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Where Was Goodbye?
A teen girl searches for closure after her brother dies by suicide in this breathtaking novel for “fans of Erika L. Sánchez’s I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and Sarah Everett’s How to Live without You” (Booklist, starred review).
Karmen is about to start her last year of high school, but it’s only been six weeks since her brother, Julian, died by suicide. How is she supposed to focus on school when huge questions Why is Julian gone? How could she have missed seeing his pain? Could she have helped him?
When a blowup at school gets Karmen sent home for a few weeks, life gets more things between her parents are tenser than ever, her best friend’s acting like a stranger, and her search to understand why Julian died keeps coming up empty.
New friend Pru both baffles and comforts Karmen, and there might finally be something happening with her crush, Isaiah, but does she have time for either, or are they just more distractions? Will she ever understand Julian’s struggle and tragedy? If not, can she love—and live—again?
Karmen is about to start her last year of high school, but it’s only been six weeks since her brother, Julian, died by suicide. How is she supposed to focus on school when huge questions Why is Julian gone? How could she have missed seeing his pain? Could she have helped him?
When a blowup at school gets Karmen sent home for a few weeks, life gets more things between her parents are tenser than ever, her best friend’s acting like a stranger, and her search to understand why Julian died keeps coming up empty.
New friend Pru both baffles and comforts Karmen, and there might finally be something happening with her crush, Isaiah, but does she have time for either, or are they just more distractions? Will she ever understand Julian’s struggle and tragedy? If not, can she love—and live—again?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2024
About the author
Janice Lynn Mather
6 books51 followersJanice Lynn Mather is a Bahamian writer with an MFA from the University of British Columbia. Her first novel, Learning to Breathe, was a Governor General’s Literary Award finalist, a BC Book Prize finalist, shortlisted for the 2019 CCBC Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, an Amelia Bloomer’s Top Ten Recommended Feminist Books for Young Readers pick, and a Junior Library Guild selection. Facing the Sun is her second novel for young adults. Janice Lynn lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her family and a growing collection of dust bunnies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 3, 2024
Janice Lyn-Mather tackles a very difficult topic, but one that is necessary
In Where Was Goodbye? Karmen, a teenage seeks to get closure after her brother dies by suicide. Her seemly perfect family crumbles under the weight of the guilt and grief. Karmen retraces her brother final days to get some insight on what happened? Could she have done anything? Was it her fault? Were there signs?
This is a really a book about grief and searching for answers and I think the author did a great job of taking us into the world of a teen who is struggling and seeking answers.
In Where Was Goodbye? Karmen, a teenage seeks to get closure after her brother dies by suicide. Her seemly perfect family crumbles under the weight of the guilt and grief. Karmen retraces her brother final days to get some insight on what happened? Could she have done anything? Was it her fault? Were there signs?
This is a really a book about grief and searching for answers and I think the author did a great job of taking us into the world of a teen who is struggling and seeking answers.
May 9, 2024
3.5 stars
(I am a Bahamian book reviewer)
The language - I'm speaking to Bahamian Creole with grammar, syntax, and spelling - could have had more depth. I would have liked to see Karmen's inner monologue be less proper English. The sentences that were in Bahamian Creole were like a soft brush of silk on the brain. I would have liked to see more phonetic (?) spelling eg. een/ein for aint. I (of course) want more Bahamian Creole in my Bahamian books in general. My desire is for Bahamian authors to more fully embrace the use of it, especially in fiction works. Now speaking to the actual writing style of Mather - it is honestly not my favorite. It reads easy. However it is not memorable.
It warms my heart to hear familiar names and places spoken in a text. I think about the way fiction can utilize the live reality of the writer. I adored the fact that Julien was a history major and that he wrote about Liberated African communities on New Providence. That is an actual historical fact! It tickled my historian's brain.
The characters mention during a conversation that young girls who are missing are often seen as 'quick' and hiding off with 'big man.' It's true to this day that that is the preconceived notion of most Bahamian people when presented with missing flyers of young girls. It is such a shame that the emphasis of shame is placed on the disadvantaged young women and not the predatory men. I like that Mather is bringing this everyday discourse into literature.
Karmen, and I would say her mother too, were the only fully developed characters in the story. Everyone else played their role to move the plot along. They were just narrative devices. I can't put my finger on how Mather could flesh them out more, I just know they need it. Karmen's mother became more alive in the novel the more Karmen interacted with her.
I enjoyed the romance. I love a good friends-to-lovers trope. I thought it fit well with the plot, especially when we get the flashbacks before the suicide. I'm a fan of Karmen and Issac. I liked Pru as well. I thought she added a lot to the plot and book depth overall. Mather could have built the friendship between Karmen and Layla up more before giving us negative thoughts about Layla. It made me not like Layla at all. I felt sad that their friendship was not the same toward the end of the book. I reflected on my personal experiences with friends.
Grief and loss is a constant theme throughout the book. In one particular scene, I almost cried like a baby; I did tear up. I found it odd (up to a point) that so many people would know about the circumstances of Julien's death. However after it's revealed the method Julien used to die, it made more sense. It would have been all over the news.
Skating being a part of 'counter-culture' in The Bahamas was very very interesting to me. Honestly, I do not know many skateboarders at home so it is a blank in my mind. I need to do more research on it. At the end of the novel, there are suicide and crisis hotlines for the US, Canada, AND The Bahamas. I just love that.
A quick read with a lot of punch in it.
(I am a Bahamian book reviewer)
Julian is nowhere
Julian is everywhere
Julian is not here"
The language - I'm speaking to Bahamian Creole with grammar, syntax, and spelling - could have had more depth. I would have liked to see Karmen's inner monologue be less proper English. The sentences that were in Bahamian Creole were like a soft brush of silk on the brain. I would have liked to see more phonetic (?) spelling eg. een/ein for aint. I (of course) want more Bahamian Creole in my Bahamian books in general. My desire is for Bahamian authors to more fully embrace the use of it, especially in fiction works. Now speaking to the actual writing style of Mather - it is honestly not my favorite. It reads easy. However it is not memorable.
It warms my heart to hear familiar names and places spoken in a text. I think about the way fiction can utilize the live reality of the writer. I adored the fact that Julien was a history major and that he wrote about Liberated African communities on New Providence. That is an actual historical fact! It tickled my historian's brain.
The characters mention during a conversation that young girls who are missing are often seen as 'quick' and hiding off with 'big man.' It's true to this day that that is the preconceived notion of most Bahamian people when presented with missing flyers of young girls. It is such a shame that the emphasis of shame is placed on the disadvantaged young women and not the predatory men. I like that Mather is bringing this everyday discourse into literature.
