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Speechless
How do you give a eulogy when you can't think of one good thing to say? A poignant, funny, and candid look at grief, family secrets, difficult people, and learning to look behind the facade. As if being stuffed into last year's dress pants at his cousin's wake weren't uncomfortable enough, thirteen-year-old Jimmy has just learned from his mother that he has to say a few words at the funeral the next day. Why him? What could he possibly say about his cousin, who ruined everything they did? He can't recall one birthday party, family gathering, or school event with Patrick that didn't result in injury or destruction. As Jimmy attempts to navigate the odd social norms of the wake, he draws on humor, heartfelt concern, and a good deal of angst while racking his brain and his memory for a decent and meaningful memory to share. But it's not until faced with a microphone that the realization finally hits it's not the words that are spoken that matter the most, but those that are truly heard.
304 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2018
72 people are currently reading
1309 people want to read
About the author
Adam P. Schmitt
1 book28 followersAdam P. Schmitt has lived outside of Chicago his entire life. His family currently lives in Oswego, IL, where the race of suburbia meets the quiet of farm country.
He met his wife on an awful blind date, but since she was after his money and fortune from being a public middle school teacher, they did end up going out again. They have two boys (Aidan, Anderson) who keep them busy with sports, cat videos, and traveling anywhere they can.
His days are spent as an educator, his nights as a husband, father, and writer.
He met his wife on an awful blind date, but since she was after his money and fortune from being a public middle school teacher, they did end up going out again. They have two boys (Aidan, Anderson) who keep them busy with sports, cat videos, and traveling anywhere they can.
His days are spent as an educator, his nights as a husband, father, and writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
November 5, 2018
The last place Jimmy wants to be is at his cousin Patrick’s wake. Add in the fact he’s wearing last year’s outgrown dress pants and he’s about as uncomfortable as possible. That is until things get worse when his mother informs him he’ll be making a speech at Patrick’s funeral. Why him? And what can he say about Patrick, the kid who seemed to ruin everything?
Author Adam Schmitt deserves tremendous credit for tapping into such a natural voice of a thirteen-year-old boy. Jimmy is quirky, complicated, and completely believable. In many cases, I was reminded of myself at that age, which was heightened by the first-person prose. It’s impossible not to feel close to Jimmy, and his struggle of just being able to find the right words is both compelling and touching.
Of course, Patrick lurks over the action right from the opening pages. As Jimmy considers his speech, each chapter has a vignette featuring Patrick. At the beginning, he’s rambunctious and destructive and these scenes would raise the blood pressure of even the most patient person. However, Schmitt shows some pretty remarkable skill in the structure of this book. I don’t want to spoil anything, but this book is a beautiful blend of pace and progression.
I’m not exaggerating when I say the last couple of chapters had me in tears.
Schmitt does not shy away from some seriously harsh realities, particularly with family relationships. We don’t get to pick our families that can lead to conflicting personalities, even when (or perhaps because) there are often abundant similarities. Jimmy clashes with Patrick, his parents, and the chaos around them. In these moments, the frustration is palpable. But ultimately, it’s also family that provides him the necessary understanding.
In kidlit, there’s often a discussion of quieter novels and their place in the canon. Speechless straddles that line. Jimmy is a deeply funny narrator navigating a world filled with uproar. However, it’s also deeply introspective with incredible subtlety as it deals with the serious concepts of death and reflection. The result is a powerfully profound debut novel with heart.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Author Adam Schmitt deserves tremendous credit for tapping into such a natural voice of a thirteen-year-old boy. Jimmy is quirky, complicated, and completely believable. In many cases, I was reminded of myself at that age, which was heightened by the first-person prose. It’s impossible not to feel close to Jimmy, and his struggle of just being able to find the right words is both compelling and touching.
Of course, Patrick lurks over the action right from the opening pages. As Jimmy considers his speech, each chapter has a vignette featuring Patrick. At the beginning, he’s rambunctious and destructive and these scenes would raise the blood pressure of even the most patient person. However, Schmitt shows some pretty remarkable skill in the structure of this book. I don’t want to spoil anything, but this book is a beautiful blend of pace and progression.
