The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith

11 Feb, 2010 by Heather in book review, the way he lived 3 comments

published November 1st 2008 by Flux

details Paperback, 240 pages

isbn 0738714046

Synopsis From Goodreads Six stories. Six voices. One reality.

Monday’s Child has just lost her brother, but that’s not why she’s crazy. Tuesday’s Child is a star and wishes she wasn’t. Wednesday’s Child is obsessed with getting revenge. Thursday’s Child is on a quest to find herself. Friday’s Child is in love with a dead guy, and Saturday’s Child is in love with a guy in gray sweats–who isn’t her boyfriend. And the child born on the Sabbath day is the one to set it all in m

When sixteen-year-old Joel Espen dies of thirst on a Boy Scout hiking trip, it shakes the small town of Haven, Utah to its socially conformist foundation. And the six teens who were closest to Joel start to view their community–and themselves–in a new light.

From Amazon
With his uncanny sensitivity and boundless heart, Joel made people love him. Now that he’s gone, the ones he left behind are coping with their immense loss. His older, “crazy” sister pours her grief into a blog, while his younger sister runs away to New York. One friend is consumed by anger and revenge, while another discovers who she really is. Two learn to be true to their hearts–and all question who they are and what they’ve become.

Told from six heartbreaking perspectives on love, loss, and faith, this is the poignant story of how the life–and death–of one teen can have a profound effect on the lives of many.

When sixteen-year-old Joel Espen dies of thirst on a Boy Scout hiking trip, it shakes the small town of Haven, Utah to its socially conformist foundation. And the six teens who were closest to Joel start to view their community–and themselves–in a new light.

I first met Emily at the Beautiful Creatures release party and what struck my how outgoing and welcoming she was. A couple of days later we ran into each other at the local craft store. Since then it seems we run into each other a lot! She is part of a group of local writers called “The Six” who support each other’s events and signings. After meeting Emily I really wanted to read her book. I bought a copy at last weekend’s Authorpalooza, then sat down to finish it in 24 hours.

What intrigued me about the story is that it is written from six different points of view. Emily leaves questions swirling in your head after reading bits and pieces of Joel’s life told from others’ perspectives. The book seeps into your veins. I lost a couple of very close friends to accidents in High School so I related to the hole that someone leaves when they die, and the empty ache as well as the wondering. I give it four stars for handling a tough subject in a captivating manner. I am excited to read her second book.

Visit Emily’s website: http://www.emilywingsmith.com/
Emily signing my book at Authorpalooza http://twitgoo.com/da2hh

The Graef Family!

February 12th, 2010

This book sounds so good! It sounds like one of those books that teenagers who are dealing with a friends death should read. I will have to pick this one up. Thanks for the review!

Sherry @ Flipping Pages for All Ages

February 26th, 2010

Great review! This sounds like one that really makes you sit down and think. I lost some friends in high school as well so I would be able to relate. Thanks for reviewing it!

Shy

Oh my god… Just the kind of book that I’d love. The emotional issues involved must have been very heartbreaking. Not so sure if this book will every reach here but I surely hope it will. Very good review and thank you for introducing it to us =)