Karmen, and I would say her mother too, were the only fully developed characters in the story. Everyone else played their role to move the plot along. They were just narrative devices. I can't put my finger on how Mather could flesh them out more, I just know they need it. Karmen's mother became more alive in the novel the more Karmen interacted with her.
I enjoyed the romance. I love a good friends-to-lovers trope. I thought it fit well with the plot, especially when we get the flashbacks before the suicide. I'm a fan of Karmen and Issac. I liked Pru as well. I thought she added a lot to the plot and book depth overall. Mather could have built the friendship between Karmen and Layla up more before giving us negative thoughts about Layla. It made me not like Layla at all. I felt sad that their friendship was not the same toward the end of the book. I reflected on my personal experiences with friends.
Grief and loss is a constant theme throughout the book. In one particular scene, I almost cried like a baby; I did tear up. I found it odd (up to a point) that so many people would know about the circumstances of Julien's death. However after it's revealed the method Julien used to die, it made more sense. It would have been all over the news.
Skating being a part of 'counter-culture' in The Bahamas was very very interesting to me. Honestly, I do not know many skateboarders at home so it is a blank in my mind. I need to do more research on it. At the end of the novel, there are suicide and crisis hotlines for the US, Canada, AND The Bahamas. I just love that.
A quick read with a lot of punch in it.
June 23, 2024
Immaculate. Chef’s kiss.
April 30, 2024
Heartbreaking. A really tough novel that touches on the sensitive topic of suicide and mental health.
The characters were so raw and real they could easily be anyone. The depth of emotion and struggle that was portrayed in the story wasn’t sensationalized or done in any kind of harmful way but more understanding and real.
The book offered understanding and resources that are helpful for anyone who is struggling with not only their own issues but perhaps even trying to understand someone else’s like Karmen trying to understand her brother’s decision.
This wasn’t an easy read but it was heartfelt, heartbreaking and so real.
Thank you to the author and Simon and Schuster for a copy of the book!
The characters were so raw and real they could easily be anyone. The depth of emotion and struggle that was portrayed in the story wasn’t sensationalized or done in any kind of harmful way but more understanding and real.
The book offered understanding and resources that are helpful for anyone who is struggling with not only their own issues but perhaps even trying to understand someone else’s like Karmen trying to understand her brother’s decision.
This wasn’t an easy read but it was heartfelt, heartbreaking and so real.
Thank you to the author and Simon and Schuster for a copy of the book!
May 1, 2024
3.5🌟
The cover on this book is beautiful!! This book is raw and heavy and real! It deals with everyday grief after the passing of a close family member and absolutely does not shy away from this topic. There is a very sensitive topic addressed, so please check out the trigger warnings and read if/when you're in a space to handle said topic. I will say that the writing style was a little choppy and took some getting used to. I appreciate that this story was told from the teenage perspective and that the author did not try to pretty-up characters' experiences. This book definitely put me in my feelings and is a reminder to cherish our loved ones while treating them with grace and care. You never know the internal battles a person confronts every day regardless of how wonderful and in-tact life looks like from the outside. Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the eArc of this book.
The cover on this book is beautiful!! This book is raw and heavy and real! It deals with everyday grief after the passing of a close family member and absolutely does not shy away from this topic. There is a very sensitive topic addressed, so please check out the trigger warnings and read if/when you're in a space to handle said topic. I will say that the writing style was a little choppy and took some getting used to. I appreciate that this story was told from the teenage perspective and that the author did not try to pretty-up characters' experiences. This book definitely put me in my feelings and is a reminder to cherish our loved ones while treating them with grace and care. You never know the internal battles a person confronts every day regardless of how wonderful and in-tact life looks like from the outside. Thank you to @netgalley and @simonandschuster for the eArc of this book.
December 31, 2023
I need at least three business days to recover from this
April 6, 2025
a true and honest depiction of grief
April 15, 2024
Where Was Goodbye? by Janice Lynn Mather Arc Review.
Trigger Warning: Contains references to mental health and suicide.
Karmen begins her final year of high school following the sudden death of her brother Julian only six weeks earlier. Karmen’s parents are struggling. Her therapist mother has withdrawn and is isolating herself to cope. Her father is determined to return to normal and believes the solution to grief is routine and avoidance. Karmen is left with questions. Why? Why did Julian end his life? What signs did she and her family miss? Could they have saved him?
In order to move forward Karmen is determined to learn what went wrong, to understand Julian fully. But the people closest to her don’t seem to support her need for clarity and want her to grieve their way. When an incident at school sends Karmen home for a while, tensions rise with her parents and also with her best friend Layla.
In the weeks that follow, Karmen follows Julian’s steps in search for answers, she finds comfort and frustration with a new friend Pru, and her crush Isaiah. But will she find the answers she’s looking for or lose herself in the process?
Where Was Goodbye is a thoughtful exploration about unanswered questions, unexpected death, and the unrelenting question of why. It’s also about how people, even within the same family, handle grief differently.
Janice Lynn Mather artfully weaves Karmen’s memories with the present. The writing is emotional and exquisite. I highly recommend this haunting and important read.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Janice Lynn Mather for the Arc paperback copy. The book is available on April 30, 2024.
Trigger Warning: Contains references to mental health and suicide.
Karmen begins her final year of high school following the sudden death of her brother Julian only six weeks earlier. Karmen’s parents are struggling. Her therapist mother has withdrawn and is isolating herself to cope. Her father is determined to return to normal and believes the solution to grief is routine and avoidance. Karmen is left with questions. Why? Why did Julian end his life? What signs did she and her family miss? Could they have saved him?
In order to move forward Karmen is determined to learn what went wrong, to understand Julian fully. But the people closest to her don’t seem to support her need for clarity and want her to grieve their way. When an incident at school sends Karmen home for a while, tensions rise with her parents and also with her best friend Layla.
In the weeks that follow, Karmen follows Julian’s steps in search for answers, she finds comfort and frustration with a new friend Pru, and her crush Isaiah. But will she find the answers she’s looking for or lose herself in the process?
Where Was Goodbye is a thoughtful exploration about unanswered questions, unexpected death, and the unrelenting question of why. It’s also about how people, even within the same family, handle grief differently.
Janice Lynn Mather artfully weaves Karmen’s memories with the present. The writing is emotional and exquisite. I highly recommend this haunting and important read.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Janice Lynn Mather for the Arc paperback copy. The book is available on April 30, 2024.
May 1, 2024
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for an advanced physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's officially out TODAY!