I’m not exaggerating when I say the last couple of chapters had me in tears.
Schmitt does not shy away from some seriously harsh realities, particularly with family relationships. We don’t get to pick our families that can lead to conflicting personalities, even when (or perhaps because) there are often abundant similarities. Jimmy clashes with Patrick, his parents, and the chaos around them. In these moments, the frustration is palpable. But ultimately, it’s also family that provides him the necessary understanding.
In kidlit, there’s often a discussion of quieter novels and their place in the canon. Speechless straddles that line. Jimmy is a deeply funny narrator navigating a world filled with uproar. However, it’s also deeply introspective with incredible subtlety as it deals with the serious concepts of death and reflection. The result is a powerfully profound debut novel with heart.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
September 20, 2023
HOLY CATS, this was good. I was hoping for something solid, as my last few reads have been kind of ho-hum, and this more than delivered. I'm almost wishing I still had my top 10 lists of 2018 to write up because this might have made it. This story is middle grade perfection. Highly recommended, first purchase type of stuff for all libraries serving kids grades 7-10.
Jimmy has never been to a wake before, and how he is at his first one. His cousin Patrick has died and he and his parents are there to help out. Once they get there, his mom shares some other awful news: he is going to have to speak at the funeral the next day. Not only does he hate public speaking, there's actually a bigger problem: he didn't even like Patrick all that much. Patrick was mean. Unpredictable. Rude. And definitely not someone Jimmy would have chosen to be friends with. But, as his mother and everyone else keeps reminding him, sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do. So, Jimmy spends the whole wake trying to avoid awkward small talk and figure out a way to say something about his cousin. As he goes through his memories of Patrick, Jimmy (and the reader) begin to suspect that there was more to Patrick than just a mean kid.
This was so good. Seriously, pick it up and read it. And then pass it on to everyone else you know.
Jimmy has never been to a wake before, and how he is at his first one. His cousin Patrick has died and he and his parents are there to help out. Once they get there, his mom shares some other awful news: he is going to have to speak at the funeral the next day. Not only does he hate public speaking, there's actually a bigger problem: he didn't even like Patrick all that much. Patrick was mean. Unpredictable. Rude. And definitely not someone Jimmy would have chosen to be friends with. But, as his mother and everyone else keeps reminding him, sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do. So, Jimmy spends the whole wake trying to avoid awkward small talk and figure out a way to say something about his cousin. As he goes through his memories of Patrick, Jimmy (and the reader) begin to suspect that there was more to Patrick than just a mean kid.
This was so good. Seriously, pick it up and read it. And then pass it on to everyone else you know.
December 4, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for SPEECHLESS by @adampschmitt .
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I want you to know about this book. It’s intense. It doesn’t hold back. This was a "read it in a day" kind of book for me. The subject matter of this book - the accidental death of an unlikable, angry boy who clearly had unaddressed issues or special needs - is something I've never seen depicted in middle grade literature before. There are two major strengths here -- unflinching honesty and a surprising dark humor about the nature of funerals. It all works. Jimmy's voice is clear, raw and pitch perfect. .
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This is not an easy book to read by any means and it will be misunderstood by some. (I read one @goodreads review that skewered the book and called Patrick a psychopath. That reader didn’t get it.) Patrick's behavior isn't excusable whatsoever, but there are considerable clues that he had an undiagnosed mental illness made worse by his family situation and the relationship with his father. Speechless is a powerful book about the value of telling the truth -- all of it. Read this book! Buy this book. .
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Summary: Jimmy has been asked/told to give the eulogy at his cousin Patrick's funeral. There's one big problem, though: Patrick was a jerk and no one liked him, despite the fact that everyone is pretending mightily for decorum's sake. At the wake, as Jimmy casts about for a positive memory to share about his destructive, anger-prone cousin, he remembers some of the toughest times with his cousin. In searching his memories, he realized his cousin was deeply unhappy and possibly mistreated by his father, Jimmy's uncle. Eventually faced with a microphone at the funeral, Jimmy decides to tell the truth -- all of it. In doing so, he gives voice to the fact that sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen.
