The Last Message Received

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

A dramatic and interesting, if at times tonally repetitive, collection of final communications shared by those who received them, published by a teen who also runs a Tumblr dedicated to the same purpose. From bitter break-up texts to messages between estranged family members or left before the senders died by suicide or in unexpected accidents, each is recorded here and presented with a simple and stylized design using drawn graphics and a limited color palette that melds well with, and does not distract from, the content. Some include brief commentary from the person who received them and due to the their nature, many elucidate the heartbreak, anger, regret and grief felt by their recipients. While these anonymous messages pack an emotional punch, it's possible that their presentation in this collected form may cause some to disconnect a bit, which may lessen their impact. However, it's clear from several messages included at the end of this book thanking Trunko for her Tumblr that there are plenty who find them illuminating and validating of their own experiences. Included in the back matter is a helpful list of online health and advocacy resources, books and crisis hotlines, this will definitely find a niche among teen readers.

Overall Book Score: good