37 Things I Love (in no particular order) by Kekla Magoon

The end of sophomore year isn't supposed to be so complicated for Ellis; her mother wants to take her comatose father off of life support, Ellis's supposed best friend is oblivious to anything but partying and guys, and Ellis can't see how she could feel more isolated. When she reconnects with an old friend, Cara, who shows her true friendship and the possibility of something more, Ellis is forced to acknowledge that sometimes the hardest changes are the ones you need the most.

37 Things I Love (in no particular order) is an emotional story, and Magoon digs deep into the difficulties of grief and hope. Ellis's character is explored through her fading friendship with her best friend, Abby, who has been treating Ellis poorly for months. When Abby pushes Ellis too much, Ellis is forced to take a hard look at her relationships and the sort of friends she wants in her life. The change in her relationships, especially when it comes to a new relationship with Cara, prepares Ellis for some major life changes and soul-searching. The ties between Ellis and the people in her life--her father, mother, and friends--are strong and nuanced, and help highlight a theme of saying goodbye and embracing new and scary change that is necessary for life to move forward. Magoon's book may be a quick read, but she writes a memorable and affecting story that will take up a lot of room in your head and heart.

Cover Comments: I love the purple of the background, and the stars on this cover are just brilliant. This is a very pretty, and very eye-catching cover!

Book purchased.