Post-it notes: used by millions each year for insignificant updates, reminders and other trivial things. But I doubt that anyone reading this has used a Post-it note to say goodbye. That is what Alexis' little brother, Ty, did in Cynthia Hand's THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE. Unfortunately, Ty's goodbye was not temporary. He was not about to embark upon his "voyage out to sea" or journey off to the college of his dreams. In fact, Ty will never again be able to experience anything outside of the borders of his home in small-town Nebraska. Why? Because Ty used a simple Post-it note to tell his family that he had had enough and that he was going to kill himself. The novel begins about a month after the tragedy, and chronicles Alexis's journey to recovery and forgiveness.

"First things first: THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL. It hurt me to have to put it down, sometimes."

First things first: THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL. It hurt me to have to put it down, sometimes. Alexis provides a fresh, funny and sometimes bitterly poignant voice that anyone in high school today can relate to. Though the novel is definitely not action-packed or filled with plot twists, Alexis' emotional journey is both heartbreaking and thoroughly entertaining to read. It is filled with nothing but raw and painful reality, and at times, I found myself reading in a crouched position because of the raw and gut-wrenching storytelling.

Nevertheless, PLEASE do not let this discourage you. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments in the novel as well, and Alexis balances out her immense sadness with a great deal of humor. Her quirky personality paired with her perfect wit makes for a lovable character with whom everyone one can identify. Overall, I loved this book and I recommend it to everyone. It is a sweet little reminder that everyone goes through grief, and no one is alone.