Karmen and her parents are struggling to find a new "normal" after losing her brother Julian to suicide less than two months before. She wants to understand how he was feeling, and she is willing to explore any possible avenue to get the answers she's looking for.
This emotional young adult novel is set in the Bahamas, which first of all was refreshing to see as a setting for this type of story, and not a vacation story. I was born and raised in Bermuda, and though they aren't exactly the same, I noticed some similarities between the culture and the way mental health and mental illness are approached. It hurt but it also felt necessary - to draw attention to the fact that people die by suicide in places other than Canada, the USA, and the UK (seems obvious, but how often do you see mental illness depicted in fiction outside of these settings?).
This story handles these heavy topics well, but they are still heavy. Proceed with caution to potential triggers: mental illness, suicidal ideation, death by suicide, and grief.
Karmen and her parents are struggling to find a new "normal" after losing her brother Julian to suicide less than two months before. She wants to understand how he was feeling, and she is willing to explore any possible avenue to get the answers she's looking for.
This emotional young adult novel is set in the Bahamas, which first of all was refreshing to see as a setting for this type of story, and not a vacation story. I was born and raised in Bermuda, and though they aren't exactly the same, I noticed some similarities between the culture and the way mental health and mental illness are approached. It hurt but it also felt necessary - to draw attention to the fact that people die by suicide in places other than Canada, the USA, and the UK (seems obvious, but how often do you see mental illness depicted in fiction outside of these settings?).
This story handles these heavy topics well, but they are still heavy. Proceed with caution to potential triggers: mental illness, suicidal ideation, death by suicide, and grief.
May 18, 2024
"Where Was Goodbye?" by Janice Lynn Mather is an unforgettable young adult novel that delves deep into the harrowing aftermath of suicide. Karmen, a high school senior, is left grappling with the loss of her brother, Julian, to suicide just six weeks before her final year begins. As she navigates the tumultuous waves of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, Mather’s poignant storytelling offers readers a raw and authentic portrayal of coping with unimaginable loss. With new friendships and potential romance on the horizon, Karmen's journey is a powerful exploration of love, life, and the search for understanding.
Plot Summary
Karmen is about to start her last year of high school, but the shadow of her brother Julian's recent suicide looms large over her life. It's only been six weeks since Julian's death, and Karmen is struggling with the huge, unanswerable questions: Why is Julian gone? How could she have missed his pain? Could she have helped him? These questions aren't just about finding closure; they're about Karmen trying to find her own footing in a world that feels shattered.
A blowup at school gets her sent home for a few weeks, adding to her already complex life. Her parents are on edge, their marriage strained by grief. Her best friend seems like a stranger, and Karmen's quest to understand Julian's death keeps hitting dead ends. Amidst this chaos, new friend Pru enters her life, offering both bafflement and comfort. Meanwhile, there might be something brewing with her long-time crush, Isaiah, but Karmen isn't sure if she can handle these new dynamics or if they're just distractions from her overwhelming grief.
Themes and Emotional Depth
"Where Was Goodbye?" isn't just a story about dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide; it's a profound exploration of grief, guilt, and the journey towards healing. Mather doesn't shy away from the tough questions and emotions. Instead, she embraces them, presenting them through Karmen's raw and honest perspective. This approach makes the novel incredibly relatable for anyone who's ever grappled with loss, particularly the devastating, incomprehensible loss of a loved one to suicide.
One of the standout aspects of Mather's storytelling is her ability to capture the nuances of grief. Karmen's feelings of guilt, confusion, and anger are palpable. Her journey isn't linear; it's a series of ups and downs, moments of clarity followed by bouts of despair. This realistic portrayal of grief makes "Where Was Goodbye?" a powerful tool for readers who may be dealing with similar experiences, offering a sense of understanding and solidarity.
Character Development
Karmen's character is beautifully developed, making her pain and growth deeply resonant. Her struggle to find answers about Julian's death is heart-wrenching, yet her gradual realization that some questions may never be answered is portrayed with great sensitivity. Karmen’s interactions with Pru and Isaiah add layers to her character, showing her capacity for connection even in her darkest times. Pru, in particular, stands out as a character who is both mysterious and comforting, embodying the idea that new relationships can emerge from the ashes of tragedy.
Writing Style
Janice Lynn Mather's writing is nothing short of lyrical. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace is impressive. The narrative flows smoothly, drawing readers into Karmen's world and keeping them engaged from start to finish. Mather's descriptions are vivid, her dialogue authentic, and her pacing perfect. This combination ensures that readers are not just passive observers but active participants in Karmen's journey.
A Personal Connection
For those of us who've experienced the ripple effects of suicide in our own lives, "Where Was Goodbye?" hits close to home. As someone who witnessed a friend's family go through the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide, I found this book incredibly moving. It brought back memories of the unanswered questions, the what-ifs, and the profound sense of loss that lingers long after the initial shock. Mather's novel is a reminder that while the pain never fully disappears, it's possible to find moments of light and connection amid the darkness.
Conclusion
"Where Was Goodbye?" is a must-read for anyone grappling with the loss of a loved one to suicide or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of grief. It's a poignant, beautifully written novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Janice Lynn Mather has crafted an unforgettable story that not only highlights the importance of mental health awareness but also offers a message of hope and resilience. So, keep that box of tissues handy, and dive into this remarkable tale—it's a journey worth taking.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me this moving and insightful book for an honest review. To share this powerful story with more readers, I’m hosting a giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a copy of "Where Was Goodbye?" and experience Karmen’s journey of healing and hope. To enter visit my blog: https://www.kimsbookreviewsandwriting... (This giveaway ends on June 30, 2024)
Plot Summary
Karmen is about to start her last year of high school, but the shadow of her brother Julian's recent suicide looms large over her life. It's only been six weeks since Julian's death, and Karmen is struggling with the huge, unanswerable questions: Why is Julian gone? How could she have missed his pain? Could she have helped him? These questions aren't just about finding closure; they're about Karmen trying to find her own footing in a world that feels shattered.
A blowup at school gets her sent home for a few weeks, adding to her already complex life. Her parents are on edge, their marriage strained by grief. Her best friend seems like a stranger, and Karmen's quest to understand Julian's death keeps hitting dead ends. Amidst this chaos, new friend Pru enters her life, offering both bafflement and comfort. Meanwhile, there might be something brewing with her long-time crush, Isaiah, but Karmen isn't sure if she can handle these new dynamics or if they're just distractions from her overwhelming grief.
