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After the Death of Anna Gonzales
A look at the effects of one girl's suicide on her high school
"I can feel
The whispering of the hallway walls
Growing louder as the groups gather.
Each clique adding to its morning input.
"Did you hear?"
"Who told you?"
"Do you think it's really true?"
New at this school,
I stand alone.
Watching . . ."
This collection of voices centers on the suicide of high school freshman Anna Gonzales. Each piece, read alone, portrays a classmate's or teacher's personal reaction to the loss, taken hard by some, by others barely noticed. Read together, the poems create a textured testimony to the rippling effects of one girl's devastating choice.
"I can feel
The whispering of the hallway walls
Growing louder as the groups gather.
Each clique adding to its morning input.
"Did you hear?"
"Who told you?"
"Do you think it's really true?"
New at this school,
I stand alone.
Watching . . ."
This collection of voices centers on the suicide of high school freshman Anna Gonzales. Each piece, read alone, portrays a classmate's or teacher's personal reaction to the loss, taken hard by some, by others barely noticed. Read together, the poems create a textured testimony to the rippling effects of one girl's devastating choice.
100 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2002
9 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
August 28, 2019
I'm almost offended by how pointless and shallow this book was. If you're looking for a book that deals meaningfully with teen suicide, 100% pass on this.
November 15, 2009
Summary and Analysis:
After the Death of Anna Gonzales is a novel told in verse that would be appropriate for high school students. After the Death of Anna Gonzales takes place in a high school the day after a student, Anna Gonzales, has committed suicide. This comes as a big shock to everyone and no one really knows why she did it or saw any signs that she was considering suicide. The book focuses on the people who were left behind and their reactions.
The format of After the Death of Anna Gonzales is unique, not only because of the free verse. Every page or two within this book is narrated by a different character. In total, there are 46 different narrators in this book. Some of the narrators are students and some are faculty. Some of the narrators knew Anna well and some had never heard of her before the announcement of her death was made. Some of the narrators react with anger, some sadness, some empathize with her decision. Some narrators even seem to not care at all because they are so focused on typical high school issues- dates to the homecoming dance, gossip, being accepted into the best colleges. Other narrators seem to not care because they are dealing with issues that are not typical of high school students - hiding money from an alcoholic father, making sure their younger siblings don't go hungry, dealing with the loss of a brother from cancer.
Anna's suicide note is included in the end of the book. Ironically, she cites the fact that she is invisible as the reason she took her own life. This novel shows that no one, not even Anna, is invisible. In all, After the Death of Anna Gonzales is a snapshot her life and how her life, and death, impacted others. Also, it is a snapshot into the lives of high school students - including the darker side of the lives of many teens.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. However, it did take me some time to get into the format of the book. Honestly, I really didn't get it until the very end - so this is a book that would benefit from a rereading. Each of the students or staff that speaks is identified by name at the top of the page. The only names that include a title are the names of staff members. With the student names, the reader is left to infer what that student's relationship to Anna was. Since most of the names didn't seem to matter, I found myself not paying much attention to them after a while. However, some of the poems reference student names that had either been mentioned in someone else's section earlier or the student had already narrated. I found myself flipping back to double check. For example, the girl the reader finds to be Anna's best friend, is mentioned throughout the beginning - before her own entry appears.
After the Death of Anna Gonzales is a novel told in verse that would be appropriate for high school students. After the Death of Anna Gonzales takes place in a high school the day after a student, Anna Gonzales, has committed suicide. This comes as a big shock to everyone and no one really knows why she did it or saw any signs that she was considering suicide. The book focuses on the people who were left behind and their reactions.
The format of After the Death of Anna Gonzales is unique, not only because of the free verse. Every page or two within this book is narrated by a different character. In total, there are 46 different narrators in this book. Some of the narrators are students and some are faculty. Some of the narrators knew Anna well and some had never heard of her before the announcement of her death was made. Some of the narrators react with anger, some sadness, some empathize with her decision. Some narrators even seem to not care at all because they are so focused on typical high school issues- dates to the homecoming dance, gossip, being accepted into the best colleges. Other narrators seem to not care because they are dealing with issues that are not typical of high school students - hiding money from an alcoholic father, making sure their younger siblings don't go hungry, dealing with the loss of a brother from cancer.
