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91 pages 3 hours read

Goodbye Days

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Jeff Zentner

Goodbye Days

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

399

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nashville, Tennessee • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

620L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

15,274 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Goodbye Days?

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.

4.3

15,274 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Carver Briggs

A seventeen-year-old writer and the last surviving member of his close-knit friend group, Sauce Crew, who struggles with guilt and grief following a tragic accident.

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.

Carver's loving and supportive parents who provide emotional and practical support through financial strains, reflecting a traditional yet evolving family dynamic.

Carver's older sister, who supports him through his emotional journey and serves as an advocate for mental health awareness and therapy.

A deceased member of Sauce Crew, remembered for his comedic talent and concealed struggles, whose posthumous revelations highlight themes of authenticity and family.

Blake's religious grandmother who raised him, serving as a symbol of unconditional love despite generational and cultural misunderstandings.

Another deceased Sauce Crew member, portrayed through memories that reveal complexities in his relationships and beliefs, intertwined with Carver's lingering feelings of guilt.

Eli's family, including his twin sister Adair, who process their grief and anger in diverse ways, affecting Carver's journey towards acceptance.

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.

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.

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.

Book Details
Pages

399

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nashville, Tennessee • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

620L

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