Themes and Emotional Depth
"Where Was Goodbye?" isn't just a story about dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide; it's a profound exploration of grief, guilt, and the journey towards healing. Mather doesn't shy away from the tough questions and emotions. Instead, she embraces them, presenting them through Karmen's raw and honest perspective. This approach makes the novel incredibly relatable for anyone who's ever grappled with loss, particularly the devastating, incomprehensible loss of a loved one to suicide.
One of the standout aspects of Mather's storytelling is her ability to capture the nuances of grief. Karmen's feelings of guilt, confusion, and anger are palpable. Her journey isn't linear; it's a series of ups and downs, moments of clarity followed by bouts of despair. This realistic portrayal of grief makes "Where Was Goodbye?" a powerful tool for readers who may be dealing with similar experiences, offering a sense of understanding and solidarity.
Character Development
Karmen's character is beautifully developed, making her pain and growth deeply resonant. Her struggle to find answers about Julian's death is heart-wrenching, yet her gradual realization that some questions may never be answered is portrayed with great sensitivity. Karmen’s interactions with Pru and Isaiah add layers to her character, showing her capacity for connection even in her darkest times. Pru, in particular, stands out as a character who is both mysterious and comforting, embodying the idea that new relationships can emerge from the ashes of tragedy.
Writing Style
Janice Lynn Mather's writing is nothing short of lyrical. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace is impressive. The narrative flows smoothly, drawing readers into Karmen's world and keeping them engaged from start to finish. Mather's descriptions are vivid, her dialogue authentic, and her pacing perfect. This combination ensures that readers are not just passive observers but active participants in Karmen's journey.
A Personal Connection
For those of us who've experienced the ripple effects of suicide in our own lives, "Where Was Goodbye?" hits close to home. As someone who witnessed a friend's family go through the unimaginable pain of losing a child to suicide, I found this book incredibly moving. It brought back memories of the unanswered questions, the what-ifs, and the profound sense of loss that lingers long after the initial shock. Mather's novel is a reminder that while the pain never fully disappears, it's possible to find moments of light and connection amid the darkness.
Conclusion
"Where Was Goodbye?" is a must-read for anyone grappling with the loss of a loved one to suicide or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of grief. It's a poignant, beautifully written novel that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Janice Lynn Mather has crafted an unforgettable story that not only highlights the importance of mental health awareness but also offers a message of hope and resilience. So, keep that box of tissues handy, and dive into this remarkable tale—it's a journey worth taking.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me this moving and insightful book for an honest review. To share this powerful story with more readers, I’m hosting a giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a copy of "Where Was Goodbye?" and experience Karmen’s journey of healing and hope. To enter visit my blog: https://www.kimsbookreviewsandwriting... (This giveaway ends on June 30, 2024)
October 4, 2023
ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central
Karmen's family is reeling in the wake of the death by suicide of her older brother, Julian six weeks ago. Julian was living at home, and enrolled in the local college in Nassau, The Bahamas, that their father is also attending. Her father is coping by working extra hard and being away from home, but her mother, who is a therapist, is rarely getting out of bed and isn't consulting with any of her patience. Karmen has to start her senior year of high school, and can't make sense of what has happened. Going back the first day, she is glad to see her friend Layla, but has a panic attack. It doesn't help that a teacher announces to her whole class what has happened, and calls on them to support her. The students seem to do just the opposite, asking intrusive questions, and in one instance, wanting her to be interviewed for a local news show. News crews still hang out by the school, further intruding into her grief. Karmen does see Dr. Rhonda to process her grief, but is not helped by the fact that Julian's room is kept as a shrine and his shoes are still left on the shoe rack in the hallway. Karmen becomes obsessed with finding out why her brother did what he did, and starts to interview people at the college, as well as people with whom he skateboarded. It's interesting that the police blamed his death on his involvement with the "counter culture" of skateboarding, but realistic that they don't really investigate much. At the college, the professors tell her that they can't divulge personal information, although she knows that her brother was on academic probation. The students are warned against talking to her. As her obsession deepens, Karmen starts wearing Julian's clothing, skateboarding, and twice in one day takes off and doesn't let her worried parents know where she will be. The only steadying influence in her life is Layla's brother, Isaiah, who helps here investigate but also watches out for her and tries to get her to go back to being involved in her previous activities, like attending the church youth group. When Karmen discovers that her mother had been keeping notes on Julian's mental state for five years, she starts to realize that there were a lot of clues to Julian's mental state that she missed. How will she find a way to go on without her beloved brother, or without the answers she so desperately craves?
Karmen's need for answers is understandable, and she is haunted by the phrase she hears after an unpleasant incident "At least no one died." Her family's reactions read like a textbook description of the various ways to cope with this kind of loss. The father throws himself into work, the mother descends into an immovable depression herself, and Karmen exhibits alarming behaviors that endanger herself as she acts out in reaction. It was good to see that Karmen had a therapist and is encouraged to attend a group; it would have been interesting to see if the parents did as well.
Perhaps things are different in The Bahamas, but in the US it would have seemed unusual for such attention to be paid to Karmen in school. Even with the increased attention on suicide prevention (with organizations like The Hope Squad), students who suffer this kind of loss are usually largely ignored by school staff, and fellow classmates would think it rude to ask anything more than "Are you doing okay today"?
There are no shortages of Young Adult Books about suicide, and readers can find many popular titles including Green's 2005 Looking for Alaska, Vizzini's 2006 It's Kind of a Funny Story, Asher's 2007 Thirteen Reasons Why, Niven's 2015 All the Bright Places, Belanger's 2018 The History of Jane Doe, and Lawson's 2020 The Lucky Ones. Where Was Goodbye stands out because of the Bahamian setting.
I'm not sure how much research Mather did before writing this, but most of the situations seem to be derived from the common perceptions of suicides. I still think it is insulting to portray parents as unable to get out of bed, and as failing to care for remaining children. Instead of the phrase "At least nobody died", I think more survivors of suicides in families say to themselves "People die every day". I realize that not everyone embraces that somewhat callous attitude, but every person is different. This is just one story.
