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Even If I Fall
Book (2018)
Don't miss this deeply emotional, romantic and layered novel from Abigail Johnson, whose stories have been described as 'smart', 'heartfelt', 'genuine' and 'complex'.
A year ago, Brooke Covington lost everything when her beloved older brother, Jason, confessed to the murder of his best friend, Calvin. Brooke and her family became social pariahs, broken and unable to console one another. Brooke's only solace remains the ice-skating rink, where she works but no longer lets herself dream about a future skating professionally.
When Brooke encounters Calvin's younger brother, Heath, on the side of the road and offers him a ride, everything changes. She needs someone to talk to...and so does Heath. No one else understands what it's like. Her brother, alive but gone; his brother, dead but everywhere.
Soon, they're meeting in secret, despite knowing that both families would be horrified if they found out. In the place of his anger and her guilt, something frighteningly tender begins to develop, drawing them ever closer together.
But when a new secret comes out about the murder, Brooke has to choose whose pain she's willing to live with - her family's or Heath's. Because she can't heal one without hurting the other.
Book (2018)
Don't miss this deeply emotional, romantic and layered novel from Abigail Johnson, whose stories have been described as 'smart', 'heartfelt', 'genuine' and 'complex'.
A year ago, Brooke Covington lost everything when her beloved older brother, Jason, confessed to the murder of his best friend, Calvin. Brooke and her family became social pariahs, broken and unable to console one another. Brooke's only solace remains the ice-skating rink, where she works but no longer lets herself dream about a future skating professionally.
When Brooke encounters Calvin's younger brother, Heath, on the side of the road and offers him a ride, everything changes. She needs someone to talk to...and so does Heath. No one else understands what it's like. Her brother, alive but gone; his brother, dead but everywhere.
Soon, they're meeting in secret, despite knowing that both families would be horrified if they found out. In the place of his anger and her guilt, something frighteningly tender begins to develop, drawing them ever closer together.
But when a new secret comes out about the murder, Brooke has to choose whose pain she's willing to live with - her family's or Heath's. Because she can't heal one without hurting the other.
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Content at a glance
More filled segments mean stronger content.
Sex & Nudity
The story centers on a burgeoning teenage romance between the protagonists. It features mild romantic tension and kissing, typical of young adult contemporary novels.
Violence & Gore
The plot revolves around the aftermath of a past murder, which is discussed as a central conflict. There is no depiction of graphic combat or gore, but the emotional impact of the crime is significant.
Profanity
The dialogue includes occasional mild language such as "h*ll" and "cr*p" used to express teenage frustration. The usage is infrequent and aligns with typical adolescent social interaction.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
There are occasional references to social drinking or tobacco use in background settings typical of teenage environments. These elements do not glorify substance abuse but reflect realistic teenage scenarios.
Frightening Scenes
The book deals with heavy, mature themes including grief, social ostracization, and the trauma of a family member's imprisonment. The psychological tension regarding the investigation into the murder may be intense for younger readers.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
A story about two people learning how to cope with big, difficult feelings after their families are torn apart by a tragic event.
Content Warnings
Murder
Grief
Trauma
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The story focuses on the fallout of a murder within a community. It involves intense emotional distress, family conflict, and the complex challenge of balancing loyalty to family versus personal truth.
What Kids Can Learn
Developing the capacity for emotional regulation and perspective-taking when navigating grief.
Key Topics Discussed
Grief
Forgiveness
Family dynamics
Why Parents Might Like It
The narrative offers a thoughtful examination of how individuals process trauma and the difficulty of finding common ground in high-conflict situations.
Positives & learning
More filled segments mean stronger positive content or learning value.
Positive messages
Emphasizes the necessity of empathy and the courage required to confront difficult truths. It highlights how communication can bridge gaps between fractured parties.
Role models
Characters demonstrate resilience and a willingness to seek understanding despite immense personal pain and societal pressure.
Representation
No diverse representations indicated in available information.
Learning
Provides a lens for exploring social-emotional growth, specifically regarding conflict resolution and the long-term impact of trauma.
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