing diagnosis of "brain tumor" to her eventual demise. Her father refuses to talk about his wife's illness or explain just how bleak the outlook is. Mindy is overcome with grief when she finally goes to the hospital and finds an empty, silent shell of a person in a stark white room instead of the mother she knows and loves. Luckily, Mindy has two good friends. Her best friend, Gail, is understanding, wise, and always available with unconditional love and support. Bobby, new to her school, provides the perfect diversion with his humor and affection. With their help, Mindy will get through this difficult time and move beyond to college and new relationships. Funny family stories and slices of life from the early '60s make this serious book a bit lighter and easier to digest. A beautifully written and tender portrayal of one young woman coming to grips with loss.
Barbara Auerbach, School Library Journal
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Grade 8 Up-This brief but powerful novel relates Mindy's thoughts and feelings during the very painful month preceding her mother's death. Through journal entries, narration, and flashbacks, the 16-year-old relates the course of her mother's illness from the numbing diagnosis of "brain tumor" to her eventual demise. Her father refuses to talk about his wife's illness or explain just how bleak the outlook is. Mindy is overcome with grief when she finally goes to the hospital and finds an empty, silent shell of a person in a stark white room instead of the mother she knows and loves. Luckily, Mindy has two good friends. Her best friend, Gail, is understanding, wise, and always available with unconditional love and support. Bobby, new to her school, provides the perfect diversion with his humor and affection. With their help, Mindy will get through this difficult time and move beyond to college and new relationships. Funny family stories and slices of life from the early '60s make this serious book a bit lighter and easier to digest. A beautifully written and tender portrayal of one young woman coming to grips with loss.
Barbara Auerbach, School Library Journal
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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