Karmen's family is reeling in the wake of the death by suicide of her older brother, Julian six weeks ago. Julian was living at home, and enrolled in the local college in Nassau, The Bahamas, that their father is also attending. Her father is coping by working extra hard and being away from home, but her mother, who is a therapist, is rarely getting out of bed and isn't consulting with any of her patience. Karmen has to start her senior year of high school, and can't make sense of what has happened. Going back the first day, she is glad to see her friend Layla, but has a panic attack. It doesn't help that a teacher announces to her whole class what has happened, and calls on them to support her. The students seem to do just the opposite, asking intrusive questions, and in one instance, wanting her to be interviewed for a local news show. News crews still hang out by the school, further intruding into her grief. Karmen does see Dr. Rhonda to process her grief, but is not helped by the fact that Julian's room is kept as a shrine and his shoes are still left on the shoe rack in the hallway. Karmen becomes obsessed with finding out why her brother did what he did, and starts to interview people at the college, as well as people with whom he skateboarded. It's interesting that the police blamed his death on his involvement with the "counter culture" of skateboarding, but realistic that they don't really investigate much. At the college, the professors tell her that they can't divulge personal information, although she knows that her brother was on academic probation. The students are warned against talking to her. As her obsession deepens, Karmen starts wearing Julian's clothing, skateboarding, and twice in one day takes off and doesn't let her worried parents know where she will be. The only steadying influence in her life is Layla's brother, Isaiah, who helps here investigate but also watches out for her and tries to get her to go back to being involved in her previous activities, like attending the church youth group. When Karmen discovers that her mother had been keeping notes on Julian's mental state for five years, she starts to realize that there were a lot of clues to Julian's mental state that she missed. How will she find a way to go on without her beloved brother, or without the answers she so desperately craves?
Karmen's need for answers is understandable, and she is haunted by the phrase she hears after an unpleasant incident "At least no one died." Her family's reactions read like a textbook description of the various ways to cope with this kind of loss. The father throws himself into work, the mother descends into an immovable depression herself, and Karmen exhibits alarming behaviors that endanger herself as she acts out in reaction. It was good to see that Karmen had a therapist and is encouraged to attend a group; it would have been interesting to see if the parents did as well.
Perhaps things are different in The Bahamas, but in the US it would have seemed unusual for such attention to be paid to Karmen in school. Even with the increased attention on suicide prevention (with organizations like The Hope Squad), students who suffer this kind of loss are usually largely ignored by school staff, and fellow classmates would think it rude to ask anything more than "Are you doing okay today"?
There are no shortages of Young Adult Books about suicide, and readers can find many popular titles including Green's 2005 Looking for Alaska, Vizzini's 2006 It's Kind of a Funny Story, Asher's 2007 Thirteen Reasons Why, Niven's 2015 All the Bright Places, Belanger's 2018 The History of Jane Doe, and Lawson's 2020 The Lucky Ones. Where Was Goodbye stands out because of the Bahamian setting.
I'm not sure how much research Mather did before writing this, but most of the situations seem to be derived from the common perceptions of suicides. I still think it is insulting to portray parents as unable to get out of bed, and as failing to care for remaining children. Instead of the phrase "At least nobody died", I think more survivors of suicides in families say to themselves "People die every day". I realize that not everyone embraces that somewhat callous attitude, but every person is different. This is just one story.
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May 13, 2024“Where Was Goodbye” is the first novel I’ve read by Janice Lynn Mather and based on how much I enjoyed this novel, I want to go back and read her first two novels. Where Was Goodbye is a rich story that is full of so many meaningful themes as we journey with Karmen who is trying to make sense of her brother’s suicide. What I feel like this novel does best is show how the variety of ways people respond to grief and how relationships can grow and change based on that grief.
The bulk of the story takes over a short span of time, about a week and a half, and boy does Karmen go through a lot. Her family is still deeply grieving her brother Julian’s death, but her father has decided that with her senior year of school starting, the family should be working towards normal. Unfortunately Karmen is clearly not ready and on her second day of school has an incident that sends her home. This sends Karmen on a journey to attempt to get into her brother’s head and figure out why he chose to end his life. I actually felt for Karmen because she was clearly feeling guilty about not figuring out something was wrong with her brother, and this guilt was displayed by decisions that were probably not very healthy. Her relationship with her best friend, Layla, becomes strained as Karmen desperately wants to be treated normally but Layla is that “well-meaning” person whose attempts at comfort actually hurt more. She’s at odds with her father because he thinks she should be back to normal, not realizing how Karmen is forever changed by the death. Karmen’s mother is so mired in her own grief that she is missing the grief of her daughter. All of the usual supports that Karmen would have had fail her and she is left to find her own, and her idea is to learn more about her brother’s inner thoughts. I actually liked this part of the story as I understand how sometimes what you need to heal is answers and even though you may never get the answer you need, the journey itself is healing. Through looking for her brother she learns how much he was loved at the History department he belong to at his university; she learned he had written an article and was published; and learned about who he was to his friends. This search for her brother, knowing him, and accepting the secret parts of him that she didn’t know helped her find her voice to ask for the help she really needed.
In addition to traveling with Karmen in her journey to find her brother, Mather includes flashbacks throughout the story to moments with Karmen and her brother. I absolutely loved most of those moments because it fleshed out Karmen’s relationship with her brother for the reader, rather than the relationship being told to us. They little jokes they had, the way they mischievously worked together at times, really showed how much Karmen is hurting and made me really connect with her.
“Where Was Goodbye” is a beautiful novel that is all about relationships and how one act can change everything. It deals with the ones who are left behind and how they move to heal.
The bulk of the story takes over a short span of time, about a week and a half, and boy does Karmen go through a lot. Her family is still deeply grieving her brother Julian’s death, but her father has decided that with her senior year of school starting, the family should be working towards normal. Unfortunately Karmen is clearly not ready and on her second day of school has an incident that sends her home. This sends Karmen on a journey to attempt to get into her brother’s head and figure out why he chose to end his life. I actually felt for Karmen because she was clearly feeling guilty about not figuring out something was wrong with her brother, and this guilt was displayed by decisions that were probably not very healthy. Her relationship with her best friend, Layla, becomes strained as Karmen desperately wants to be treated normally but Layla is that “well-meaning” person whose attempts at comfort actually hurt more. She’s at odds with her father because he thinks she should be back to normal, not realizing how Karmen is forever changed by the death. Karmen’s mother is so mired in her own grief that she is missing the grief of her daughter. All of the usual supports that Karmen would have had fail her and she is left to find her own, and her idea is to learn more about her brother’s inner thoughts. I actually liked this part of the story as I understand how sometimes what you need to heal is answers and even though you may never get the answer you need, the journey itself is healing. Through looking for her brother she learns how much he was loved at the History department he belong to at his university; she learned he had written an article and was published; and learned about who he was to his friends. This search for her brother, knowing him, and accepting the secret parts of him that she didn’t know helped her find her voice to ask for the help she really needed.
In addition to traveling with Karmen in her journey to find her brother, Mather includes flashbacks throughout the story to moments with Karmen and her brother. I absolutely loved most of those moments because it fleshed out Karmen’s relationship with her brother for the reader, rather than the relationship being told to us. They little jokes they had, the way they mischievously worked together at times, really showed how much Karmen is hurting and made me really connect with her.
