Ready to Fall (Paperback)

Funny [and] heart-breaking, Ready to Fall is a sensitive exploration of teenage grief, coming to terms with life-shattering changes and letting go of the past A novel which rewards the reader... Grief, loss, and pain are difficult emotions to read about. However, Pixley is wise enough to also show us humour, tolerance, love and friendship. She leaves us at the end of the novel with healing, hurt confronted and hope for the future Grief becomes something oddly beautiful - and beautifully odd Max's interactions with the tumor are an odd but appropriate metaphor for the sorrow, fear, guilt, and lousy coping strategies of grieving. When Max finds community with others - who are just as damaged but striving to be happy - it's rewarding and touching A quirky take on a classic YA narrative on coping with loss, this book delights by showcasing a cast of colourful characters that help Max deal with grief, often via art. While Max's relationship with his peers is fun to read about, Pixley's writing truly shines in Max's relationships with adults - his father and maternal grandmother, Mr. Cage and the play director, Ms. Pruitt. Through them, Pixley shows how dealing with loss is a communal act I really liked how Pixley worked the story of Hamlet (and his grief) into Max's. It helps Max deal with and understand his grief and it does so in a heartbreakingly beautiful way... Ready to Fall has moments of absolute beauty when considering grief and what it does to a person... [I'd] definitely recommend this if you like contemporary YA Moving, sweet... beautifully written A beautifully written, emotional read Sparks of greatness