Friday, April 3, 2015

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff

Playlist for the DeadWhen Sam goes to apologize to his best friend Hayden only to find him dead, Sam's world begins to crumble.  Life was never the greatest for the two friends.  Both of them had family issues and neither really fit in at school.  Together, they found friendship through video games and music. 

Sam discovers a note from Hayden directing him to listen to a playlist of songs that will explain why he swallowed his mother's recently refilled prescription of Valium.  Sam begins to listen to the music hoping to find some answers and whatever peace he can after the loss of his one and only friend.  The music spans a wide range of selections, some favorites of Hayden's and others Sam knows Hayden included just for him.

The night before Hayden's suicide, the two had been at a party.  Not a usual event for them, but one they agreed on, each for different reasons.  The three bullies who constantly tormented Hayden were not supposed to be at the party, but the cancellation of a football game changed all that. 
There was an incident involving Hayden and the three creeps that ended in an ugly scene in which Sam spouted some unfortunate comments before leaving the party alone.  Now Sam is hoping the music Hayden left behind will help him come to terms with the fact that his final, cruel words may have been the last straw that drove his friend to take his own life.

Author Michelle Falkoff explores the world of those left behind by suicide.  Family, friends, and even chance acquaintances feel the effects from these tragic deaths.  As Sam discovers, there are no easy answers and usually many guilt-ridden survivors are left trying to pull together the pieces.  Similar to Jay Asher's 13 REASONS WHY, this book is a must read for teens and even adults. 

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