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The Girl Death Left Behind
Readers will be touched and inspired by this latest novel from bestselling author Lurlene
Beth's world has been torn apart. She cannot figure out how to go on when a car accident claims the lives of her entire family, and she is the only survivor. Things seem to get even worse when she moves in with her aunt and her spoiled cousin, Terri. But with the love and support of her aunt and some unexpected friends, Beth struggles to overcome the despair that threatens to consume her. Will she be able to move past the painful memories without feeling guilty for being a survivor?
Beth's world has been torn apart. She cannot figure out how to go on when a car accident claims the lives of her entire family, and she is the only survivor. Things seem to get even worse when she moves in with her aunt and her spoiled cousin, Terri. But with the love and support of her aunt and some unexpected friends, Beth struggles to overcome the despair that threatens to consume her. Will she be able to move past the painful memories without feeling guilty for being a survivor?
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
23 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Lurlene McDaniel
138 books2,741 followersLurlene McDaniel (born c. 1948) is an author who has written over 50 young adult books. She is well known for writing about characters struggling with chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and organ failure.
Other places to find her are...
https://www.facebook.com/lurlenemcdan...
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http://www.youtube.com/user/LurleneMc
Other places to find her are...
https://www.facebook.com/lurlenemcdan...
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/aut...
http://www.youtube.com/user/LurleneMc
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 18, 2020
LOVE IT!!!!!!!
March 26, 2009
The Girl Death Left Behind is one of the saddest books I've read. It's about a girl named Beth whose family dies one afternoon in a car accident. She has to move in with some relatives she doesn't really like. My favorite part was when she invited a girl named Sloane over to her aunt's house for the holiday's because she didn't have a nice family at home. Overall this book was really good. I recommend it for everyone who likes sad stories with a happy ending.
December 22, 2014
I read The Girl Death Left Behind by Lurlene McDaniel which talk about a girl her name is Beth in a fourteen years old that her family died in car accident she went to live with her aunt . The book shows you how everything is changed in her life and how she suffered from new experiences she had. It’s good to get more experience in life and get to know different types of people and get more knowledge to be stronger and help yourself to use to the life though. This is the author point from the book although it’s not real story but you can learn a lot from the book.
Beth used to not treat her little sister and brother very well and argue with them a lot but she loved them and she was near to her mother and loved her a lot and her father too. When the died they were going to a trip and she was sick so she stayed at home and she was happy that she is alone at home but when the police came and told her she was very sad . Beth went to live with her aunt she wasn’t happy because she like her home and her neighbors here another thing that make her more upset that she didn’t like her cousin in her age her name is Terri and she will be close to her and Terri is get everything she want and don’t care about anybody. When she went there and lived with her aunt she went to the same high school with Terri and she didn’t like Terri’s friends and she became a friend with a boy called Jered and with the most unlikely girl in the school her name is Sloane and that made her cousin mad.
When she was talking with her friend Teddy before she leave he said to her that his mother asked her aunt if you can live with us but she said you have to move and live with them and also hang with Terri’s friends Beth said “as if Terri even has friends” that show us how is Terri character its not likely. It was Terri friend birthday and she asked Beth to go with her to introduce her to her friends when she went with her she didn’t like her cousin’s friend and she went on the backyard and there she met Jered and he was talking with her in different things and then he told her that he is sorry for what happened to her family and she asked him how did he know ? he said that Terri told everyone here Beth get angry and said ”that’s my personal business”. When Beth became friend with Sloane she wasn’t good girl and Terri told Beth do not play or talk with her she is a bad girl but Beth became a friend with Sloane and changed her character and she became a good girl Sloane Asked her “ you are Terri’s cousin aren’t you? I heard about you . and I guess we’re got some things in common” she was surprised that Terri and Beth are very different in their behavior and everything.
I think its very good book I like it very much it learn you about important things and experience in life. It learn you have to treat people well because you don’t know if they will be with you tomorrow and you have to be stronger, learn from your mistakes, don’t say when you lose this is the end just try and try and everything well be good not everything you like will happen.
Beth used to not treat her little sister and brother very well and argue with them a lot but she loved them and she was near to her mother and loved her a lot and her father too. When the died they were going to a trip and she was sick so she stayed at home and she was happy that she is alone at home but when the police came and told her she was very sad . Beth went to live with her aunt she wasn’t happy because she like her home and her neighbors here another thing that make her more upset that she didn’t like her cousin in her age her name is Terri and she will be close to her and Terri is get everything she want and don’t care about anybody. When she went there and lived with her aunt she went to the same high school with Terri and she didn’t like Terri’s friends and she became a friend with a boy called Jered and with the most unlikely girl in the school her name is Sloane and that made her cousin mad.
