The Last Time We Say Goodbye
on Goodreads (26,878)
What’s inside...
Since her brother Tyler's suicide, Lex has been known as the girl whose brother killed himself, and struggles to move on. Haunted by a secret text from Tyler, she is forced to confront the truth and the ghost of her brother. Through her journey, she learns that a ghost does not have to be real to hold her back from living. This heart-wrenching novel explores themes of love, loss, and the impact of secrets on our lives.
Age
13-17
Length
386 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alexis "Lex" Riggs
Mrs. Riggs
Steven
Tyler Riggs
Discussion points
How did reading about Alexis's experiences make you feel about handling difficult emotions?
What are some ways the characters in the story dealt with grief? Which ways do you think were helpful?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings, like Alexis eventually does in the book?
Can you think of a time when you had to say goodbye to someone or something important? How did you cope with that?
What do you think could be the message or lesson of this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, remind your child that it’s okay to express any feelings the book may bring up.
Share your own experiences with loss or saying goodbye to help your child feel more comfortable discussing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters' decisions affected their situations, guiding them to connect it with real-life choices.
Highlight the strength seen in various characters, discussing how resilience can be a tool in facing difficult situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with grief
Explanation: The protagonist, Lex, navigates through the complex emotions of losing her brother to suicide, illustrating the grieving process.
Real-World Application: Children can learn healthy ways to process grief and understand that seeking support from loved ones or professionals is vital during such times.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: As Lex struggles with her feelings, the story emphasizes how keeping secrets can worsen feelings of isolation and sadness.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of discussing their emotions and problems with others, rather than bottling them up.
Example Lesson: Impact of actions on others
Explanation: The book explores the ripple effects of the brother’s suicide on family and friends, demonstrating how everyone's actions affect others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the consequences of their actions on the people around them and the importance of thinking about others' feelings.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness and self-forgiveness
Explanation: Lex learns to forgive herself and others as she comes to terms with her brother's death, a crucial part of her healing process.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the power and importance of forgiveness in overcoming guilt and anger, promoting emotional healing.
Example Lesson: Resilience and healing
Explanation: Despite the profound grief, Lex gradually finds strength to move forward, symbolizing hope and recovery.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to find resilient paths forward in the face of personal tragedies, highlighting the possibility of recovery even from deep sadness.