.
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#bookstagram #librariansofinstagram #bookstagrammer #mglit #mgbooks #librariesofinstagram #bookreview
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〰️
I want you to know about this book. It’s intense. It doesn’t hold back. This was a "read it in a day" kind of book for me. The subject matter of this book - the accidental death of an unlikable, angry boy who clearly had unaddressed issues or special needs - is something I've never seen depicted in middle grade literature before. There are two major strengths here -- unflinching honesty and a surprising dark humor about the nature of funerals. It all works. Jimmy's voice is clear, raw and pitch perfect. .
〰️
〰️
This is not an easy book to read by any means and it will be misunderstood by some. (I read one @goodreads review that skewered the book and called Patrick a psychopath. That reader didn’t get it.) Patrick's behavior isn't excusable whatsoever, but there are considerable clues that he had an undiagnosed mental illness made worse by his family situation and the relationship with his father. Speechless is a powerful book about the value of telling the truth -- all of it. Read this book! Buy this book. .
〰️
〰️
Summary: Jimmy has been asked/told to give the eulogy at his cousin Patrick's funeral. There's one big problem, though: Patrick was a jerk and no one liked him, despite the fact that everyone is pretending mightily for decorum's sake. At the wake, as Jimmy casts about for a positive memory to share about his destructive, anger-prone cousin, he remembers some of the toughest times with his cousin. In searching his memories, he realized his cousin was deeply unhappy and possibly mistreated by his father, Jimmy's uncle. Eventually faced with a microphone at the funeral, Jimmy decides to tell the truth -- all of it. In doing so, he gives voice to the fact that sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen.
.
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#bookstagram #librariansofinstagram #bookstagrammer #mglit #mgbooks #librariesofinstagram #bookreview
December 24, 2018
One of the many reasons I love Middle-Grade books is that they give me a whole new set of lenses to look through.
SPEECHLESS is a very well-written, memorable story.
Read more from The Page Walker.
SPEECHLESS is a very well-written, memorable story.
Read more from The Page Walker.
December 15, 2018
I found Speechless to be one of those unexpected books. Instead of being this soft, sweet look at grief, it has this very frank, unapologetic look at some of the uglier stuff that a family goes through in a bad situation like this. Jimmy didn’t have a good relationship with his cousin Patrick. In fact, he can’t remember a single time Patrick did something admirable or noble. But there’s no way his parents will let him out of giving a speech, so Jimmy sifts back through his memories desperately looking for something he can share which will help his grieving family.
As he looks back, he notices some big dysfunctional patterns, which really doesn’t help him in terms of finding something positive to say. It really only makes him more resentful and full of dread about having to speak.
But as Jimmy’s memories and lessons learned come together, he realizes some important truths. And while the truth may not be pretty, he finds a way to share it that opens a door for healing within his family.
I enjoyed the frank way Jimmy relates his memories and the fact that he doesn’t give up on figuring out what to say, even though speaking is the last thing he wants to do, and he feels like it really isn’t fair. It’s not easy to convey a family with issues as openly as Schmitt does and still preserve the sense of family, especially through a young narrator. I definitely feel like it’s a good read for later elementary-aged readers or anyone who’s been through a complex family loss.
As he looks back, he notices some big dysfunctional patterns, which really doesn’t help him in terms of finding something positive to say. It really only makes him more resentful and full of dread about having to speak.
But as Jimmy’s memories and lessons learned come together, he realizes some important truths. And while the truth may not be pretty, he finds a way to share it that opens a door for healing within his family.
I enjoyed the frank way Jimmy relates his memories and the fact that he doesn’t give up on figuring out what to say, even though speaking is the last thing he wants to do, and he feels like it really isn’t fair. It’s not easy to convey a family with issues as openly as Schmitt does and still preserve the sense of family, especially through a young narrator. I definitely feel like it’s a good read for later elementary-aged readers or anyone who’s been through a complex family loss.