When she was talking with her friend Teddy before she leave he said to her that his mother asked her aunt if you can live with us but she said you have to move and live with them and also hang with Terri’s friends Beth said “as if Terri even has friends” that show us how is Terri character its not likely. It was Terri friend birthday and she asked Beth to go with her to introduce her to her friends when she went with her she didn’t like her cousin’s friend and she went on the backyard and there she met Jered and he was talking with her in different things and then he told her that he is sorry for what happened to her family and she asked him how did he know ? he said that Terri told everyone here Beth get angry and said ”that’s my personal business”. When Beth became friend with Sloane she wasn’t good girl and Terri told Beth do not play or talk with her she is a bad girl but Beth became a friend with Sloane and changed her character and she became a good girl Sloane Asked her “ you are Terri’s cousin aren’t you? I heard about you . and I guess we’re got some things in common” she was surprised that Terri and Beth are very different in their behavior and everything.
I think its very good book I like it very much it learn you about important things and experience in life. It learn you have to treat people well because you don’t know if they will be with you tomorrow and you have to be stronger, learn from your mistakes, don’t say when you lose this is the end just try and try and everything well be good not everything you like will happen.
January 14, 2020
You never really appreciate the people in your life until they are gone. The fictional story The Girl Death Left Behind by Lurlene McDaniel is a book about how a girl’s experience causes a ginormous toll on her future life. A single-car crash determines the future of the main character, Beth. The members in Beth’s life are all killed, and she is the only one that is still alive. As the world around her seems to be falling apart, she is forced to move to another state and start a new life for herself with her aunt. Guilt is the only thing that ever crosses Beth’s mind, and she wishes to be dead as well. Problems strike, concerns arise, and misery engulfs Beth as she continues life without the constant being of her family. She puts her family’s life in front of her own in all of her thoughts and choices. The lingering question throughout the whole book is if Beth will ever move on and accept the fact of never seeing her parents again or will she dwell in sadness.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book because the life-altering situations and decisions that were faced, it made me personally think about how I would react if I were in the character’s shoes. Although the story was centered mainly around the character Beth, unique perspectives from different people allowed room for more detail and individuality in this book. Figurative language was evident throughout the story. For example, Beth describes her current situation as, “She felt as if she were drowning and began to flail her arms and legs like a swimmer kicking toward the surface.” The decisions made were different from what I expected. Additionally, the many themes presented were relatable and pertain to situations similar to what me as a reader could connect with. One experience can be life-changing and change someone forever. “The van swerved from the road and careened down a hill, rolled over, and smashed into a tree. The impact was severe. The Jaws of Life had to be used to open the car and extract the passengers.” Beth’s reaction was jaw-dropping. It was effective in starting the problem of the whole story. The events that occurred made me feel sympathetic. The author’s personal touch really came through in the words of the book.
I would recommend The Girl Death Left Behind to older teenagers or young adults because of the number of times death was encountered. I am glad to have come across this book because of the vivid detail and unique storyline made the book stand out to me. Death crosses everyone’s mind at some point in their life and this steps up to the challenge of showing the morals characters learn from death experiences. Adults would appreciate the mature decisions and thoughts that circled around the brains of Beth and her extended family. Although certain plot points were puzzling at first, they all ended up tying together to make a cohesive story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book because the life-altering situations and decisions that were faced, it made me personally think about how I would react if I were in the character’s shoes. Although the story was centered mainly around the character Beth, unique perspectives from different people allowed room for more detail and individuality in this book. Figurative language was evident throughout the story. For example, Beth describes her current situation as, “She felt as if she were drowning and began to flail her arms and legs like a swimmer kicking toward the surface.” The decisions made were different from what I expected. Additionally, the many themes presented were relatable and pertain to situations similar to what me as a reader could connect with. One experience can be life-changing and change someone forever. “The van swerved from the road and careened down a hill, rolled over, and smashed into a tree. The impact was severe. The Jaws of Life had to be used to open the car and extract the passengers.” Beth’s reaction was jaw-dropping. It was effective in starting the problem of the whole story. The events that occurred made me feel sympathetic. The author’s personal touch really came through in the words of the book.
I would recommend The Girl Death Left Behind to older teenagers or young adults because of the number of times death was encountered. I am glad to have come across this book because of the vivid detail and unique storyline made the book stand out to me. Death crosses everyone’s mind at some point in their life and this steps up to the challenge of showing the morals characters learn from death experiences. Adults would appreciate the mature decisions and thoughts that circled around the brains of Beth and her extended family. Although certain plot points were puzzling at first, they all ended up tying together to make a cohesive story.
September 16, 2010
Loss / Family
This book is about a teenage girl whose family is killed in a car accident. She goes to live with her cousin, who she hates, and has to deal with a new school, making new friends, and a crush, besides her grief. She influences the life of a stereotypical "bad girl," gets a boyfriend, makes peace with her cousin, and starts to move forward from her tragedy.
There are not enough adjectives to describe how horrible this book is. McDaniel's prose is about as subtle as a punch to the stomach. For example, at one point in the book, Beth (the main character) is having a conversation about trying to accept her family's death, and she casually starts picking at a loose thread on the couch. I thought, "Fine, not hugely subtle symbolism, but props for trying." But then it ACTUALLY EXPLAINS THE SYMBOLISM: "Slowly Beth unwrapped the thread from her finger. I wouldn't pull off. It would have to be cut. Just like her ties to her family" (133). McDaniel violates the "show don't tell" rule on almost every page, explaining Beth's emotions rather than letting the readers view them: "It irked her" (5), "Beth wished Jared would go away" (66). The interactions between characters are completely unrealistic and the conversations, especially between Beth and her cousin, would never happen between two living teenagers.
