These Things I've Done

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 30, 2017

Review

Last year, Dara's best friend died in a tragic accident. Most of the community blames her. Her family sent her away for a year to get away from the memories and the judgement, but this year she's back to face the guilt and the accusations because she doesn't think she deserves to move on. Told in alternating current time and leading up to the accident chapters, Dara struggles with fitting back into her family and school, and her new feelings for her former best friend's now grownup little brother. The main character deals with grief and guilt, but other than seeing a psychiatrist, we don't see the character ever deal with these issues. The book focuses more on the romance than the mental health issues. Give to fans of Sara Zarr and Jandy Nelson.

Overall Book Score: very good