January 31, 2019
I am taken aback! Not many books take me by surprise, but this one did! My 12-year-old daughter came home from school one day telling me, "Mom, you have to read this book". She goes on to explain that the author came to her school and talked about his new book. Afterward, the first two chapters were read in class. She gives me the 2 minute summary with such enthusiasm I couldn't help but be intrigued. We go online and put the book on hold at the library (we were 101 out of 101 on the wait list). Finally weeks later, the book comes in at the perfect time, subzero temps and no school! I pick up the book and when my daughter goes to bed I pick it up and read the first chapter, then the second, all the way until I realized it's hours later and I'm sad. I'm sad because the book is over. I know it's a YA book but I found myself laughing and crying. Thank you, Mr. Schmit, for visiting my daughter's middle school and thank you for writing such a powerful novel! A must read for all ages.
December 16, 2020
I liked this book. I was very interested in the story that Jimmy told. I liked at the end how Jimmy told the truth about Patrick but also said something nice. He learned something from Patrick. I also kind of liked how the author split the story about how Patrick died and didn't just tell us in the beginning. I also kind of liked that the story only took place over a couple of days but it took 293 pages to explain the story of Patrick and how he had to give the eulogy at Patrick's funeral.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
I am BAWLING. I need to recommend this to my teachers as a read-aloud ASAP. What a beautiful book. Deals with suicide, Deaf culture, family issues/problems/complicated relationships, (possible) mental illness, death at a young age, a fear of public speaking, guilt, and MORE. Absolutely one of my new favorite middle grade books. Just amazing.
Adding to this the next day because I seriously can't stop thinking about this book. I went to a teacher yesterday to recommend it as a read-aloud and could hardly stop blubbering long enough to give them a summary. I really hope kids can grasp the deeper meanings here- the feeling of needing to be alone with your thoughts, the deep, deep, deep family secrets, the complicated bonds between siblings and spouses, the masked abuse, the everything. I LOVE the way they bring Deaf culture to the story as not only a symbol/metaphor for being "heard" but as a spotlight on issues regarding families refusing to learn their OWN CHILDS LANGUAGE because they want their child to be "normal." I think any kid, any person, can relate to that. Just wanting to be heard in your own way. Wanting people to pick up what you're saying without having to explain every little thing you're trying to say.
I know this book was written for middle schoolers, but I think a lot of folks could benefit from giving it a read. It's quick, I promise, and it packs a LOT of story into 300 something pages. You won't want to put it down.
Adding to this the next day because I seriously can't stop thinking about this book. I went to a teacher yesterday to recommend it as a read-aloud and could hardly stop blubbering long enough to give them a summary. I really hope kids can grasp the deeper meanings here- the feeling of needing to be alone with your thoughts, the deep, deep, deep family secrets, the complicated bonds between siblings and spouses, the masked abuse, the everything. I LOVE the way they bring Deaf culture to the story as not only a symbol/metaphor for being "heard" but as a spotlight on issues regarding families refusing to learn their OWN CHILDS LANGUAGE because they want their child to be "normal." I think any kid, any person, can relate to that. Just wanting to be heard in your own way. Wanting people to pick up what you're saying without having to explain every little thing you're trying to say.
I know this book was written for middle schoolers, but I think a lot of folks could benefit from giving it a read. It's quick, I promise, and it packs a LOT of story into 300 something pages. You won't want to put it down.
July 3, 2021
I hate this. The last few pages made me cry so much.
The whole time I was trying to box Patrick into someone who has autism or adhd. Like the main character, I knew he was a bit different than the other kids. And it’s so sad, seeing how people treat him in a certain way and they don’t actually realise it’s his way of crying for help.
I think I cried because of how Patrick, the person who feels very strongly start to show signs that he’s not “present” anymore.
