Finished It...

Say Goodnight, Gracie,
by Julie Reece Deaver

Rating: ☆☆☆

This is an older novel that had received a lot of praise, so I thought I would give it a try. The story revolves around two central characters--protagonist Morgan and her friend/boyfriend Jimmy. Both are interested in the theater; Jimmy is a mega-talented dancer and actor, and he even gets an audition for Oklahoma early on in the novel. The two have been inseparable since birth, and their relationship begins to evolve beyond basic friendship. A tragic accident changes their plans for the future.

I really liked Jimmy's character. His personality really stands out through his auditions and in the way he playfully picks on Morgan. Other characters are lacking--both sets of parents, Morgan's aunt, and Morgan herself appear wooden and shallow at times. Their responses to the tragedy have a cookie-cutter familiarity.

I didn't like how the climax of the plot is given away on the first page of the novel. I feel Deaver could have let readers know a tragedy was looming without coming out and saying who the victim was and how it happened. I like the way the novel addressed the themes of grief and drunk driving. Those looking for a new take on loss might enjoy Deaver's critically-acclaimed offering, even if it didn't completely thrill me. -KL