by Abby Fabiaschi
Expected Publication January 31 2017 by St. Martin's Press
Finished 11/19/16
"If we could learn to learn from pain, even as it grasps us...." is a quote from a real poem mentioned in the book, so it's allowed in this review of a galley copy. And it so aptly forecasts the theme of the book -- how a teenage girl can grow while grieving over her mother's suicide.
Maddy is a ghost, stuck in transition or purgatory, following her fatal leap off a building. Her daughter Eve and husband Brady are picking up the pieces, not always successfully; so Maddy feels she is there to give them an occasional gentle nudge in the right direction. For Brady, she already has the perfect successor wife picked out because that's what he is needing most, in her opinion. For Eve, getting happiness back is the ticket, in Maddy's opinion. Maddy discovers she can turn a repeated mantra into action on the part of these mortals on earth, and uses her power quite effectively.
Making it more difficult for Eve and Brady was that Maddy didn't leave a note; she left a To Do list. She left nary a clue as to WHY she might kill herself. What Maddie did leave for those who survived her were wonderful memories, a wealth of wisdom, and words to live by.
"...Love, compassion, and forgiveness are capacities you have to actively engage because experiences will strip you of them if you aren't careful."
There is so much sage advice offered here, I wonder what the author could possibly have leftover for her next book; but God I hope there is another!
The book is humorous while being achingly sad. From heartwarming to heartbreaking. You will go from smiles to tears in a heartbeat. As a teenager, the author lost a good friend in an accident, which makes the motivation behind the novel even more touching.
4.5 stars Very impressed with this debut AND that 20% of all proceeds from it will go to support women's and children's charities around the globe. A thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author.
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