"We all keep boxes of emptiness in the depths of our closets."

I received an uncorrected electronic proof of this book from NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own and do not reflect the opinions of NetGalley or the publisher. Thank you to both organizations for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book in a couple of quick settings. It's a fast read and although the plot moves slowly, nothing feels bogged down or overly drawn out. The poetry in this book reads like a stream of consciousness and tackles heavy topics in a way that feels authentic. The poetry invites the reader in and while reading this book, I couldn't help but think about my own grief. I'm now a decade removed from high school and from having to decide my future, but in some ways, I still struggle with the same issues as both Ariana and Row. Now that I'm out of school and college and graduate school, I'm having to decide which parts of my identity to keep and which to grow and which to scrap. This is a process we are always undertaking and the risk to stagnate comes in different ways, like both sisters in this novel, is real.

I have children in my classroom who have experienced immense grief. I know I have a couple who blame themselves for their losses. I want to give this book to them now. I will definitely be purchasing this for my classroom.