I love that the author reminds me that there are so much more layers to a person. And yeah, feeling seen and heard is so incredibly important. It’s like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. I can’t imagine the pain Patrick was in 😣
Would recommend !
The whole time I was trying to box Patrick into someone who has autism or adhd. Like the main character, I knew he was a bit different than the other kids. And it’s so sad, seeing how people treat him in a certain way and they don’t actually realise it’s his way of crying for help.
I think I cried because of how Patrick, the person who feels very strongly start to show signs that he’s not “present” anymore.
I love that the author reminds me that there are so much more layers to a person. And yeah, feeling seen and heard is so incredibly important. It’s like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. I can’t imagine the pain Patrick was in 😣
Would recommend !
January 29, 2019
This book started strong with Jimmy at his cousin Patrick's wake. Throughout most of the book, I was wondering, "How did he die? What will Jimmy say at the funeral?" This kept me reading. I think reluctant readers will want to read each story from each chapter about how Patrick acted, as it was so over-the-top. I was in a slump in the middle of it, as I really didn't want to know what else Patrick had done that was so terrible. I loved the lesson Jimmy learned, and I hope students notice it BEFORE the last few pages of the book. I love that this is from a local IL author!
April 17, 2019
Ah, the old bait and switch tactic. The book starts out with Jimmy and his parents on their way to his cousin Patrick's funeral. Sounds like it should be sad, right? Nope. Jimmy was worried that his pants (bought last year) were very tight and he couldn't find his only belt and was afraid the button would pop off in front of everyone. His snarky tone and quick wit were laugh-out-loud funny.
But when the serious parts came, they kept getting more and more serious. Dysfunctional families, unrecognized social and emotional problems everywhere. Each chapter starts at the wake or funeral and ends with an unhappy event from the cousins' past. To make matters worse, Jimmy is told he has to give the eulogy at the funeral, so he has to come up with something nice to say about a cousin he couldn't stand.
In the span of a few hours, the author took an extended family of often unlikable and uncaring people (from Jimmy's POV) and showed both him and this reader a more sympathetic view of his relatives. And his eulogy... Heart-wrenching and eye-opening.
But when the serious parts came, they kept getting more and more serious. Dysfunctional families, unrecognized social and emotional problems everywhere. Each chapter starts at the wake or funeral and ends with an unhappy event from the cousins' past. To make matters worse, Jimmy is told he has to give the eulogy at the funeral, so he has to come up with something nice to say about a cousin he couldn't stand.
In the span of a few hours, the author took an extended family of often unlikable and uncaring people (from Jimmy's POV) and showed both him and this reader a more sympathetic view of his relatives. And his eulogy... Heart-wrenching and eye-opening.
January 26, 2020
One of the BEST books be ever read. Speechless is the story of an 8th grader named Jimmy who finds out that he must prepare a eulogy for his cousin’s funeral. There’s just one small problem: his cousin was kind of a jerk.
The story take place over the corse of 2 days. Through a series of flashbacks, we get to learn all about his cousin, Patrick, who was kind of a jerk. Kind of.
Speechless is one of those rare books that really changed me. It challenged me to question my perspective on people and has pushed me to reconsider and have more empathy for those who are labeled as lost causes. This book has made me a better person. A must for all middle school classrooms.
The story take place over the corse of 2 days. Through a series of flashbacks, we get to learn all about his cousin, Patrick, who was kind of a jerk. Kind of.
Speechless is one of those rare books that really changed me. It challenged me to question my perspective on people and has pushed me to reconsider and have more empathy for those who are labeled as lost causes. This book has made me a better person. A must for all middle school classrooms.
January 10, 2021
Lessons learned from Speechless, which - appropriately - left me speechless:
If you’re not sure what to say about the deceased, say it into a microphone.
You’ll be surprised at who shows up.
Listen more than you speak.
- - - - -
“Neither of us have been here before, but we’re here together.”
If you’re not sure what to say about the deceased, say it into a microphone.
You’ll be surprised at who shows up.
Listen more than you speak.
