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The Last Message Received
The Last Message Received
Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: November 7, 2017
Review
A dramatic and interesting, if at times tonally repetitive, collection of final communications shared by those who received them, published by a teen who also runs a Tumblr dedicated to the same purpose. From bitter break-up texts to messages between estranged family members or left before the senders died by suicide or in unexpected accidents, each is recorded here and presented with a simple and stylized design using drawn graphics and a limited color palette that melds well with, and does not distract from, the content. Some include brief commentary from the person who received them and due to the their nature, many elucidate the heartbreak, anger, regret and grief felt by their recipients. While these anonymous messages pack an emotional punch, it's possible that their presentation in this collected form may cause some to disconnect a bit, which may lessen their impact. However, it's clear from several messages included at the end of this book thanking Trunko for her Tumblr that there are plenty who find them illuminating and validating of their own experiences. Included in the back matter is a helpful list of online health and advocacy resources, books and crisis hotlines, this will definitely find a niche among teen readers.
Overall Book Score: good
About the Book
Author:
Trunko, Emily
Illustrator: Ingram, Zoe
Publisher: Crown
Book Type: chapter book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: fair
ISBN: 9780399557767
Price: 14.99