Review Detail

Don't most young people think they'll live forever? And when someone close to a teen dies, reality strikes and threatens his or her entire security system.

Eric used to think he'd live forever, but not anymore. Not after the death of his father. Now that football season is about to start, Eric hopes he can live life normally again through participation in his favorite sport. However, he doesn't realize how angry he is with his father for dying and the ways in which this emotion will affect his life.

Eric's refusal to truly face his grief results in unexpected feelings such as anger at his coach, increased fights with his sister, resentment of added responsibilities in helping his mother, and disillusionment with football. He even gets into a fight with his best friend, Rolf, who never fights anyone. Eric rails against his mother's friendship with his father's business partner, and he's suspicious of any man he thinks might be taking too much interest in her. Eric doesn't want to lose anyone else and particularly his mother since that would leave him totally alone.

It takes a special relationship with Glynnie, a new friend, who is dealing with the divorce of her parents to see that the only way to get through his grief is by grieving." It's hard to give in but it's the only way out, she tells Eric.

Although The Farewell Season addresses a serious subject, it's not a depressing story but one of hope, friendship, understanding, and even humor. Facing our feelings makes us free.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it highly. This is a timeless tale that will remain with readers to help them through rough times. Ann Herrick's stories never disappoint."