“Where Was Goodbye” is a beautiful novel that is all about relationships and how one act can change everything. It deals with the ones who are left behind and how they move to heal.
March 19, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Where Was Goodbye?" by Janice Lynn Mather takes you on a journey through grief, loss, and the search for understanding in the aftermath of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of The Bahamas, the book follows Karmen as she grapples with the devastating suicide of her older brother, Julian. Before reading this book, I highly recommend looking over content warnings as this book discusses some dark themes, such as depression.
Mather's storytelling navigates the complexities of grief, offering a raw and honest portrayal of Karmen's emotional turmoil; Karmen’s emotions felt raw and authentic throughout the entire book as well as how she was able to learn from this grief. From her mother's immobilizing sorrow to her father's attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy, each character's response to loss is a reminder of the individuality of grief. However, I will note that her parents’ actions and dialogue were a bit unrealistic as if they were caricatures of those who are grieving; their responses were just a bit too stereotypical, though this book is from Karmen’s POV and how she perceives their actions, so their depiction may be a bit unreliable.
Karmen's desperate quest for answers propels the story forward, leading her to delve into Julian's life in search of clues. As she unravels the mysteries surrounding her brother's death, Karmen confronts her own demons and struggles to find a way to move forward without him. The focus on Karmen’s grief and learning to move on was the strongest part of the book. The emotional depth just pulled me in and didn’t want to let me go. I especially liked the portrayal of grief's impact on relationships. Isaiah, a supporting character, was my favorite due to his sweetness and supportiveness.
Overall, "Where Was Goodbye?" offers a powerful exploration of grief and resilience, shedding light on the often-silenced experiences of those left behind by suicide. Mather's book serves as a reminder of the healing power of storytelling in the face of unimaginable loss.
"Where Was Goodbye?" by Janice Lynn Mather takes you on a journey through grief, loss, and the search for understanding in the aftermath of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of The Bahamas, the book follows Karmen as she grapples with the devastating suicide of her older brother, Julian. Before reading this book, I highly recommend looking over content warnings as this book discusses some dark themes, such as depression.
Mather's storytelling navigates the complexities of grief, offering a raw and honest portrayal of Karmen's emotional turmoil; Karmen’s emotions felt raw and authentic throughout the entire book as well as how she was able to learn from this grief. From her mother's immobilizing sorrow to her father's attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy, each character's response to loss is a reminder of the individuality of grief. However, I will note that her parents’ actions and dialogue were a bit unrealistic as if they were caricatures of those who are grieving; their responses were just a bit too stereotypical, though this book is from Karmen’s POV and how she perceives their actions, so their depiction may be a bit unreliable.
Karmen's desperate quest for answers propels the story forward, leading her to delve into Julian's life in search of clues. As she unravels the mysteries surrounding her brother's death, Karmen confronts her own demons and struggles to find a way to move forward without him. The focus on Karmen’s grief and learning to move on was the strongest part of the book. The emotional depth just pulled me in and didn’t want to let me go. I especially liked the portrayal of grief's impact on relationships. Isaiah, a supporting character, was my favorite due to his sweetness and supportiveness.
Overall, "Where Was Goodbye?" offers a powerful exploration of grief and resilience, shedding light on the often-silenced experiences of those left behind by suicide. Mather's book serves as a reminder of the healing power of storytelling in the face of unimaginable loss.
September 13, 2024
3.75 stars*
“I’m working on accepting that sometimes we can’t put things back the way they were. Sometimes we can’t fix what’s been broken. Sometimes we can’t get the answers we need.” - Where Was Goodbye by Janice Lynn Mather
It’s been six weeks since Julian died by suicide and Karmen is struggling to come to terms with his death. She can’t believe she’ll never see her brother again, she can’t understand why he’s gone, and worst of all, she hates that everyone around her expects her to go ‘back to normal’. How can she care about school at a time like this? Why does it seem as if she’s being punished for grieving?
Karmen is determined to find out everything that was going on in Julian’s life before he died - she thinks that if she can retrace his actions over the last year, that she might be able to understand what he was thinking, what he was feeling. But the more time she spends searching for answers amongst his professors, his peers, his left-behind items…the more Karmen loses herself.
Reading this made my heart wince - on one hand, I wanted answers too. I was hopeful for Karmen. With every new lead she’d find, I too would be curious about whether this would provide more clarity, more closure. But deep down, you know that there are things that can never be answered, you know that whatever answers you do find, will never be enough.
Janice Lynn Mather does such a great job of showing how hard it can be to navigate devastating loss. The guilt that is birthed out of existing, carrying on. How grief can grind you to a halt or leave you unable to sit still. How grief can be avoidant or all-consuming. How grief is layered, and complex and can show up differently for everyone.
“It’s a tremendous weight..being the one left behind.”
“I’m working on accepting that sometimes we can’t put things back the way they were. Sometimes we can’t fix what’s been broken. Sometimes we can’t get the answers we need.” - Where Was Goodbye by Janice Lynn Mather
It’s been six weeks since Julian died by suicide and Karmen is struggling to come to terms with his death. She can’t believe she’ll never see her brother again, she can’t understand why he’s gone, and worst of all, she hates that everyone around her expects her to go ‘back to normal’. How can she care about school at a time like this? Why does it seem as if she’s being punished for grieving?
Karmen is determined to find out everything that was going on in Julian’s life before he died - she thinks that if she can retrace his actions over the last year, that she might be able to understand what he was thinking, what he was feeling. But the more time she spends searching for answers amongst his professors, his peers, his left-behind items…the more Karmen loses herself.
Reading this made my heart wince - on one hand, I wanted answers too. I was hopeful for Karmen. With every new lead she’d find, I too would be curious about whether this would provide more clarity, more closure. But deep down, you know that there are things that can never be answered, you know that whatever answers you do find, will never be enough.
Janice Lynn Mather does such a great job of showing how hard it can be to navigate devastating loss. The guilt that is birthed out of existing, carrying on. How grief can grind you to a halt or leave you unable to sit still. How grief can be avoidant or all-consuming. How grief is layered, and complex and can show up differently for everyone.
“It’s a tremendous weight..being the one left behind.”
April 8, 2024
Six weeks before Karmen was about to start her senior year of high school her world was turned upside down when her brother, Julian, died by suicide. It is hard for her to go back to school, and life without the questions of why he did it, and how she didn’t notice being answered. When an incident at school happens, Karmen gets sent home for a few weeks, she decides that this is the time she will find the answers. Through following his last steps Karmen feels she gets to know her brother and things she never knew, but worries she is losing herself in the process.
