A page-turner that combines genuine intrigue with heartbreak and desire. Holly Goldberg Sloan, New York Times bestselling author of Counting by 7sPart mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Thirteen Reasons Why, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and The Spectacular Now, Michelle Falkoffs debut is an honest and gut-wrenching novel about loss, rage, what if feels like to outgrow a friendship thats always defined youand the struggle to redefine yourself. There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, Sams best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs and a suicide note: For Samlisten and youll understand.To figure out what happened, Sam has to rely on the playlist and his own memory. But the more he listens, the more he realizes that his memory isnt as reliable as he thought. And it might only be by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that hell finally be able to piece together his best friends story. And maybe have a chance to change his own. An absorbing and sensitive read.Bulletin of the Center for Childrens BooksFalkoff lightens the substantial topics of grief, bullying, and suicide with Sams engaging investigation. ALA BooklistRealistic and well-written. The strong characters, dialogue and the use of the playlist to structure the book make this a good pick for struggling readers.School Library JournalFalkoff treats a difficult topic with delicacy and care. Publishers WeeklyTruly powerful moments.Kirkus Reviews
Here's what Sam knows:
There was a party.
There was a fight.
The next morning, Sam's best friend, Hayden, was dead.
All he left Sam was a playlist?
and a note, saying
that he took his own life.
but what Sam doesn't know is:
Why?
To figure out what happened, Sam has to rely on the playlist and his own memory. But the more he listens, the more he realizes that his memory isn't as reliable as he thought. Especially when someone claiming to be Hayden starts sending him cryptic messages, and a series of violent attacks begins on the bullies who made Hayden's life hell.
Sam knows he has to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him?including an eccentric, unpredictable girl who's got secrets, too?that Sam will finally be able to piece together his best friend's story.
And maybe have a chance to change his own.
