The Last Time We Say Goodbye

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the complex, non-linear stages of grief, particularly after a sudden or traumatic loss. This story addresses the heavy burden of 'survivor guilt' and the feeling that life should have stopped when a loved one's did. Lexie, a math-minded high school senior, struggles to balance her academic future with the haunting presence of her brother, Tyler, who took his own life. The book is a profoundly honest exploration of family dynamics in the wake of tragedy, focusing on the specific pain of sibling loss. It deals with themes of forgiveness, the fallibility of parents, and the slow process of finding light again. While intense, it is an essential read for teens (ages 14 and up) who need to see their complicated feelings of anger and regret mirrored in a way that ultimately leads toward healing and self-compassion.