Janice Lynn Mather was able to show many different responses when someone you love dies by suicide, and also how the people who love and care for them try to understand in this new world. It is Karmen’s desperation for answers that pushes this story forward and I found the intense portrayal of grief and loss done so well. Karmen’s questions are similar to questions we may all have when someone dies by suicide. The author was able to pull you into the grief Karmen is feeling and feel compassion for her character while hoping she finds a way to cope and move through her pain.
Overall I felt this book was a powerful portrayal of grief and loss and how to work toward living again after you lose someone you love. Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Janice Lynn Mather was able to show many different responses when someone you love dies by suicide, and also how the people who love and care for them try to understand in this new world. It is Karmen’s desperation for answers that pushes this story forward and I found the intense portrayal of grief and loss done so well. Karmen’s questions are similar to questions we may all have when someone dies by suicide. The author was able to pull you into the grief Karmen is feeling and feel compassion for her character while hoping she finds a way to cope and move through her pain.
Overall I felt this book was a powerful portrayal of grief and loss and how to work toward living again after you lose someone you love. Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
February 4, 2024
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was quite a disappointing read. I wanted to enjoy this but I couldn't really connect with the characters. I think the writing played a big part of that. I know this isn't the final version of the novel but there was so many grammatical errors that kinda took me out from the story. The writing was too choppy which made many scenes in the novel feel either rushed or weirdly paced.
Suicide is a very triggering subject manner and I think for the most part the author did a great job in depicting the grief that Karmen and her family went through. There's a couple of moments where the book is a bit too sad too read because the grief is so strong. I just think besides that everything else was a bit weak. Prue's introduction to the story felt random and forced. The constant flashbacks that weren't really showing us anything new about Julian also got repetitive after a while. I think the flashbacks should've been told in it's own separate chapters.
I do think the ending was realistic and sad but I felt like the impact and emotions would've hit much stronger if the writing was stronger. My favorite character was Isaiah. He was really sweet. Overall, not as good as I hoped it would be.
This was quite a disappointing read. I wanted to enjoy this but I couldn't really connect with the characters. I think the writing played a big part of that. I know this isn't the final version of the novel but there was so many grammatical errors that kinda took me out from the story. The writing was too choppy which made many scenes in the novel feel either rushed or weirdly paced.
Suicide is a very triggering subject manner and I think for the most part the author did a great job in depicting the grief that Karmen and her family went through. There's a couple of moments where the book is a bit too sad too read because the grief is so strong. I just think besides that everything else was a bit weak. Prue's introduction to the story felt random and forced. The constant flashbacks that weren't really showing us anything new about Julian also got repetitive after a while. I think the flashbacks should've been told in it's own separate chapters.
I do think the ending was realistic and sad but I felt like the impact and emotions would've hit much stronger if the writing was stronger. My favorite character was Isaiah. He was really sweet. Overall, not as good as I hoped it would be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
I thought this book was so accurate in the way it portrays dealing with someone close to you killing themselves. Through her brother, Karmen learns to grow as a character. The challenges she faces like her parents pretending nothing happened and her friends being overly aware of what happened to her brother are such accurate events to occur to someone who is close to suicide. When it comes to this topic, people try to shy away from it and not tackle the topic head on which is something everyone in Karmen's life does. Through her brother, Karmen ventures to figure out why her brother did it (which is a natural question to ask) but becomes consumed. I found this book was a great portrayal of addressing the topic of suicide after the act itself and how to get through life when it happens.
Rather than shy away from the subject, Mather writes a raw story about love, heartbreak, and finding yourself in the midst of life.
Rather than shy away from the subject, Mather writes a raw story about love, heartbreak, and finding yourself in the midst of life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2024
Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Grief.
How did the book make me feel/think?
In “Where Was Goodbye?” Janice Lynn Mather takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the aftermath of tragedy, shedding light on the dark corners of grief and loss. With delicacy and insight, Mather explores the raw pain of losing a loved one to suicide, a subject often shrouded in silence.
In the heart of the story is Karmen, grappling with the devastating loss of her brother to the silent killer that is suicide. As she struggles to make sense of the incomprehensible, Karmen embarks on a journey of self-discovery, desperately seeking solace and understanding in a world turned upside down.
Mather’s narrative skillfully weaves together the threads of Karmen’s grief, from her mother’s suffocating sorrow to her father’s stoic façade of normalcy. Each character’s unique response to loss is a poignant reminder that grief knows no formula, no roadmap.
Through Karmen’s journey, Mather offers a lifeline to those drowning in sorrow, a voice that speaks to the universal experience of loss and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Where Was Goodbye?” is more than just a YA novel; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling to heal and illuminate. Mather’s brave exploration of grief is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort and understanding to those who need it most.
WRITTEN: 10 March 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
In “Where Was Goodbye?” Janice Lynn Mather takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the aftermath of tragedy, shedding light on the dark corners of grief and loss. With delicacy and insight, Mather explores the raw pain of losing a loved one to suicide, a subject often shrouded in silence.
In the heart of the story is Karmen, grappling with the devastating loss of her brother to the silent killer that is suicide. As she struggles to make sense of the incomprehensible, Karmen embarks on a journey of self-discovery, desperately seeking solace and understanding in a world turned upside down.
Mather’s narrative skillfully weaves together the threads of Karmen’s grief, from her mother’s suffocating sorrow to her father’s stoic façade of normalcy. Each character’s unique response to loss is a poignant reminder that grief knows no formula, no roadmap.
Through Karmen’s journey, Mather offers a lifeline to those drowning in sorrow, a voice that speaks to the universal experience of loss and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Where Was Goodbye?” is more than just a YA novel; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling to heal and illuminate. Mather’s brave exploration of grief is a beacon of light in the darkness, offering comfort and understanding to those who need it most.
WRITTEN: 10 March 2024
May 1, 2024
Thank you @simonschusterca for this arc!
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"Sometimes you can't get an answer - it doesn't make the loss any less meaningful or painful. If anything it complicates it. It compounds it." - Janice Lynn Mather
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Karmen was persistent and bold to dare seek the answers she was hoping for following the tragic and sudden death of her brother.
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I felt and walked with Karmen through the pages of this story. Stopping throughout to empathized with her grief and reflect on the questions of loss in general that her search asked.
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This story for me was about asking the hard questions during unspeakable times. Not necessarily looking for an answer to sooth but one that supports how we move on.
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TRIGGER WARNINGS: Please check these before reading
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"Sometimes you can't get an answer - it doesn't make the loss any less meaningful or painful. If anything it complicates it. It compounds it." - Janice Lynn Mather
*
Karmen was persistent and bold to dare seek the answers she was hoping for following the tragic and sudden death of her brother.