I would recommend this book to no one, except perhaps to unpublished writers who need reassurance that books far worse than theirs have made it to publication.
This book is about a teenage girl whose family is killed in a car accident. She goes to live with her cousin, who she hates, and has to deal with a new school, making new friends, and a crush, besides her grief. She influences the life of a stereotypical "bad girl," gets a boyfriend, makes peace with her cousin, and starts to move forward from her tragedy.
There are not enough adjectives to describe how horrible this book is. McDaniel's prose is about as subtle as a punch to the stomach. For example, at one point in the book, Beth (the main character) is having a conversation about trying to accept her family's death, and she casually starts picking at a loose thread on the couch. I thought, "Fine, not hugely subtle symbolism, but props for trying." But then it ACTUALLY EXPLAINS THE SYMBOLISM: "Slowly Beth unwrapped the thread from her finger. I wouldn't pull off. It would have to be cut. Just like her ties to her family" (133). McDaniel violates the "show don't tell" rule on almost every page, explaining Beth's emotions rather than letting the readers view them: "It irked her" (5), "Beth wished Jared would go away" (66). The interactions between characters are completely unrealistic and the conversations, especially between Beth and her cousin, would never happen between two living teenagers.
I would recommend this book to no one, except perhaps to unpublished writers who need reassurance that books far worse than theirs have made it to publication.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2007
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I think Lurlene McDaniel is a fantastic writer. i've read every book i can find by her but this book really seemed to stand out for me. I felt like i could truly relate to beth and the way she felt after a car accident killed her parents and her little brother and sister. It's as if she is a good friend of mine and i'm helping her through her struggle. The author did a great job of making Beth a loveable, relateable character. The other characters that Beth comes into contact with are also well depicted and explained.
Lurlene McDaniel's books are usually always about a disease, usually cancer, so this book was a good change for me. It didn't lose the aspect of sadness but it did give you a sense of newfound experience. I've learned a lot from Lurlene McDaniel's books and i honestly think anyone of any age can relate to them if they try to. I'd recommend this book and any other book by this author to anyone that was interested in becoming a therapist or a doctor when they grow up.
Lurlene McDaniel's books are usually always about a disease, usually cancer, so this book was a good change for me. It didn't lose the aspect of sadness but it did give you a sense of newfound experience. I've learned a lot from Lurlene McDaniel's books and i honestly think anyone of any age can relate to them if they try to. I'd recommend this book and any other book by this author to anyone that was interested in becoming a therapist or a doctor when they grow up.
March 18, 2016
Genre: chick lit
Summary: Beth's family dies in a freak storm, she goes to live with her cousin. She misses her family, her home and friends. Beth meets cute boy who likes her. Beth makes friends with outsiders just to make her cousin Terri mad. Beth runs away to her old home to say goodbye but accepts her new life.
Response: This book was ok, but you just know that every single one of Lurlene McDaniel's books are exactly the same. These books are written with the sole purpose of making teenage girls cry. These aren't going to win any literary awards for quality, just quantity, based on the fact that every girl loves a good cry. Books like this make me so angry! It's like the author assumes that girls can't tackle anything more difficult than a predictable love story and a tragic death situation. The main character was whiny and self-absorbed whilst attacking everyone else around her for being the EXACT same way. Not my favorite, but I can see how it could be appealing to some people.
Summary: Beth's family dies in a freak storm, she goes to live with her cousin. She misses her family, her home and friends. Beth meets cute boy who likes her. Beth makes friends with outsiders just to make her cousin Terri mad. Beth runs away to her old home to say goodbye but accepts her new life.
Response: This book was ok, but you just know that every single one of Lurlene McDaniel's books are exactly the same. These books are written with the sole purpose of making teenage girls cry. These aren't going to win any literary awards for quality, just quantity, based on the fact that every girl loves a good cry. Books like this make me so angry! It's like the author assumes that girls can't tackle anything more difficult than a predictable love story and a tragic death situation. The main character was whiny and self-absorbed whilst attacking everyone else around her for being the EXACT same way. Not my favorite, but I can see how it could be appealing to some people.
February 21, 2023
Honestly, I’ve read a lot of books about death this month. I didn’t mean to, but I did. This one was so real though. It tackled death in a way that showed pain and happiness all together. I thought the healing process was wonderful to see. It was very realistic. I enjoyed reading these characters and this story.
March 25, 2017
I thought this was a very good book. I really enjoyed reading it. It is a very touching and sad story all rolled into one. I felt bad for Beth. Losing your entire family in one accident and having to leave with her aunt in Florida away from her friends and hometown.
September 20, 2021
I loved this book as I love every book this author writes. I am a teenage girl and it does make you cry but it also shows that not everything in life is going to be easy, and you shouldn't expect it to be.