- - - - -
“Neither of us have been here before, but we’re here together.”
January 22, 2020
There is a very good, important message in this book. The whole story takes place within a day as the main character, while attending his cousin's wake, learns that he must give the eulogy at the funeral the next day. The problem? He never liked his cousin. But the message he finally is able to send is an important, truthful one.
January 31, 2020
One of the best middle school books I've read in a long time. I liked how the author slowly unfolded Jimmy's understanding as he remembers various events with his cousin.
February 3, 2019
The depiction of Patrick as a child with severe emotional and behavioral problems was nuanced, giving him more dimensions than a simple bully. However the ending's moral of "learn to listen better" feels didactic and simplified when the systematic behavior of the adults' collective failure to address Patrick's behavior goes unresolved. So while I appreciate "Speechless" allowing all the characters to struggle with the ugly behavior that comes from stress and the emotional volatility of a funeral for a child, the narrative framing to make this grief meaningful is at odds with mess the situation presents. The choice for Jimmy's speech to declare that he did not like Patrick felt realistic, but the lack of response is weak. Jimmy's mom has put him in the situation with Patrick multiple times, make Jimmy give the speech even when he repeatedly says he doesn't want to, and slaps him when he suggests Patrick may have committed suicide, yet we are supposed to believe she "looks proud" to have her son admit Patrick was "an asshole"? The ending suggests a lesson of being receptive to unclear attempts at communication, while the story itself leaves abruptly without focusing on how his speech really affected the other characters. And, to me, makes the themes of the book feel underdeveloped. It presents complex problems yet offers pat resolutions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2018
Jimmy is a 13 yr old boy who’s cousin, Patrick, also 13, has recently died and Jimmy has to say a few words at the funeral. Jimmy never liked his bully of a cousin and spends most of the story reflecting on memories he has with Patrick as he tries to come up with a pleasant memory he can share at the funeral.
Jimmy relives several silly and unfortunate memories and he’s left with the realization that he has nothing positive to say about his cousin.
I think we all know that troubled kid, who bullies and causes conflict every where they turn up. They have problems at home and at school, and don’t really fit in anywhere.
I don’t give away what happens but this lighthearted story has a powerful message, one we all need to hear.
I really enjoyed this middle grade story even though the topic was a bit heavy. This story deals with bullying, death, suicide and family relationships.
This book will be published November 6, 2018. I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest review.
My opinions are my own.
Jimmy relives several silly and unfortunate memories and he’s left with the realization that he has nothing positive to say about his cousin.
I think we all know that troubled kid, who bullies and causes conflict every where they turn up. They have problems at home and at school, and don’t really fit in anywhere.
I don’t give away what happens but this lighthearted story has a powerful message, one we all need to hear.
I really enjoyed this middle grade story even though the topic was a bit heavy. This story deals with bullying, death, suicide and family relationships.
This book will be published November 6, 2018. I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest review.
My opinions are my own.
April 15, 2019
3.5 stars. A darkly comic middle grade novel with a heartbreakingly poignant ending. Jimmy has no idea what to say when his parents inform him that he has been asked to eulogize his cousin Patrick, who died tragically when he fell through thin ice and drowned. The problem is, Jimmy never liked Patrick, and can't think of anything sincere to say about him. When he thinks back over their memories together, he notices a pattern: Patrick causing problems for everyone else around him. But the more Jimmy ponders what to say, he realizes that Patrick may have been reaching out for help, and no one was there to listen. I'd recommend this one for ages 12 and up due to portrayals of adult alcohol abuse, anger issues, and some mild language.
March 23, 2019
This book was fantastic! Jimmy’s voice was perfect for his age. So believable. I loved his train of thought during difficult times. So honest. I read this book in one sitting, couldn’t stop until finished! Can’t wait to write a fan letter to the author to show my appreciation for handling tough subjects. Highly recommend.
November 5, 2018
I've never read a children's book that unfolded so beautifully. It's an excellent story that slowly unravels until you realize there was always more to the story. I won't tell you more. You can read it yourself to find out.
