The Truth About Fragile Things

by Regina Sirois

[lindsey]

The Truth About Fragile Things focuses on the aftermath of an amazing act of selflessness, and deals with the complicated relationships between those left behind.  Bryon saved Megan, a small child at the time, from being hit by a car after she chased a butterfly into the street.  Bryon, unfortunately, was killed, and Megan has dealt with the guilt ever since.

After noticing that a new freshman student has been giving her hostile stares, Megan's best friend, Phillip, finds out a little about the girl, including her name, which Megan instantly recognizes.  The new girl, Charlotte, is Bryon's daughter.  Charlotte, understandably, dislikes Megan, and Megan, feeling guilty that she is the reason Charlotte doesn't have a father, tries to think of a way to apologize to her.  Charlotte, of course, doesn't want an apology.  It won't bring her father back, after all, but Megan is determined.

Bryon had a bucket list of things to do before he died, which he was never able to accomplish, and Megan and Charlotte agree to finish everything on the list for him.  What follows is a story of heartbreak, guilt, grief, and ultimately, forgiveness.

I enjoyed The Truth About Fragile Things so much more than I thought I would.  It was intriguing and well-written, and I didn't want to put it down.  Though dealing with heavy topics, I think the author did a wonderful job of preventing the book from becoming too depressing by including a few light and funny moments throughout the story.

With complex characters and a unique plot,  The Truth About Fragile Things is an excellent novel, and I would definitely recommend to those who enjoy original and thought-provoking YA books.