May 14, 2021
Loved these books as a child
June 29, 2019
8/10
I picked this book up from the Little Free Library closest to my house. You can check the map on their website to find one close to you: https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/
Fourteen year old Beth's life suddenly changes when her family dies unexpectedly. She is forced to move 10 hours away to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousin Terri, who she doesn't get along with. She misses her family, friends, neighbours, and house. Beth is unhappy with the change and lives in a fantasy pretending she is only visiting her aunt's family and her own parents and siblings are still alive back home. After several disagreements, Beth and Terri realize they are basically sisters now, and make a pact to communicate better.
I picked this book up from the Little Free Library closest to my house. You can check the map on their website to find one close to you: https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/
Fourteen year old Beth's life suddenly changes when her family dies unexpectedly. She is forced to move 10 hours away to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousin Terri, who she doesn't get along with. She misses her family, friends, neighbours, and house. Beth is unhappy with the change and lives in a fantasy pretending she is only visiting her aunt's family and her own parents and siblings are still alive back home. After several disagreements, Beth and Terri realize they are basically sisters now, and make a pact to communicate better.
September 13, 2017
I used to love Lurlene McDaniel books when I was a kid. I had the opportunity to read several new ones recently that I had not read all those decades ago. They're just as I remember them to be - same format, same writing style, variation on subjects book to book. This one is set in Chattanooga, TN and Florida, respectively. I recently moved to TN. Many places mentioned in this book would make good day trips for me, so that was fun to read about. Nice bit of nostalgia combined with new information on potential fun. Worked well.
November 25, 2023
It’s a very easy and every light book. It’s not too sad anyway and it didn’t capture my gloomy emotions too much. I usually read to feel more than to know. But i can’t quite feel it, with this book. The tragedy is massive but the feeling not so much. I didn’t feel the agony in my chest, it all felt alright, when it supposedly not.
October 29, 2024
It was a terrific book i am a middle schooler with very strict parents for books. This was a very sad heartbreaking story with a warm ending on trying to to be guilty of being a survivor when her parents died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2018
Why
I read this about a girl who's family got killed in a car accident . She had to move in with her aunt and uncle and cousin
I read this about a girl who's family got killed in a car accident . She had to move in with her aunt and uncle and cousin
January 4, 2021
This book scarred me. After I read it as a young girl, I had a deep intense fear that my family was going to die in a car accident if they went anywhere without me.
August 6, 2024
Omg it touch my heart! I read this book to my family. 2 yrs ago we lost my mom. I brings tears hard!
January 23, 2011
The Girl Death Left Behind
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: e-book (on Kindle)
Source: Purchased by Myself
Description: (Amazon.com) Beth must face adult-sized dilemmas when a car accident claims the lives of her immediate family. Within a few hours, she faces a new family, new house, and a new school. Living with her spoiled cousin only adds to her despair. This story charts the efforts of Beth's caring Aunt Camille and Uncle Jack as they help her through the worst time of her life. Always on the brink of tears, Beth finds the strength of character to make new friends and touch the lives of those around her.
From My Point of View: I read this book for the first time probably a good 6 to 8 years ago. I have always remembered how much I loved this tale and how its stuck with me over the years, even after I forgot the author AND title of the book. Thankfully, one of my fabulous followers was able to help me find it and I decided I just had to read it again.
To be honest, it wasn't as good for me this time around, but I suppose that's to be expected. I'm not much of a Young Adult reader -- I read a few here and there, but it's not my favorite genre. This book is really for that age group.
The Girl Death Left Behind talks about the tough subject of death and how Beth overcomes her grief after losing her family. I know the first time I read it I sobbed. I distinctly remember it. This time around there were no real tears, but my eyes welled up quite a few times. It's such an emotional journey and McDaniel does a fantastic job of pulling the reading into the story.
I'm not sure I would recommend this book to someone who's just lost a family member, but otherwise this is an incredible read for any pre-teens or teens. It teaches you a lot about life and there are lessens I gleamed when reading it that are still with me to this day. I almost wish I'd read more of her books back then when I feel I could have truly appreciated them.
I do want to add a "PS" if you will to this review about the e-book. This is the second e-book I've noticed formatting issues and I'm kind of unhappy about that. The first book wasn't a big deal, just that little error I mentioned, so that was easily over looked. However in this one, the end of one chapter had an entire sentence missing! Fortunately, I knew what that sentence was suppose to say, having read the book before, but seriously? And thankfully, it was just the one. I feel like someone should proof these before they sell them! There was also an issue with the world close. For whatever reason, the book formatted the word close as dose. I saw this quite a few times. Overall, I guess it's not a big deal and I know even DTB (dead tree books... lol) have some spelling and formatting issues (for whatever reason I always notice them too), but it does make me hesitant to buy more e-books. What if they ALL have issues?!
Anyone else have this problem? Or am I just overreacting?! I do that from time to time. =)
Author: Lurlene McDaniel
Characters: 4 out of 5
Plot: 4 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Format: e-book (on Kindle)
Source: Purchased by Myself
Description: (Amazon.com) Beth must face adult-sized dilemmas when a car accident claims the lives of her immediate family. Within a few hours, she faces a new family, new house, and a new school. Living with her spoiled cousin only adds to her despair. This story charts the efforts of Beth's caring Aunt Camille and Uncle Jack as they help her through the worst time of her life. Always on the brink of tears, Beth finds the strength of character to make new friends and touch the lives of those around her.
