All That Remains

by Bruce Brooks

A Newbery Honor author provides a diverse collection of three tales for young adults about teens and the way they cope with tragedy, loss, and change. 12,500 first printing.

Genres: Short Stories, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

About the author

Bruce Brooks (born September 23, 1950) is an American author of young adult and children's literature. He was born in Washington D.C., but spent most of his time growing up in North Carolina as a result of parents' being divorced. Although divorce is never easy for a child, Brooks credits moving around a lot between the two locations with making him a keen observer of social situations. Switching schools often and having to make new friends evolved his ability to tell good stories. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1972, and the Iowa Writers' Workshop in 1980. Before earning a living as a writer, Brooks had worked as a letterpress operator and a journalist for magazines and newspapers. Brooks has reported a very diverse list of influences, like Charles Dickens, Henry James, P.G. Wodehouse and Raymond Chandler. Brooks has three sons: Alex, 23, Spencer, 15, and Drake, 1. He lives with his wife Ginee Seo in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Reviews

[SraPanadera]

It was ok. I mostly kept thinking of the cousin and their dying aunt and how the aunt's partner would have to move after they hurled the deer guts into the bar--no way those rednecks were going to let her live in peace after that. Also really liked Bobby and Hank.

[Lydia]

This book was...wow. I can't say that the author isn't rather morbid, I can't say that he portrays homosexuality truthfully, and I can't say that his characters are very nice, but I can say that I really enjoyed the last of the three stories and reading it made up for how much i disliked the first and second.
The first is about two teenagers whose aunt passes away and they along with Aunt Judith's "partner" decide to honour her last wish by having her cremated. It's very odd, random, and overall it's just ok. (All that Remains)
The second short story is very mediocre as well and while it's a good portrayal of how different people's like sand dislikes effect their actions, it is rather pointless and I even skipped some of it's mid-section. I guess I just didn't appreciate Hank as a normal person and Bobby as a...guy with issues. (playing the creeps)
The third story-oh the third story, was soooo much better!The main character is struggling with a burden that I believe we can all identify with and the three other characters relieve her of it in a way that convinces us of their true care. It also must be said that golfing was a very unique backdrop for the story. (teeing up)
I would say read the last one but unless you have nothing else to read, the other two are a waste.

[Linda Lipko]

This book consists of three stories relating to grief and those left behind. It was a quick read and worth the time spent. Cousins help their aunt's partner provide a proper burial after their aunt dies of aids. Dealing with a redneck, judgmental town isn't easy, but these young adults find a way to honor their beloved aunt's wishes while developing renewed respect for her partner.

An incredibly immature, self absorbed young man makes a promise to a dying uncle. In reluctantly helping his effeminate cousin navigate his way through macho bully land, the lessons learned by the begrudging young man are invaluable.

When a young spunky girl insists on joining three boys in a game of golf, together, the team helps the girl move along in life after the death of her father.

[Sarah]

Three different stories related to death. The first focuses on two cousins, their aunt's death and her burial. Since the aunt died from AIDs, the state will not allow her to be buried in a typical cemetery. The family is to send her to the proper place, but they grapple with following their aunt's wishes or following the law. The second story addresses a young man's ability to fulfill his uncle's dying wish, by being there for his cousin. The last story addresses a young woman's ability to let go and heal.

These stories were quick reads. The author relates the issues addressed in this book to issues that were important during the time of the publication. Some of these issues are still relevant, while others make this book feel dated.

[Angela]

Couldn't connect with the characters and didn't get to know them well which is warrants the rating.

[Katie]

I just couldn't do it. It wasn't grabbing my attention for something this short.

[Morgan Pierson]

I thought this book was really good I do recommend this book to people because it was really really good.It had a very interesting story line it combined three differnt stories to it.This book was intersting and I thought it was fun to read.

[Cassidy Stokes]

This was a ment to be an insprational book but was way to slow paced. I could barley make it through the first story, let alone all three. The most interesting one is the third one, though even it is spoiled whenthe autor gives away way to soon what the girls backpack was carrying.

[Aisha7c]

i pick this book because the title hit me when i read it.It talking about these two girl going to school and stuff that happens

[Toni]

Three short novellas, all on the subject of death. Interesting but not that great. A very short read - good for reading after a long novel. A very non-descript young adult book.

[Cheyenne]

this book had so much meaning to it. i really love the way the characters behaved. definitely in the last story.these are books of hope and character

[Mona]

This is a book that contains 3 short stories that are related to the teenagers life.I encourage you to read this book because it helps to know that everyone has problems and struggles in his life.

[Michael O'Hearn]

These were inventive, thoughtful stories. Were there parts I did not like or not quite believe? Yes. But they were well-written stories and I enjoyed them.

[Colleen]

Good short stories. Males you think about real life and what you would do in those situations of life and death and ethical thinking. Hits the mark for younger readers

[Kat Ice]

This is three different short stories about getting over hard things in life. The stories are not ones you would really think of but they were good.

[Jasmine Le Blanc]

confusing and sad

[Magda]

Somewhat interesting ideas, somewhat well done... but lacking something, I think.

[Ashley]

#132
Borrowed from library.

FS:

LS:

[macee]

2.5

[Phillip]

3.25 stars

[David]

A YA book dealing with grief -- but in a pretty contrived, smartassed way, I thought.