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52 pages 1 hour read

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Matthew Quick

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

New Jersey • Contemporary

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

980L

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Super Short Summary

The young adult novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick follows 18-year-old Leonard Peacock on his birthday, a day he plans to kill himself and his former best friend, Asher Beal, who became a bully. Carrying gifts and a WWII-era gun, Leonard interacts with various people, contemplates his future, and ultimately chooses a path toward healing with the help of his compassionate teacher, Herr Silverman. The novel addresses sexual abuse and suicidal ideation.

Melancholic

Emotional

Unnerving

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

48,945 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick has received praise for its raw and honest portrayal of mental health and adolescence, with many readers appreciating the emotional depth and unique narrative style. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the protagonist's voice occasionally grating. Overall, it's a powerful but polarizing read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock?

A reader who would enjoy Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick is likely someone who appreciates raw, emotional, and introspective young adult fiction. Comparable to those who love The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, they seek thought-provoking narratives dealing with mental health and personal struggles.

4.0

48,945 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Leonard Peacock

The main character and narrator, Leonard is a blonde teenager who spends time pondering adult life, watching classic films, and rereading Shakespeare while grappling with personal challenges.

A high school teacher admired by Leonard for his respectful and attentive approach, who teaches about the Holocaust and offers support to Leonard during difficult times.

A once-close childhood friend of Leonard who became a bully; he is a significant part of Leonard’s struggles at school.

Leonard’s mother, a former model, now a fashion designer, who spends most of her time in New York and is generally inattentive to Leonard.

An elderly neighbor who enjoys watching Humphrey Bogart films with Leonard, providing a fatherly presence in Leonard's life.

Leonard's father, a former minor rock star known as Jack Walker, who left the country due to legal issues and has a complicated relationship with Leonard.

A devout Christian who Leonard meets at a train station, known for her Bible-centric education and attempts to share her faith with others.

An Iranian American classmate of Leonard’s, a talented violinist who initially keeps to himself but later speaks out regarding Leonard's behavior.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

New Jersey • Contemporary

Publication Year

2013

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

980L

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