From My Point of View: I read this book for the first time probably a good 6 to 8 years ago. I have always remembered how much I loved this tale and how its stuck with me over the years, even after I forgot the author AND title of the book. Thankfully, one of my fabulous followers was able to help me find it and I decided I just had to read it again.
To be honest, it wasn't as good for me this time around, but I suppose that's to be expected. I'm not much of a Young Adult reader -- I read a few here and there, but it's not my favorite genre. This book is really for that age group.
The Girl Death Left Behind talks about the tough subject of death and how Beth overcomes her grief after losing her family. I know the first time I read it I sobbed. I distinctly remember it. This time around there were no real tears, but my eyes welled up quite a few times. It's such an emotional journey and McDaniel does a fantastic job of pulling the reading into the story.
I'm not sure I would recommend this book to someone who's just lost a family member, but otherwise this is an incredible read for any pre-teens or teens. It teaches you a lot about life and there are lessens I gleamed when reading it that are still with me to this day. I almost wish I'd read more of her books back then when I feel I could have truly appreciated them.
I do want to add a "PS" if you will to this review about the e-book. This is the second e-book I've noticed formatting issues and I'm kind of unhappy about that. The first book wasn't a big deal, just that little error I mentioned, so that was easily over looked. However in this one, the end of one chapter had an entire sentence missing! Fortunately, I knew what that sentence was suppose to say, having read the book before, but seriously? And thankfully, it was just the one. I feel like someone should proof these before they sell them! There was also an issue with the world close. For whatever reason, the book formatted the word close as dose. I saw this quite a few times. Overall, I guess it's not a big deal and I know even DTB (dead tree books... lol) have some spelling and formatting issues (for whatever reason I always notice them too), but it does make me hesitant to buy more e-books. What if they ALL have issues?!
Anyone else have this problem? Or am I just overreacting?! I do that from time to time. =)
March 22, 2013
Fictional fans are not to be lied to with. We know what we want- real world situations & tragedies, stones that can melt our heart away or bring us to tears all at once because we can relate. Books were we can go home after a busy day and just forget about real life for a moment. Be able to put ourselves in the character’s shoes and see life through their eyes.
“The Girl Death Left Behind” is a great book to go home to. It was written by Lurlene McDaniel. The title right away tells you what it is about. “The Girl Death Left Behind”, yes it is about a girl and yes death did leave her behind. Beth Haxton, she is the main character of the book. She is a strong girl, caring and good hearted, who has to go through a tough life ever since her family had a car accident. It was a rainy day and Beth decided not to join her family to the annual picnic because she had the flu and wasn’t feeling well. Her mom, Carol Hexton, insisted that she would stay home with her but Beth said she could take care of herself and it was better for her to join Dad, Allison and Dough.
Two uniformed Policemen and her Dad’s secretary, Jill Bledsoe, showed up at the door. Her family never showed up at the picnic, so he went to go look for them and found the van down in a ditch. They went straight to the hospital and the doctor told her that the family was a case of DOA, dead on arrival. After she received that horrible news her entire life changed dramatically. Beth had to move to Tampa Florida with her aunt Camille, her uncle and Terri. She was forced to leave her family’s house, her friends, basically her whole life behind at Tennessee. She was forced to live at a house with her cousin Terri who she never really got along with. Moving was an emotional ride for Beth she was all left alone and she felt guilty. Guilty that she wasn’t in that van with her family that she didn’t die like the rest of her family. That death left her behind.
I definitely enjoyed this book, it was interesting and kept me on my toes to see what was going to happen next. I like how it’s a simple book very straight and forward. It’s not like those books were you have to read a paragraph twice to understand what it’s talking about. I like the ending at first I disliked it because I felt like it just left me hanging. After a while I realized that it actually doesn’t leave you hanging it lets you know that Beth is going to be okay. She was able to accept the fact that now she had a new family that loved her and just like her they were still trying to figure out how to deal with this horrible tragedy.
I absolutely, positively recommend this book. One of the best books I have read. It’s not a long big fat book that halfway through it you get bored and never open up that book again. This book on the other hand is short and meaningful that I am certain will bring tears to your eyes. I recommend this book to anyone that isn’t a fan of reading because this book will change you. It will make you a fanatic of reading.
“The Girl Death Left Behind” is a great book to go home to. It was written by Lurlene McDaniel. The title right away tells you what it is about. “The Girl Death Left Behind”, yes it is about a girl and yes death did leave her behind. Beth Haxton, she is the main character of the book. She is a strong girl, caring and good hearted, who has to go through a tough life ever since her family had a car accident. It was a rainy day and Beth decided not to join her family to the annual picnic because she had the flu and wasn’t feeling well. Her mom, Carol Hexton, insisted that she would stay home with her but Beth said she could take care of herself and it was better for her to join Dad, Allison and Dough.
