The Longest Distance (by Yanina)
Book: No Such Thing as the Real World: Stories about growing up and getting a life.
Author: Kephart Beth
Publishing house: HarperTeen, First Printing Edition (2009).
Hardcover, 256 pp., $7,06
In The Longest Distance, Beth Kephart crafts a moving short story about Hannah, a secondary school girl who loses her best friend, Joelle. Hannah has to deal with the existential question of why people decide to commit suicide and the loss of someone you love. Through this well-written narrative, Kephart’s writing style causes sorrow in the readers as Hannah is a deep character who does not fear to show her vulnerability.
The Longest Distance begins with Hannah telling us about how she feels after her best friend’s suicide. Her parents try to encourage her to feel better but she cannot forget her. Hannah and Joelle had shared a light-hearted friendship since they were children. Both girls used to talk and debate about everything, however, they did not identify themselves as the typical very best friends because they did not agree on all their ideas. Hannah liked to have different perspectives about life and really admired Joelle’s original personality. When she became aware of her best friend’s death, she couldn't believe it. She did not realise that Joelle was confused about the depth of her feelings regarding to life. To reassure herself that Joelle’s memory will live on, Hannah starts writing her senior thesis. This writing process is a journey through different perspectives about time and happy memories with Joelle.
The Longest Distance covers a problem that some young people face in society: depression. On one side, Joelle’s suicide is a clear example of how some teenagers might feel alone and confused even when they have friends. On the other side, the role of Hannah’s parents is an example of how family support someone who is depressed. Hannah’s thoughts about the afterlife are part of the process of healing her traumatic loss. Young readers can empathise with the intense narrator’s grief and pain as the death of someone you love is part of life.
I would highly recommend The Longest Distance to everybody as I believe there is something potently transformative about how Hannah deals with her emotional suffering. The story is a well-written narrative full of memories from someone who lost a best friend.
Hi Yani, let me tell you I loved the way you reviewed this narrative. After reading it, I immediately felt the need to go for the narrative and read it. The topics the narrative deals with are deeply interesting for young adults and as you say it may help them face their own fights. Also, the fact that the main character had a special and close relationship with her best friend, as you mentioned, made me think in my relationship with my best friend and how difficult the situation of losing a friend could be. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteSuch a thoughtful and enlightning review Yani. I loved how you tackled this taboo topic, giving it the importance it requires but at the same time being mindful about your word choice. I agree with you. I think this story could be potencially enriching for students, although some considerations may need to be taken given the delicate subject the story deals with. Great job!
ReplyDeleteYanina your review is really clear and envolves the reader. It is a good story to reflect about because it is about very serious topics.
ReplyDeleteSuicide and depression are situations didficult to undergo so, it is very important the support that the family can provide.
They story seems to have important point of view of the topics mentioned.I like your Review good job!
Hi, Yanina! If Kephart’s writing style causes sorrow in the reader, your writing style causes the need of reading the story in your readers. You've reviewed this story in a very respectful and appealing way. You call for reflection and empathy towards important and not-so-spoken topics such as suicide and depression in YA. I really enjoyed reading you!
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