What Happened to Lani Garver
What Happened to Lani Garver
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002
Book Brief
314
Novel • Fiction
Hackett Island • Contemporary
2002
YA
14-18 years
720L
Super Short Summary
In Carol Plum-Ucci's What Happened to Lani Garver, sixteen-year-old Claire MacKenzie, recovering from leukemia and new to her high school's popular clique, befriends the enigmatic and androgynous Lani Garver, challenging her community's intolerance and her own insecurities. Their friendship leads Claire to confront deeper issues around health, identity, and societal norms. The book addresses themes such as eating disorders, alcohol abuse, and bullying.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Emotional
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
3,729 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
What Happened to Lani Garver by Carol Plum-Ucci is a compelling mystery exploring themes of identity, bullying, and acceptance. Critics praise its complex characters and emotional depth, though some find the narrative slow-paced and the ending ambiguous. Despite its polarizing aspects, the novel’s thought-provoking nature resonates with many readers.
Who Should Read What Happened to Lani Garver?
Readers who enjoy What Happened to Lani Garver by Carol Plum-Ucci are typically teens or young adults interested in contemporary, character-driven stories that explore themes of identity, bullying, and resilience. Fans of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher may find this book appealing.
3,729 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
314
Novel • Fiction
Hackett Island • Contemporary
2002
YA
14-18 years
720L
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