Two uniformed Policemen and her Dad’s secretary, Jill Bledsoe, showed up at the door. Her family never showed up at the picnic, so he went to go look for them and found the van down in a ditch. They went straight to the hospital and the doctor told her that the family was a case of DOA, dead on arrival. After she received that horrible news her entire life changed dramatically. Beth had to move to Tampa Florida with her aunt Camille, her uncle and Terri. She was forced to leave her family’s house, her friends, basically her whole life behind at Tennessee. She was forced to live at a house with her cousin Terri who she never really got along with. Moving was an emotional ride for Beth she was all left alone and she felt guilty. Guilty that she wasn’t in that van with her family that she didn’t die like the rest of her family. That death left her behind.
I definitely enjoyed this book, it was interesting and kept me on my toes to see what was going to happen next. I like how it’s a simple book very straight and forward. It’s not like those books were you have to read a paragraph twice to understand what it’s talking about. I like the ending at first I disliked it because I felt like it just left me hanging. After a while I realized that it actually doesn’t leave you hanging it lets you know that Beth is going to be okay. She was able to accept the fact that now she had a new family that loved her and just like her they were still trying to figure out how to deal with this horrible tragedy.
I absolutely, positively recommend this book. One of the best books I have read. It’s not a long big fat book that halfway through it you get bored and never open up that book again. This book on the other hand is short and meaningful that I am certain will bring tears to your eyes. I recommend this book to anyone that isn’t a fan of reading because this book will change you. It will make you a fanatic of reading.
October 6, 2009
Genre: Tragedy/Romance (Lurlene McDaniel Requirement)
After a terrible car crash kills Beth's mother, father, and two siblings, she is left alone under the care of her aunt and uncle and their spoiled only child, Terri. Beth is forced to leave her friends and childhood home and move in with her new family. She doesn't feel accepted in school and doesn't want to be friends with her cousin and her friends. She meets Jared, a popular boy from school, and Sloane, a misfit girl from an abusive family. Beth learns that Sloane sometimes spends the night in the school bathroom because she doesn't want to go home. Beth invites Sloane to stay with her over thanksgiving break and Beth becomes a hero in the school for breaking the status quo. Eventually Jared and Beth begin dating and the tension between Terri and Beth gets out of control because of Terri's obvious affection for Jared. When Beth finds out they are going to have to sell her childhood home, in an act of desperation and defiance, she asks Terri to cover for her and drives the ten hours with Sloane to her old home. Eventually her aunt and uncle discover she is gone and come and get her. Beth is grateful for Terri's silence and they discuss their relationship and how they can become better friends. Before driving back to her new home, she visits her family's grave site and finds that she is ready to move on and live her life while continuing to honor their legacy and love.
This book would definitely be classified as a higher middle grade book although the theme is tragic. The writing is beautifully written despite the middle grade audience. Symbolic metaphors sprinkled throughout the book make this a touching story about one girl's trials to rebuild her life. A quick and easy read but a great story that anyone would enjoy.
After a terrible car crash kills Beth's mother, father, and two siblings, she is left alone under the care of her aunt and uncle and their spoiled only child, Terri. Beth is forced to leave her friends and childhood home and move in with her new family. She doesn't feel accepted in school and doesn't want to be friends with her cousin and her friends. She meets Jared, a popular boy from school, and Sloane, a misfit girl from an abusive family. Beth learns that Sloane sometimes spends the night in the school bathroom because she doesn't want to go home. Beth invites Sloane to stay with her over thanksgiving break and Beth becomes a hero in the school for breaking the status quo. Eventually Jared and Beth begin dating and the tension between Terri and Beth gets out of control because of Terri's obvious affection for Jared. When Beth finds out they are going to have to sell her childhood home, in an act of desperation and defiance, she asks Terri to cover for her and drives the ten hours with Sloane to her old home. Eventually her aunt and uncle discover she is gone and come and get her. Beth is grateful for Terri's silence and they discuss their relationship and how they can become better friends. Before driving back to her new home, she visits her family's grave site and finds that she is ready to move on and live her life while continuing to honor their legacy and love.
This book would definitely be classified as a higher middle grade book although the theme is tragic. The writing is beautifully written despite the middle grade audience. Symbolic metaphors sprinkled throughout the book make this a touching story about one girl's trials to rebuild her life. A quick and easy read but a great story that anyone would enjoy.
November 22, 2010
The Girl Death Left Behind by Lurlene McDaniel Fiction, teenage-girl grief, orphans, family
separation
This fiction novel tells the story of Beth, a typical teenage girl who is, more-often-than-not, annoyed by her little brother, sister, and parents. But still, loves her family. When Beth falls sick, though, her family goes to the annual picnic, which is rained out this year, and which becomes detrimental when the family gets in a car-wreck and dies on their way to the event. She finds out through the police and a neighbor that her family is dead and she is forced to begin a new life without her family. She moves in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin, who have familial problems of their own but all welcome Beth in with open arms except for her cousin Terri. In the end, Beth learns to cherish her past, family moments while living in the present and starting a new life at a new high school with new friends.
