From Goodreads: “Today is the day it is going to happen. I’m not melancholy or nervous. I just want to get it over with more than anything. Today is the day that I, Lilly Barnes, die.”

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This is a very powerful novel that looks into the life of a teenage girl facing a dark secret that leaves her feeling helpless and alone, choosing death over facing her fears day in and day out.  With such heavy topics at hand, it feels almost wrong to say this is a great novel, but it is; it touches on topics that makes people uncomfortable, it deals with sadness and abuse, love and hate, redemption and, of course, suicide, and I think it’s one of those novels that could do more than just touch a life, but possibly change one too.

Lilly has had it rough, but if you meet her on the street, or sit with her is school, you wouldn’t necessarily know it, because she’s hidden her deep secret, but it’s eating her up inside.  Now, for the reader it’s obvious what’s happening, but those around Lilly don’t see it because it’s not something she alludes to, it’s only the text that does that.  Thankfully, Lilly does have a constant in her life, Buddy and his wonderful family, who have always been there for her and who are able to positively influence her, especially after everything comes to the forefront and the secret is out.  And, while this is a heavy read, full of heartache and sadness, it does have a happy ending, proving that we can get through anything with the right amount of support and love.  Definitely check this one out.  Four stars.

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon after receiving a recommendation for it from Disincentive/Feta on Goodreads.