Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Remembering Raquel

by Vivian Vande Velde

“It’s amazing how much dying can do for a girl’s popularity,” observes Vanessa Weiss, a classmate of the fifteen-year-old and recently deceased Raquel Falcone. Vanessa is one the many people whose distinct thoughts on death we hear. Other classmates, teachers, relatives, friends, witnesses to her death, an EMT, and a potential date also share the emotions they struggle with. Some feel guilt, others sorrow, most are shocked and confused and want to do something, but they don’t know what. Everyone wishes they had been nicer to her. One woman gives them a way to “commemorate and memorialize Raquel’s life.”

I read Remembering Raquel in about two sittings (it could have been one, but I was interrupted) and thought it is probably the deepest of Vivian Vande Velde’s work yet. Even if this short book, she managed to give an unusual look at the impact death—especially an unexpected one—can have on our lives.

6 comments:

  1. I was at first a bit doubtful about this one, but it really drew me in, and I thought it was well done. I wasn't interrupted :) so read it in one sitting...

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  2. Tagging you....

    Rules:
    1. Pick up the nearest book.
    2. Open to page 123.
    3. Find the fifth sentence.
    4. Post the next three sentences.
    5. Tag five people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you've posted your three sentences.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ooh...I haven't read this one. I'm planning on reading all of her books.

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  4. I had been wondering if I should read this book or not. I think I will now. It looks pretty good!

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  5. Sounds like an interesting novel - Vande Velde used to be a favorite author of mine.

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