"More than a stunning debut. It is the announcement of a bold new literary voice"
—Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I’m not quite sure where I stand with you, I haven’t spoken to you in months yet I still hope that you come up to me like you used to. I don’t know if you still feel that way. I feel like we missed each other. You may or may not have had your crush on me in yr7 but that was when I barely concidered looking at you as a friend. Now, over time I don’t like to admit that I have grown a crush on you and its really nagging away at me inside. I want it to go because every time I look at you I feel it and I don’t think you feel that way anymore. I f you do I want to tell you. I want to be with you, I want to feel loved. Now that I like you, maybe you’ve moved on. To other people I’m really quiet and probably come across as snobby and uninterested and nerdy. I hope you don’t see me like that because thats just my outer layer, my protection from the world. I want you to see my inside. Whatever ... Read more

I was so drawn into your book that I completed it in one day. I have lost people in my life, but I was more drawn to Laurel’s need to let go of the past and open up about what happened to her. Your book has stayed with me since I finished it.

In between the black and white is the grey. In the heart of the grey is purpose. In purpose, your book is found. Thank you.

I’m merely a reader of this magical novel by Ava and I’ve fallen in love with you like so many others. Laurel’s letters make me believe that there is hope for something after death, that you’ve gone to some sort of heaven. I’m not quite as religious as Aunt Amy, but I do believe that there is more to our lives after we go. You and Laurel make me believe not only in this but that there is hope for those that live to see death. We can be okay again.

I never really knew you. When I was younger, I used to pretend that you had to leave Mom, Laura, Cam, and I because you were secretly a government agent and were out there in the world doing cool spy things, but you’d always come back for my music recitals and be watching somewhere within the crowd, proud of me. It’s a nice thought. Better than believing that you just abandoned your family because of the drugs and booze. I still don’t understand how someone could chose that life over your wife, daughters, and son. I honestly don’t get why substances that can hold that kind of power and control over someone are allowed to exist. I wish they didn’t so I wouldn’t have to imagine what our lives would have been like. I’m not angry anymore. I’m not even that sad. I feel bad for you. That you let something control your life so fully that you ended up missing out on so much awesomeness that is my family. Your would-have-been family. I just wanted to say that I forgive you because as of yesterday I have finished my first year of high school. I’m a Sophomore now. ... Read more

I can’t remember your voice. Why can’t I remember your voice? Why can’t I remember your stories and jokes? My memories of you, they are slipping away like the mist off of the mountains. You were the only one I had besides Skye. It has been 9 long years as of June 12th. I cant comprehend that. Each year flies by faster and faster. I was 8 when you died. I am so jealous that Skye has more memories of you because she was older. I only remember the sick years. The two last before cancer stole you from us. I just graduated high school. You always said you would be there, but I know it isn’t your fault that you are not. And in February Skye got married. She opted to walk down the aisle alone because you were not there to give her away. I wish I could have experienced a normal childhood, one with a mother and a living father and no abusive uncles or loving grandparents. All of these people I have been living with since your death. Bouncing around from family member to family member ... Read more

I think it’s quite sad that we only had a few days with each other. I liked you a lot and I which I had stayed in touch with you. It was hard for me when A told me that you had killed yourself a few months after we met and it was even harder when she told me that you had been planning it for so long. I just hope that you are fine wherever you are and thank you for showing me how important it is to talk to the people you like because they could be gone tomorrow.

I think it’s quite sad that we only had a few days with each other. I liked you a lot and I which I had stayed in touch with you. It was hard for me when A told me that you had killed yourself a few months after we met and it was even harder when she told me that you had been planning it for so long. I just hope that you are fine wherever you are and thank you for showing me how important it is to talk to the people you like because they could be gone tomorrow.

How did we think this would end? Had we hoped that we would grow old and reminisce upon memories of days gone by? Or that we would eventually lead our separate lives, hearing updates every once in a while? Any alternative would have been less heartbreaking than this. I remember the shortcut, a five foot climb up some dirt, just to cut off three minutes of walking at grandmas house. You fell down and i couldn’t help but laugh. What about when i fell in the creek? Or when Logan lost that toy boat in the tunnels of grandma’s creek. The boat started at the other side of the road, went under into the tunnel, and slipped out the other side. But we just missed it, the water carried it on and on, to eventually reach the ocean. Life is like that boat,sometimes we slip up and don’t catch things in time and while we regret and cry over the lost boat, we must realize that the boat has another adventure ahead of them. One that we cannot see, but that we Mus have faith in. Thank you, Sami, for all the memories we shared. Though we will not grow ... Read more

How does it feel to touch the stars? Every day i think about life up there and become a little sad that you’re dead and gone. Even on earth it was as if you transcended humanity and became something entirely different: a starman. I often wonder who you are talking about in your songs, a fantasy gentleman or yourself? I refuse to believe that Ziggy Stardust portrays anybody besides yourself. It’s not easy breaking barriers, but you looked so good while doing it that i can’t help but wonder, what products does he use for his hair? Thank you, Mr.Bowie, for every bit of inspiration you’ve given me.