91 pages • 3 hours read
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399
Novel • Fiction
Nashville, Tennessee • Contemporary
2017
YA
14-18 years
620L
In Jeff Zentner’s Goodbye Days, teenager Carver Briggs struggles with the deaths of his three best friends, who died in a car crash caused by the driver responding to Carver’s text. Carver is engulfed in guilt and faces a potential negligent homicide investigation. As Carver attempts to cope, he engages in “goodbye days” with the families of the deceased boys to grieve and find closure. The book explores themes of grief, guilt, and redemption. The narrative includes instances of panic attacks.
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Heartwarming
15,274 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jeff Zentner's Goodbye Days captures raw emotion and explores grief after a tragic accident. Reviewers praise its heartfelt and relatable portrayal of loss, friendship, and guilt. The character development is compelling; however, some felt the pacing was uneven and certain plot points predictable. Overall, it's a poignant read for young adults dealing with grief and forgiveness.
A reader who would enjoy Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner is typically a fan of contemporary young adult fiction marked by emotional depth and complex friendships. They likely appreciate books like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, due to similar themes of grief, guilt, and coping with loss.
15,274 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jesmyn Holder
Carver's friend and Eli's former girlfriend, a talented musician preparing for her Julliard audition while grappling with her identity and the loss of her boyfriend.
Callum and Lila Briggs
Carver's loving and supportive parents who provide emotional and practical support through financial strains, reflecting a traditional yet evolving family dynamic.
Georgia Briggs
Carver's older sister, who supports him through his emotional journey and serves as an advocate for mental health awareness and therapy.
Blake Lloyd
A deceased member of Sauce Crew, remembered for his comedic talent and concealed struggles, whose posthumous revelations highlight themes of authenticity and family.
Nana Betsy
Blake's religious grandmother who raised him, serving as a symbol of unconditional love despite generational and cultural misunderstandings.
Eli Bauer
Another deceased Sauce Crew member, portrayed through memories that reveal complexities in his relationships and beliefs, intertwined with Carver's lingering feelings of guilt.
The Bauers
Eli's family, including his twin sister Adair, who process their grief and anger in diverse ways, affecting Carver's journey towards acceptance.
Thurgood Marshall Edwards (“Mars”)
A talented artist and deceased Sauce Crew member, who hid his true self from his stern father, adding depth to the story's exploration of parental expectations.
Judge Frederick Edwards
Mars's father, whose initial pursuit of justice and subsequent decision not to press charges highlight complexities of race and reputation in the aftermath of tragedy.
Dr. Raul Mendez
Carver's therapist, who provides crucial mental health support and insight into the nature of grief, encouraging Carver to confront his emotions and embrace storytelling.
399
Novel • Fiction
Nashville, Tennessee • Contemporary
2017
YA
14-18 years
620L
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