October 11, 2019
I’m not sure what I’m missing about this book as so many people seem to have really enjoyed it. I found it moved really slow, read really young for the ages of the main characters, and a lot of the end explanation to be built on a really shaky foundation.
March 26, 2020
In the story speechless a kid named Jimmy gets the tragic news that he has to speak at his cousins wake. Jimmy is speechless because he doesn't have any good memories with his cousin they are all bad ones. He's is trying to find someone good things to say.
June 4, 2019
Not sure why I waited so long to read this one. It. Was. Brilliant.
Read
April 11, 2020Still processing this one. Probably gonna be processing for a long time.
March 12, 2021
***SPOILER WARNING***
This past month, one of my favorite books I read was Adam P. Schmitt’s dark comedy, Speechless. The author takes you through the awkward journey of going to a funeral/ wake for someone you didn't feel too close to. I think the author intended the reader to learn that you should think about the perspective of others in your life, and be more empathetic towards others.
The story is told through the first person perspective of Jimmy, a boy who’s cousin just died and is told he has to give the eulogy at the funeral. Not having many positive stories, he struggles at the wake trying to find something to share with everyone about Patrick. As he keeps getting distracted by the people he meets, he reminisces on stories involving the person he is having awkward interactions with. He is reminded of his times at camps, clubs, and holidays that he spent with Patrick. Jimmy ends up realizing he has nothing to present for his speech because all the stories of Patrick are chaotic and unhappy memories, atleast to Jimmy’s perspective. After going through around three drafts of his speech, the day of the funeral arrives and Jimmy feels like he is finally being listened to, and shares his very negative side of the story. He begins to cry because he starts to realize that he never listened to Patrick and his neglect towards him may have caused this impact. Sofia, Patrick’s sister calms him down and helps him finish. After the speech, Jimmy thinks about a story from Sofia’s point of view, knowing she was the only one who truly listened.
While reading this book, I felt every single awkward moment that Jimmy experienced. I liked and hated his character throughout, because I felt bad for him, but also didn't like how he handled certain situations. A specific instance in the story that made me want to scream was when his aunt Rose, the mother of Patrick, lost a bracelet she has had forever, and Jimmy found it and stood on top of it to hide it from her. I think that this really showed a side of Jimmy that is not presented as much throughout the story, but it makes us see that he had the possibility to have a negative impact on Patrick which goes deeper into the theme. Another emotion I had while reading the book was a strange laughter. I felt like I should have been laughing because the context of the story was so dark but at the same time lighthearted. It was enjoyable to read, because the story slowly breaks into the interior and it keeps getting more chaotic as it progresses. Each “incident” in each context slopes up and down and comes full circle when Jimmy causes the final one.
I would rate Speechless because of how entertaining and captivating it was to read. The story(ies) were relatable but also unrealistic which drew me in. I would rate this book 5/5 because of how different it was from other books I have read in the past. The audience that I recommend this book to are definitely people with a dark or open-minded sense of humor, someone in middle school, or introverted people. Jimmy goes through many awkward interactions throughout the book which I feel at least some of the readers will be to relate to. (I did more than once.) Overall, I really enjoyed the book.
This past month, one of my favorite books I read was Adam P. Schmitt’s dark comedy, Speechless. The author takes you through the awkward journey of going to a funeral/ wake for someone you didn't feel too close to. I think the author intended the reader to learn that you should think about the perspective of others in your life, and be more empathetic towards others.
The story is told through the first person perspective of Jimmy, a boy who’s cousin just died and is told he has to give the eulogy at the funeral. Not having many positive stories, he struggles at the wake trying to find something to share with everyone about Patrick. As he keeps getting distracted by the people he meets, he reminisces on stories involving the person he is having awkward interactions with. He is reminded of his times at camps, clubs, and holidays that he spent with Patrick. Jimmy ends up realizing he has nothing to present for his speech because all the stories of Patrick are chaotic and unhappy memories, atleast to Jimmy’s perspective. After going through around three drafts of his speech, the day of the funeral arrives and Jimmy feels like he is finally being listened to, and shares his very negative side of the story. He begins to cry because he starts to realize that he never listened to Patrick and his neglect towards him may have caused this impact. Sofia, Patrick’s sister calms him down and helps him finish. After the speech, Jimmy thinks about a story from Sofia’s point of view, knowing she was the only one who truly listened.
