Susan Pogorzelski

This is a coming age novel, with some medical mystery at its core. Amelia (Lia) is a normal high schooler who starts experiencing physical, mental, and emotional changes. Some people in her life think this is "normal" teen age stuff, but Lia fears it's much scarier than that. She tells us her story in a series of letters to the unknown someone who'll dig up her old lunchbox time capsule someday.

The author writes Lia as a typical teen, as well as representing the health changes she goes through. Some days Lia is a tad dramatic, other days she's really insightful. She has a bestie, a crush, and siblings she doesn't always understand. I've definitely known teenagers just like that.

Her health and body are are falling apart, though, and that's a hard thing to capture without being maudlin. I think Pogorzelski does just that - walks the fine line between corny and compelling. As someone who lives with the same illness (at a much different age), it feels to me like The Last Letter is right on the mark!… (mere)

As I was reading this book, I realized that I could relate to so many of the female characters. Our heroine, Annie is twelve going on thirteen and I remember those years in my life. Her mom and aunt are dealing with their mother's failing health and dementia or Alzheimer's, and I know that feeling as a daughter. I've also been the best friend as friendships shifted over the years. In my experience, it's rare to find a book that touches me on so many levels.

I had an extra copy to share with my 17-year old granddaughter. Now that I've finished the book, I'll be nudging her to finish it too. And I'm nudging you as well!… (mere)