For readers navigating profound loss, this poignant story explores grief, memory, and the extraordinary journey of piecing oneself back together after tragedy.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating the overwhelming grief of losing someone close and seems lost in memories of the past. 'You Must Not Miss' tells the story of Magpie, who is shattered by the sudden death of her cousin and best friend. She discovers a magical yellow door that leads to a world made of her happiest memories, a perfect escape from her pain. This powerful novel blends magical realism with heartfelt contemporary fiction, exploring themes of grief, memory, loneliness, and the danger of refusing to move forward. It’s an ideal choice for teens who appreciate a touch of fantasy with their realism, offering a unique and deeply empathetic look at the complex, messy process of healing.
The magical world becomes unsettling and psychologically creepy, not overtly gory.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and intensely with the death of a young person. Grief is explored through a metaphorical lens: the magical world of Near represents the dangerous allure of escapism and nostalgia when processing trauma. The approach is secular and focuses on the psychological journey. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, emphasizing that healing is a process that requires facing pain and leaning on others, not erasing the past.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who is experiencing profound loss and might be using nostalgia or fantasy as a coping mechanism. This book is for a reader who feels isolated in their grief and can appreciate a story that externalizes that internal struggle into a tangible, suspenseful plot.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for the book's intense focus on sadness and loss. The idea of memories being stolen could be upsetting. A conversation about healthy versus unhealthy ways to cope with grief could be a useful framework before or after reading. The book can be read cold, but its themes are deep and warrant discussion. A parent has noticed their teen has become withdrawn and sullen after a loss. The teen seems disconnected from their current life, constantly revisiting old photos, videos, or stories, and resisting attempts to engage with the present.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely be drawn to the portal fantasy and mystery elements, enjoying the suspense of Near. An older teen (15-18) will more fully grasp the psychological allegory, connecting with the nuanced exploration of grief, memory, and the difficult path toward healing.
What Makes It Special
This book's unique blend of contemporary realistic fiction and portal fantasy sets it apart. While many books address grief, this one turns the internal, abstract struggle of being 'stuck in the past' into a literal, dangerous, and magical place, making the emotional stakes feel immediate and thrilling.
Read plot summary
Magpie Lewis is reeling from the sudden, accidental death of her cousin and best friend, Eryn. Lost in grief, she stumbles upon a yellow door in a cornfield which leads to a magical world called Near. Near is constructed from her happiest memories with Eryn, a place where she can relive them over and over. However, she soon discovers that this perfect escape has a price: every visit steals a real memory, and a sinister presence wants to keep her there forever. Magpie must confront the seductive danger of living in the past to save herself and find a way to live in the present.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The world of Near is built from Magpie's happiest memories. If you could create a 'Near' from your own life, what moments would you choose to include and why?
2
Ben tells Magpie that 'some things are good to forget'. Do you agree or disagree? What is the difference between letting go of a painful memory and having it stolen from you?
3
Magpie feels intense guilt about her last interaction with Eryn. How does this guilt shape her decisions and her attraction to the world of Near?
4
At the end of the book, Magpie begins to heal by reconnecting with her family and Ben. What does this suggest about the role of community in overcoming grief?
