For families grappling with profound loss and the unspoken pain of suicide, this book explores a sister's quest for understanding amid her parents' silence.
A parent would reach for this book when their family is navigating the complex aftermath of a suicide, especially when communication has broken down. It is for the teen who is left with painful, unanswered questions and is trying to process an incomprehensible loss. The story follows Bethany, whose older sister Diane has died by suicide. Her parents, locked in their own grief, refuse to talk about it, leaving Bethany to investigate the reasons why. The book directly confronts themes of grief, guilt, family secrets, and depression. Written for ages 12 to 15, it provides a realistic and validating look at the emotional turmoil of a suicide survivor, making it a valuable tool for opening difficult but necessary family conversations.
There are brief mentions of underage drinking at a party.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with teenage suicide. The approach is secular and psychological, focusing on the emotional fallout and the family's dysfunctional coping mechanisms. The method of death (gunshot) is stated but not graphically detailed. The resolution is not neat but is ultimately hopeful and realistic. It ends not with answers that fix everything, but with the beginning of open communication and a long road to healing.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 13-15, who has experienced the suicide of a sibling or close friend. This reader feels alone, confused, and is perhaps struggling with adults who are not communicating openly about the tragedy. They need to see their own search for answers and feelings of guilt and anger validated.
Parent Prep
This book requires conversation. Parents should be prepared to discuss suicide, depression, and grief directly. The parents in the story model unhealthy denial for most of the book, which could be a challenging mirror. A parent should preview the scenes where Bethany reads Diane's journal, which detail her despair. It's crucial to frame this as one family's difficult journey, not a universal guide. A parent hears their teen asking unanswerable "why" questions after a suicide in the family or community. They may observe their child becoming withdrawn or trying to "solve" the death, looking for clues or someone to blame, because the adults are not providing a space to grieve openly.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will likely connect most with the mystery plot, focusing on Bethany's search for clues while absorbing the deep sadness. An older teen (14-15) is more likely to grasp the complex psychological dynamics: the parents' denial as a coping mechanism, the societal pressures on Diane, and the nuances of survivor's guilt.
What Makes It Special
As a novel from 1989, its uniqueness lies in its straightforward, unadorned focus. Unlike many contemporary YA books, it doesn't weave in multiple subplots. Its power is in its singular, intense examination of a family's immediate, raw response to suicide, making it a foundational and psychologically direct text on the topic.
Read plot summary
Thirteen-year-old Bethany's world is shattered after her seemingly perfect older sister, Diane, dies by suicide. In the face of their parents' suffocating silence and denial, Bethany feels isolated and overwhelmed by guilt. She embarks on a quiet investigation, reading Diane's hidden journal and talking to her friends to piece together the truth. She uncovers a portrait of a sister struggling with intense pressure, depression, and a secret relationship, forcing the family to confront the reality they tried to erase.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Bethany's parents try to cope by removing all of Diane's things and not talking about her. Why do you think they did this, and how did their silence affect Bethany's grieving process?
2
Bethany feels a lot of guilt, wondering if she missed signs or could have done something to help Diane. Do you think this is a fair burden for her to carry? Why do people who lose someone to suicide often feel this way?
3
From reading Diane's journal, Bethany learns about the intense pressure her sister felt to be perfect. How did the expectations from her parents, friends, and herself contribute to Diane's unhappiness?
4
At the end of the book, the family finally begins to talk about Diane and what happened. Do you think this is a 'happy ending'? What do you imagine will change for the family moving forward?