This book dripped with middle-school girl themes, which kind of make me nautious; however, as the goal for this class has been breadth then I am glad I read this novel, exposing me to this other genre of literature that I would never have read on my own. I would recommend this book to a middle-school girl who is sensitive to these kinds of stories, but no one else. This novel has some quality themes of hope, grief, and the importance of family. So I appreciate it in that sense, but only that.
separation
This fiction novel tells the story of Beth, a typical teenage girl who is, more-often-than-not, annoyed by her little brother, sister, and parents. But still, loves her family. When Beth falls sick, though, her family goes to the annual picnic, which is rained out this year, and which becomes detrimental when the family gets in a car-wreck and dies on their way to the event. She finds out through the police and a neighbor that her family is dead and she is forced to begin a new life without her family. She moves in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin, who have familial problems of their own but all welcome Beth in with open arms except for her cousin Terri. In the end, Beth learns to cherish her past, family moments while living in the present and starting a new life at a new high school with new friends.
This book dripped with middle-school girl themes, which kind of make me nautious; however, as the goal for this class has been breadth then I am glad I read this novel, exposing me to this other genre of literature that I would never have read on my own. I would recommend this book to a middle-school girl who is sensitive to these kinds of stories, but no one else. This novel has some quality themes of hope, grief, and the importance of family. So I appreciate it in that sense, but only that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 31, 2017The girl death left behind is for those of you out there who enjoy a good cry. I have read nearly all of Lurlene McDaniel's books now and I would say they are most appropriate for Jr./Sr. High girls, as they are not extremely difficult to read but they're still up there on the reading ages. This book is filled with tragedy, as the title would suggest. It’s also filled with romance which I personally enjoy in a book, probably being that i’m a female.
This book's plot is about a girl named Beth and the terrible thing that happened to her. Her mother, father, and two siblings, Doug and Alison, all got in a horrible car accident while on their way to a summer picnic. They left Beth all alone in the world, when they left that day and never returned. The only family she now had was an aunt, uncle, and unfortunately a very unpleasant cousin named Terri. This left Beth having to move hundreds of miles away from her friends, and everything she had ever known. The story tells how Beth overcomes all these hardships and perseveres through it all.
This book has tons of drama and is really descriptive when it comes to things like Beth's thoughts toward the situation, which makes the story further come to life in your mind. It’s truly a good read and I would definitely recommend it to whomever may be interested in inspiring stories to uplift the spirit. If what I said resonates with your reading choices, definitely give this book a shot.
This book's plot is about a girl named Beth and the terrible thing that happened to her. Her mother, father, and two siblings, Doug and Alison, all got in a horrible car accident while on their way to a summer picnic. They left Beth all alone in the world, when they left that day and never returned. The only family she now had was an aunt, uncle, and unfortunately a very unpleasant cousin named Terri. This left Beth having to move hundreds of miles away from her friends, and everything she had ever known. The story tells how Beth overcomes all these hardships and perseveres through it all.
This book has tons of drama and is really descriptive when it comes to things like Beth's thoughts toward the situation, which makes the story further come to life in your mind. It’s truly a good read and I would definitely recommend it to whomever may be interested in inspiring stories to uplift the spirit. If what I said resonates with your reading choices, definitely give this book a shot.
November 3, 2011
This is a good book about a fourteen year old girl, Beth, who has to deal with the loss of her whole family who have died in a car accident. She has to move to Tampa to live with her aunt and uncle and cousin, and learn to adjust and find herself, apart from her family. Things are difficult with her cousin, who she has never been close to and who has her own insecurities and jealousy about learning to share her mom, dad and her home.
McDaniel deals with the issues of teens and loss in a sensitive and touching way. You feel Beth's struggles and sense of aloneness. She feels if she could just go back home, she would be okay. But she's not, and she realizes her need to move forward with her life. Her connection with a troubled girl in her new school helps her to understand that others have big problems too.
The author focuses on the relationships between the characters and the realizations and growth the characters have to make to move forward after going through something so difficult and traumatic. Her aunt and uncle learn to focus on family, her cousin learns to be more kind and understanding and Beth learns that she can move on and not forget her family. It's a touching story.
McDaniel deals with the issues of teens and loss in a sensitive and touching way. You feel Beth's struggles and sense of aloneness. She feels if she could just go back home, she would be okay. But she's not, and she realizes her need to move forward with her life. Her connection with a troubled girl in her new school helps her to understand that others have big problems too.
The author focuses on the relationships between the characters and the realizations and growth the characters have to make to move forward after going through something so difficult and traumatic. Her aunt and uncle learn to focus on family, her cousin learns to be more kind and understanding and Beth learns that she can move on and not forget her family. It's a touching story.
June 14, 2010
Beth is a normal girl with a normal family, one afternoon a horrible car accident kills her whole family. Beth's only living relatives are her mother's sister and her husband and daughter. Beth must leave the house she grew up in, and her friends to live with her aunt and her selfish cousin. This is the story of Beth's journey of healing as she copes with the loss of her family. Although this book was pretty predictable and a little cheesy i believe it teaches an important lesson of valuing family. Everyone has experienced annoyance with their family at one time or another, but McDaniel teaches us to get past those annoyances. I liked that this book made me think about my relationship with my family, and i found myself wondering what i would do if i woke up one morning and my whole family was gone. I think this is a great book for young adults, it discusses a situation that some might find themselves in, and teaches others to think about what they would do if they were ever put in that situation. Although it is not the most fantastic book ever i believe there is a good lesson to be learned here that we sometimes might forget.
