Monday, January 7, 2019

Fadeaway by Maura Ellen Stokes

Fadeaway is the debut novel from Maura Ellen Stokes and it is wonderful.  It is a story about loss and grief, but also of acceptance and love.  It is a story about the redeeming strength of friendship and the power that is possible in high school sports.  It was a great novel that I know is going to stick with me for a long time.

Fadeaway is the story of Samantha and Reagan, best friends who are finishing up the summer before their Freshman year of high school just as they always have: riding bikes, eating ice cream, and most importantly playing basketball.  These two have been inseparable on the court for as long as they can remember and they are the future of Carlow High basketball.  That is until Reagan's heart gives out on her one day while playing basketball.  Reagan's death takes an obvious toll on Sam, spiraling her into an overwhelming grief.  She no longer has a desire to do anything, especially playing basketball without Reagan.  But with the help of her brother, an unexpected new friend, visits from Dead Reagan, and eventually her teammates on the basketball team, Sam is able to find a way to work through her grief while at the same time keeping the memory of Reagan alive. 

From Amazon:

When Sam's best friend Reagan dies after her heart suddenly gives out, Sam must learn to deal with her grief and ultimately discover who she is without her best friend by her side.

Fourteen-year-old Sam thinks she has all summer to hang out with her best friend, Reagan. But then her life changes forever. Sam's world, once filled with school, basketball, and Reagan, has now abruptly changed and she must learn to navigate high school on and off the court without her best friend.

But when Reagan suddenly "reappears," Sam clings to her friend's presence, even as it hurts rather than helps her grief. Can Sam learn to accept herself without her other half? This authentic, powerful story of friendship, grief, and discovering yourself is a can't-miss debut novel from Maura Ellen Stokes.

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