*
*
I felt and walked with Karmen through the pages of this story. Stopping throughout to empathized with her grief and reflect on the questions of loss in general that her search asked.
*
This story for me was about asking the hard questions during unspeakable times. Not necessarily looking for an answer to sooth but one that supports how we move on.
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TRIGGER WARNINGS: Please check these before reading
February 26, 2024
I felt so incredibly lucky to have been sent an advanced copy of this book, the synopsis had me immediately knowing it would be a book I would love. And I was luck.
An absolutely gutting YA book is a must read for me. Karmen so desperately wants to know what her brother was going through and how she choke have missed it. But we don’t always get to know what someone else is thinking and sometimes we have to live with that grief and pain.
This explores some painful and difficult topics but I felt like it was quite age appropriate for YA.
This one is worth checking the TWs.
Thank you simon and schuster for the arc.
Pub day: April 30th, 2024
An absolutely gutting YA book is a must read for me. Karmen so desperately wants to know what her brother was going through and how she choke have missed it. But we don’t always get to know what someone else is thinking and sometimes we have to live with that grief and pain.
This explores some painful and difficult topics but I felt like it was quite age appropriate for YA.
This one is worth checking the TWs.
Thank you simon and schuster for the arc.
Pub day: April 30th, 2024
April 30, 2024
Where was Goodbye is a heartbreaking tale about grief and coping after a tragic death. It is essentially about how a family deals with the aftermath of suicide: the unanswered questions, the perennial “what ifs”, the all-consuming guilt and the constant regrets. Reading this book is not easy, so be mindful of the content warnings (suicide, depression, anxiety). There were a lot of heart-wrenching moments and my eyes were red from crying! I had to pause several times to take a breather. Reading Karmen’s POV was truly insightful. I really felt her pain and anguish. But I must commend the author for doing such an awesome job tackling the difficult issues with much sensitivity. Despite the heavy topics, I would recommend adding this book to your tbr. Mental health issues should be talked about more often and cease to be a taboo. I am really happy we have these kinds of YA novels available nowadays.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my ARC. I am still hung over after reading this thoughtfully-written novel about grief and loss.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for my ARC. I am still hung over after reading this thoughtfully-written novel about grief and loss.
August 10, 2024
I found the writing exceptionally well done, seamlessly integrating typical responses to grief and loss both in the affected families and the friendship circle that wants to 'help'. Trigger alert: This book is about a brother's suicide and the sister's search for the unanswerable 'why?'
I don't shy away from reading 'hard' stuff like death and dying. Indeed, I've written on the topic in my award-winning The Courage to Care: Being Fully Present with the Dying. After a reader suggested I write on the topic for a children's audience, I began reading middle/high school level books since. This was a recent one.
And the fact that there are 3 people within my wider family who died by suicide increases my interest in books of this nature.
I don't shy away from reading 'hard' stuff like death and dying. Indeed, I've written on the topic in my award-winning The Courage to Care: Being Fully Present with the Dying. After a reader suggested I write on the topic for a children's audience, I began reading middle/high school level books since. This was a recent one.
And the fact that there are 3 people within my wider family who died by suicide increases my interest in books of this nature.
February 25, 2024
This book….Karmen was complicated young lady and I won’t lie I felt frustrated at times with her. I can never understand what it is like to lose a loved one to suicide. I was excited to read it because it dealt with suicide and the importance of therapy and grief (which is quite complicated itself). Plus it’s set in the Bahamas which was a plus in my eyes. Not bad. It was quick paced for sure. Oh the thing that annoyed me was the love interest. I didn’t really see the need for one to be honest. Other than that it was an okay book
March 7, 2024
Karmen is in HS when her brother takes his own life and she is left looking for answers.
At first I was upset by this book. I couldn't understand the parent's reactions and their view points BUT you need to take into consideration that this is Karmen's viewpoint! it's how she perceived the situation while in the mist of her own grief. this book also takes place in the caribbean where mental health and suicide are still taboo.
overall it was a good read that dealt with a difficult topic.
At first I was upset by this book. I couldn't understand the parent's reactions and their view points BUT you need to take into consideration that this is Karmen's viewpoint! it's how she perceived the situation while in the mist of her own grief. this book also takes place in the caribbean where mental health and suicide are still taboo.
overall it was a good read that dealt with a difficult topic.
April 30, 2024
This book follows a teen girl and her grief journey after her brother commits suicide. It was interesting to see how the various characters dealt with their grief, making the characters feel raw and real, and the author does a great job at depicting this. It is quite a difficult and emotional read. However, I struggled to connect with the characters, and I felt that the writing was quite choppy at times. Overall though, it is a powerful read depicting grief, suicide, and mental health.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy of this book!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy of this book!
May 1, 2024
This well-written book showcases the real emotions and struggles of a sister left behind by suicide. She is on a quest to understand the unanswered questions and accept this unexpected loss. The author skillfully takes us on a heartbreaking and emotional ride - grab the tissues. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this story. I admire the section on resources to help others who find themselves in similar situations.
May 20, 2024
This was a very difficult, raw, and emotional read from beginning to end. Because of its content, it goes without saying there are multiple trigger warnings surrounding topics of suicide and mental health. Those sensitive to reading those topics should be advised before diving into this book in which the author does with great care at the beginning of novel.
Read the full book review on the blog at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile....
Read the full book review on the blog at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile....
May 7, 2026
A very humanised exploration of grief, through the eyes of a teen. Karman's brother committed suicide 6 weeks ago and her world has fallen apart at the seams. Her family are fractured, her friends have no idea how to help and everything anyone says feels like it might tear her apart.
The book is very much a slow and poignant read. It explores the confusion and chaos of trying to find some normality when you know your life will never have its normal again.
A very thoughtful read.
The book is very much a slow and poignant read. It explores the confusion and chaos of trying to find some normality when you know your life will never have its normal again.
A very thoughtful read.
September 2, 2025
Do I think we need more Black authors writing books about the impacts of this difficult topic? Absolutely - and that’s definitely one thing that Janice Lyn Mather does well. I guess my negative thoughts toward this book come from the fact that I’m not the target age demographic and that I couldn’t stand Karmen’s character - she was so hardheaded and annoying to me.
January 8, 2024
Janice Lynn Mather’s “Where Was Goodbye?” tackles such a delicate topic in such a beautiful manner. I had to take quite a few breaks from reading this novel, as it is quite heavier than the novels I typically go for. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading such a beautifully written novel.
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