While reading this book, I felt every single awkward moment that Jimmy experienced. I liked and hated his character throughout, because I felt bad for him, but also didn't like how he handled certain situations. A specific instance in the story that made me want to scream was when his aunt Rose, the mother of Patrick, lost a bracelet she has had forever, and Jimmy found it and stood on top of it to hide it from her. I think that this really showed a side of Jimmy that is not presented as much throughout the story, but it makes us see that he had the possibility to have a negative impact on Patrick which goes deeper into the theme. Another emotion I had while reading the book was a strange laughter. I felt like I should have been laughing because the context of the story was so dark but at the same time lighthearted. It was enjoyable to read, because the story slowly breaks into the interior and it keeps getting more chaotic as it progresses. Each “incident” in each context slopes up and down and comes full circle when Jimmy causes the final one.
I would rate Speechless because of how entertaining and captivating it was to read. The story(ies) were relatable but also unrealistic which drew me in. I would rate this book 5/5 because of how different it was from other books I have read in the past. The audience that I recommend this book to are definitely people with a dark or open-minded sense of humor, someone in middle school, or introverted people. Jimmy goes through many awkward interactions throughout the book which I feel at least some of the readers will be to relate to. (I did more than once.) Overall, I really enjoyed the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2018
There is a reason I like middle year books with a new zeal. The way the stories unfold from the eyes of a child is fresh , honest and heartfelt.
This story is of Jimmy who has to look back his relationship with his cousin Patrick and to deliver a goodbye speech at his funeral. This is a learning and a reminder for us to know and be honest in our dealings with family and to be there to support each other in a constructive way and not to be left regretting the loss later.
This book gave my heart a pull at all the right places.
This story is of Jimmy who has to look back his relationship with his cousin Patrick and to deliver a goodbye speech at his funeral. This is a learning and a reminder for us to know and be honest in our dealings with family and to be there to support each other in a constructive way and not to be left regretting the loss later.
This book gave my heart a pull at all the right places.
October 23, 2018
I don't know what all I can say about this book. It brought out very real emotions in me. Anger, sadness, happiness. Emotions ran the gamut and for that alone it is worth a read. For a middle grade read this was tough. But I feel there are plenty of kids out there who would be able to relate to Jimmy or even Patrick. I can't say that I would ever reread this as it made me so angry in the beginning. But it evoked tears at the end and I can say that it is definitely worth a read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy.
February 18, 2020
I really didn't want to read this one- but since it is on the 2021 Caudill list, I read it. Patrick is very unlikable who had some type of mental issue- bipolar, ADHD, autism. After his tragic death his cousin Jimmy has to give a eulogy on this unlikable cousin. Jimmy struggles with having to speak at a funeral about Patrick. I like Jimmy and his analysis on how people act at a wake., and his mother's and her twins relationship.
Good read, but tough.
Good read, but tough.
June 3, 2020
Although the subject matter of this book is serious and mature the author has handled it with great sensitivity. The author uses humor to describe Jimmy's (not always pleasant) memories of his deceased cousin Patrick. Really honest writing about a most uncomfortable subject. This book is a 2021 Rebecca Caudill Award nominee.
Reviewed by: Vinita Hulyalkar, Circulation, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Vinita Hulyalkar, Circulation, Vernon Area Public Library
January 12, 2020
This book was not the best book I have read. The one thing that I liked about it was that it showed how kids could say anything they were thinking. The thing that I didn't like was the chapters were to long they were like 40 pages and the author took moments that didn't need to be stretch out and made them longer than need. It wasn't the worst book I read but not the best book.
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