There were more things I didn't like about this book than I did like. Starting with the positive: I liked the format. It was interesting for Laurel to be writing to dead people. I also found a similarity (the good parts at least) between Laurel and her sister May with me and my sister. But...that's about it. The format worked against the characters I felt. The letters give you the characters through only Laurel's vision. I really didn't get a good sense of anyone other than Laurel and she seemed very young to me at times. I teach 13 and 14 year olds and they don't act as young as she does in no way. The entire novel was a study in lack of communication and people having bad relationships without realizing how bad they really are. Laurel idolized May but May was a horrible sister most of the time. Laurel has a good set of friends so it's not like she is trying to fit in but she still makes really bad decisions. I've seen the concept of young girl having bad things happen to her and have to deal with it done much better. Read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson instead of this book, trust me.