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History is All You Left Me

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017

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Book Brief

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Adam Silvera

History is All You Left Me

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

294

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera, Griffin Jennings navigates the complexities of grief and unresolved emotions following the death of his first love, Theo McIntire, while forging an unexpected bond with Theo's current boyfriend, Jackson, as they both seek solace in their shared loss. The book addresses themes including mental health, lying, and the challenges of moving forward after loss. Content includes representations of death, grief, suicidal ideation, and abortion.

Melancholic

Emotional

Bittersweet

Romantic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

75,258 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and mental health through its complex characters and non-linear narrative. Readers praise its emotional depth and honest portrayal of grief, though some find the constant time shifts confusing. Overall, it's a heartfelt and deeply moving read with relatable themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read History is All You Left Me?

Readers who relish emotional, introspective stories dealing with grief, love, and self-discovery will enjoy History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera. This novel is akin to The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and They Both Die at the End by Silvera himself, appealing to fans of heartfelt YA fiction with complex, relatable characters.

4.3

75,258 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Griffin Jennings

The protagonist and narrator who navigates past and present events surrounding his relationship with Theo and copes with his death; he struggles with grief, guilt, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Griffin's primary romantic interest and best friend, known for his light hair, blue eyes, and affinity for pop culture and puzzles; his ambition leads him to pursue early college admission.

Theo's second boyfriend in California, sharing a physical resemblance to Griffin and forming a complex, evolving dynamic with Griffin after Theo's death.

A close friend to both Griffin and Theo since middle school, providing support and friendship while having a quieter presence amidst the unfolding events.

Book Details
Pages

294

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2017

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

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