August 24, 2011
This book had my crying the ENTIRE time! The way Beth made it through was just truly inspirational! Especially biting back her tongue...it totally proves that the nice girls get the BEST guys-aka Jared and/or Teddy! It was cute how in the end everything fell together and just made her stronger. Lately the saying 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' has been echoing in my head...and this book proves it to be true! What happened to Alison, Doug and her parents was terrible and something that one could never get over, but it helped when her Aunt Camille told her that Alison and Doug would just be waiting to show her off! And when they shared the memories, the happy thoughts dashed by remembrance it really helped Beth to heal. Ms. McDaniel is truly an inspiring author or an an author who knows how to truly inspire her readers, either way the book was great with NO loose ends! I also like how the stereotype of a man/boy like Carl would be mean and whatever was proven nice and willing to help...that was really sweet too. I especially liked how Jared and Beth met...that was really cute!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2011
This was a realistic fiction by Lurlene McDaniel. It is about 14 year old Beth whose family have just all died in a car wreck. Now Beth has to leave her two best friends and her home to live with her Aunt, Uncle and cousin. Will she ever get over being alone, will she ever find friends and peace?
From the look of the cover and the name of the title, I was sure that this was an 80s or early 90s romance novel...which immediately made me biased against it. I guess that bias stayed strong throughout the entire book. However, this is very minimal amount of romance mentioned.
It does give an interesting perspective to different types of families and who is lucky because of the type of family they have or had.
I don't really consider it a super thick or dense novel, but it is an easy read and would probably be very interesting for those youth who have lost a loved one--they would be able to connect with Beth very easily and find comfort in this book.
It is a very clean book, so I would recommend it for middle scholars or high scholars.
From the look of the cover and the name of the title, I was sure that this was an 80s or early 90s romance novel...which immediately made me biased against it. I guess that bias stayed strong throughout the entire book. However, this is very minimal amount of romance mentioned.
It does give an interesting perspective to different types of families and who is lucky because of the type of family they have or had.
I don't really consider it a super thick or dense novel, but it is an easy read and would probably be very interesting for those youth who have lost a loved one--they would be able to connect with Beth very easily and find comfort in this book.
It is a very clean book, so I would recommend it for middle scholars or high scholars.
April 23, 2016
This is the first Lurlene McDaniel book I read way back in grade school.
On the day of her father’s company’s annual picnic, Beth Haxton stays home with the flu while her parents, sister, and brother head out. Before making it to the picnic, there is an accident. Beth’s parents and both her younger siblings are pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Beth is now an orphan under the guardianship of her aunt and uncle. She has to move away from her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee to live with her mother’s sister, her husband, and their daughter in Tampa, Florida.
The story follows Beth as she deals with her grief. At the same time she has to adjust to living with her spoiled cousin Terri, moving away from her home and all her friends, and starting a new school in Tampa.
I really like this book because it is a quick easy read that deals with some very important topics: grief, moving, fitting in, acceptance, and growth.
This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.
On the day of her father’s company’s annual picnic, Beth Haxton stays home with the flu while her parents, sister, and brother head out. Before making it to the picnic, there is an accident. Beth’s parents and both her younger siblings are pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Beth is now an orphan under the guardianship of her aunt and uncle. She has to move away from her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee to live with her mother’s sister, her husband, and their daughter in Tampa, Florida.
The story follows Beth as she deals with her grief. At the same time she has to adjust to living with her spoiled cousin Terri, moving away from her home and all her friends, and starting a new school in Tampa.
I really like this book because it is a quick easy read that deals with some very important topics: grief, moving, fitting in, acceptance, and growth.
This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.
August 7, 2019
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Lurlene McDaniel’s 1999 novel The Girl Death Left Behind is just the right amount of tearjerker storytelling you’d expect from this popular author. Lurlene’s work has been around for ages and I’ve got a hunch that, in terms of children’s books, it will continue to be around even as our grandchildren grow up. Yes, years from now — a little girl or boy will discover her work for the first time and you’ll be required to buy them dozens upon dozens of boxed tissue.
In the pages you'll find tragedy mingled with a young girls coming of age story and it's the typical, beautifully done story you'd expect from the incredibly talented Lurlene McDaniel.
Lurlene McDaniel’s 1999 novel The Girl Death Left Behind is just the right amount of tearjerker storytelling you’d expect from this popular author. Lurlene’s work has been around for ages and I’ve got a hunch that, in terms of children’s books, it will continue to be around even as our grandchildren grow up. Yes, years from now — a little girl or boy will discover her work for the first time and you’ll be required to buy them dozens upon dozens of boxed tissue.
In the pages you'll find tragedy mingled with a young girls coming of age story and it's the typical, beautifully done story you'd expect from the incredibly talented Lurlene McDaniel.
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