The Memory of Light
on Goodreads (6,443)
What’s inside...
16-year-old Vicky Cruz wakes up in a hospital's mental ward after a failed suicide attempt. Now she must find a path to recovery - and perhaps rescue some others along the way. When Vicky Cruz wakes up in the Lakeview Hospital Mental Disorders ward, she knows one thing: After her suicide attempt, she shouldn't be alive. But then she meets Mona, the live wire; Gabriel, the saint; E.M., always angry; and Dr. Desai, a quiet force. With stories and honesty, kindness and hard work, they push her to reconsider her life before Lakeview, and offer her an acceptance she's never had. But Vicky's newfound peace is as fragile as the roses that grow around the hospital. And when a crisis forces the group to split up, sending Vick back to the life that drove her to suicide, she must try to find her own courage and strength. She may not have them. She doesn't know. Inspired in part by the author's own experience with depression, The Memory of Light is the rare young adult novel that focuses not on the events leading up to a suicide attempt, but the recovery from one - about living when life doesn't seem worth it, and how we go on anyway.
Age
11-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vicky Cruz
Mona
Gabriel
E.M.
Dr. Desai
Discussion points
How did Vicky's experiences in the book change your perspective on mental health and recovery?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
What does the title 'The Memory of Light' mean to you after reading the story?
Discuss how friendships played a role in Vicky's journey. How do you think these relationships impact her healing process?
What message do you think the author wants readers to take away about facing personal challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s themes without judgment. Show genuine interest in their responses to foster deeper understanding. Relate discussions to personal experiences or current events to make connections more tangible. Validate their feelings and perspectives to build trust and open communication. Emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding towards people facing mental health challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy for mental health issues
Explanation: The story follows Vicky, a teenager recovering from depression and a suicide attempt, allowing readers to see her struggles and the complexity of mental health.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize and empathize with peers who might be facing similar challenges, fostering a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The importance of support systems
Explanation: Throughout the book, Vicky benefits from a supportive community of friends and mentors who aid her recovery, highlighting the value of close relationships in overcoming personal struggles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek out and provide support among friends and family, understanding that it's okay to ask for help when they need it.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Vicky's journey in 'The Memory of Light' exemplifies how individuals can find strength and resilience despite severe personal crises.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the mindset to persevere through their own difficulties, knowing recovery and happiness are possible.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: As Vicky works through her recovery, she learns more about herself, her needs, and how to express them, portraying a realistic path to self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own emotions and thoughts, developing a stronger sense of self and better emotional intelligence.