Letting Go of Lisa

by Lurlene McDaniel

Nathan Malone has been homeschooled his whole life. He’s never spent much time with kids his own age and he’s never dated. His mother is now busy with his new twin sisters, so Nathan must enroll at the local high school for his senior year. On the first day, a girl on a motorcycle catches his eye and Nathan is excited to discover the girl is also in his English class.

Not only does Lisa ride a motorcycle to school, but she’s a loner who seems to come and go as she pleases. She doesn’t care what anybody thinks of her. Nathan is intrigued—he’s never met anyone like her or had such strong feelings. When he and Lisa finally start spending time together, he’s the happiest he’s ever been.

But Lisa has a tragic secret and, when she decides she’ll handle it herself, Nathan has to make a choice. Can he ever let go of Lisa?

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Novels, Childrens

192 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2006

About the author

Lurlene McDaniel (born c. 1948) is an author who has written over 50 young adult books. She is well known for writing about characters struggling with chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and organ failure.


Other places to find her are...
https://www.facebook.com/lurlenemcdan...
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/aut...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LurleneMc

Reviews

[Amy]

I had never read Lurlene McDaniel, but had to give her a try when a reader said all the emotion of my novel, A Matter of Heart, reminded her of a McDaniel story. I had no idea she's written so many and it seems that they all feature a teen facing death. In this story, a high school senior, Lisa, catches the eye of Nathan, a boy who's been homeschooled. He falls hard for her though she's hiding secrets. Turns out, she's in remission with a brain tumor but it comes back. It's a sad ending but easy to read and I can see how teens (especially ones who love a good cry) will find her stories addictive.

[Anna Dorothea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. I would recommend it to any teenage girl. It's a good, sad love story and it's very easy to read and get into. I cried at the end because it was so sad. I liked it because it was in a boy's perspective instead of a girls like most love story books are.

[Mel ReadingWithMAC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I read it constantly. The poem Lisa writes is one that gives me strength when I need it. I highly recommend this book!

[Dalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It never fails, Lurlene McDaniel is able to write a great love story, with a tragic backstory. Letting Go of Lisa is another amazing book by McDaniel.

[Jennica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennica Munden
Romance
Critical analysis: This is a story that gets into the wrongs and rights of young relationships, about what love can endure, and about a life changing experiences and the personal choices in handling difficult decisions concerning life and death.

Opinions: This is a sad and beautiful story. It is also a hard one to read, but it is a wonderful one with a wonderful lesson about living, loving, and continuing on once someone is gone.

Summary: Lisa is a fiery girl who lives life to the fullest, and doesn’t seem to care what anybody else thinks of her. She rides a motorcycle and wears leather. Nathan is homeschooled young man who has never met anyone like Lisa. They come to fall in love. However, Lisa has a secret.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a boy who has been home schooled all his life, and got transfered into a public school for his senior year. At first sight of Lisa.- a hard core, tough attitude, motorcycle riding girl - falls in love, but only to find out she has secrets no one knows and shes not willing to reveal - at least not right away....


Was such a good book. It was a little sad at the end but that was the best part. I love this author and all of her books. I deff. reccomend it to anyone - probally more towards girls then boys.

[Jenna Cantino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am probably a bit older than the target audience for this book but I was not as impressed by it as others seemed to be. It seemed that the main characted fell in love with Lisa way too quickly (after being ignored and going on one motorcycle ride with her). On top of that, her telling him about her illness took wayyyy toooo longgg. I appreciate the attempt of adding a twist to the story by having Lisa disappear but it seemed like it came at the wrong time. The resolution of the story seemed cut off and disappointing. Overall, it was an okay for Lurlene McDaniel.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book, I just wish it had been longer and that Nathan and Lisa's story could have seemed less rushed. It seemed too fast and therefore less realistic. To me it didn't feel like they had the connection that Nathan seemed to believe they had. It ended sad, but it really didn't seem as sad as it should since I didn't believe that the characters were in love. It was still a good, quick read, just not what I was really expecting.

[Jack Gillard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic. I love this book, McDaniel had me rooting for Nathan the entire time. It's more than a love story, it's about a feeling that everyone wants to feel. Throughout the whole book I felt as if I could feel everything that Nathan could feel. The character descriptions were great, this is a must read.

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book. I really enjoyed reading it. I loved the plot and characters of the story. It was a fast pace book and great read. I love reading Lurlene McDaniel's books. They are great!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. I recommended it to two of my friends and we all cried at one point. It was such a good story.

[Paytience K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never judge a person by the way they look. Looks are deceiving.

[Makeila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the best books yet by Lurlene McDaniel. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading romance. Especially to young adults.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so good :)

[Erika Damerow · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the best books ive ever read............ i love how she pushed him away but you could tell just by reading it tht she liked him. however, i didnt like how he found out she passed away.

[Ashley]

Great book!

[Jasmine Chinavare]

This book made you think. It helps you understand how hard it is too fall in love when your sick but also how rewarding it is when you do

[Miriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was sad at the end but it was worth a read.

[*Weebles* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Lurlene McDaniel! She has a way of writing that just pulls the reader in and makes them love the characters in the books. This was yet another awesome read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Didn't have dry eyes by the end. I love all the emotion Lurlene puts into each of her novels. I started reading her books when I was in Middle School. I still love them.

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. I don't really read books like these but I am really glad I pulled this book off the shelf and started reading it. It has so many twists in it and that made me want to keep reading it. At times it was confusing and I had to keep re-reading the part until I finally got it. I think the creativity and uniqueness was great and the characters traits were so inspiring!!! I would love to read this book again if I get the chance, and I don't think I will ever forget this plot. I think this book is for more mature people because there are some swears and at times it can get really intense.
I think that Lurlene McDaniel is a great author and I can't wait to look for more book of hers to start reading

[Kaitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, another high school favorite of mine. I love books that shatter my heart and tear it up into a 1001 pieces, and this book did just that.

Lurlene McDaniel always has this power over me… She writes a book, I buy it, I read it, I sob, I curse her for making me feel this way, I apologize and give her the praise she deserves, and I repeat the cycle.

Very good read. It’s short and sweet, yet anything but…

[Tori Rose (Belle of the Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 star rating.
Read for Becca's Bookopolathon for prompt "Small Book- book under 300 pages". 9-8-22
Reread. I read this like 10 years ago and remembered enjoying, but forgot everything about it. It was a nice little read to just sit and read in a day. I had definitely forgot the ending, so it got me a bit.

[Karley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the book but Lisa never really liked him she was hesitant

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ever. It's up there with P.S. I Love You and Me Before You!

[Brenda Duel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author! She breaks your heart in record time!!!

[ZMF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome build up, but a little bit too quick of an ending for my taste!

[Brandy Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my many favorites from this author. She was actually my very first favorite author

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

I mean, just look at that cover. How could I resist reading this one?

[Robin Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay. The secondary characters were more likable and interesting. I would've liked to read more about them. The mother was annoying.