Anna's suicide note is included in the end of the book. Ironically, she cites the fact that she is invisible as the reason she took her own life. This novel shows that no one, not even Anna, is invisible. In all, After the Death of Anna Gonzales is a snapshot her life and how her life, and death, impacted others. Also, it is a snapshot into the lives of high school students - including the darker side of the lives of many teens.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. However, it did take me some time to get into the format of the book. Honestly, I really didn't get it until the very end - so this is a book that would benefit from a rereading. Each of the students or staff that speaks is identified by name at the top of the page. The only names that include a title are the names of staff members. With the student names, the reader is left to infer what that student's relationship to Anna was. Since most of the names didn't seem to matter, I found myself not paying much attention to them after a while. However, some of the poems reference student names that had either been mentioned in someone else's section earlier or the student had already narrated. I found myself flipping back to double check. For example, the girl the reader finds to be Anna's best friend, is mentioned throughout the beginning - before her own entry appears.
July 13, 2019
This is the type of book you could teach in a class and study every page in one lesson.
anyways, it was a really short book so I don't have much to say.
It could of included more upset people in it. Like I wanted to hear what her friends felt, what her favourite teachers felt. All it was was these kids whining about prom and how Anna killing herself inconvenienced them. Those were needed but there was too many of this people and not enough people sad about Anna. Not really realistic.
anyways, it was a really short book so I don't have much to say.
It could of included more upset people in it. Like I wanted to hear what her friends felt, what her favourite teachers felt. All it was was these kids whining about prom and how Anna killing herself inconvenienced them. Those were needed but there was too many of this people and not enough people sad about Anna. Not really realistic.
March 10, 2011
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because I'll probably never read it again. I gave it 4 stars because it is such an important, well-written, well-thought out, meaningful book. The effect it had on me while I was reading it was very powerful. The responses of the students were so well-crafted, I almost wonder if the author studied psychology. I could tell before I read the blurb that she had education experience. Each was written as if it were actually inside the person's head- wether they were thinking of Anna, or caught up in stupid, meaningless high school stuff. The jarring difference between the responses of those who cared and those "popular" kids with fluff for brains was so effective. It really came across that the important things were not popularity, parties, grades, or even family drama. Life is important. I would recommend this to any teen from about 14 up. Definitely with some discussion involved.
Warning: Some "thematic elements" are more appropriate for a more mature audience.
Warning: Some "thematic elements" are more appropriate for a more mature audience.
May 18, 2024
My 14 year old checked this out from the school library. After reading it, she said I should read it. We then talked about the different perspectives that struck a chord with us. I love when my daughter reads something & tells me I should read it.
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January 22, 2018Quick, short read... asks a lot of interesting questions about depression and suicide – would probably be best read in a school/book club setting where the issue can be discussed openly.
March 10, 2024
Honestly an excellent book, about a classmate who committed suicide. It is impactful and shows what suicide does, and what happens when you die, or in this case. What happens when you die in other people's perspective...
June 1, 2013
I picked up this book because it fulfilled the poetry requirement for my young adult lit class. I also thought it had a really neat concept of poems from various high school student's perspectives. I'm a big fan of poetry so naturally I was really excited to read the book, plus it seemed like a quick and easy read.
Overall I think the writing was good. It was obvious by the writing style that it was written by an adult though. Thinking about my grasp on poetry when I was in high school it doesn't come even close to Terri Field's writing. Some perspectives felt very real and believable to me, but some seemed a little too cruel for high school (at least in contrast with my high school experience). One of the most impactful poems in the story were Martin Martinez and Damon Reingold. I also love how Fields used this medium to tell a story within small groups of characters. Overall I would recommend this to any teen interested in poetry. It's a quick read and brings to light many issues in high school
Language: very light (maybe in one poem).
Sex: References but doesn't describe.
Drugs: References again does not describe.
Overall I think the writing was good. It was obvious by the writing style that it was written by an adult though. Thinking about my grasp on poetry when I was in high school it doesn't come even close to Terri Field's writing. Some perspectives felt very real and believable to me, but some seemed a little too cruel for high school (at least in contrast with my high school experience). One of the most impactful poems in the story were Martin Martinez and Damon Reingold. I also love how Fields used this medium to tell a story within small groups of characters. Overall I would recommend this to any teen interested in poetry. It's a quick read and brings to light many issues in high school
Language: very light (maybe in one poem).
Sex: References but doesn't describe.
Drugs: References again does not describe.
November 29, 2010
This is a very, very, very fast book. It's a very "light" book, even with the topic. One could imagine the pages to be more heavy because of what Anna did yet it's not IMO.
I think this would be a great book to hand to someone who likes to read but isn't "hooked" although that person would need to be the kind of person okay with reading about this sort of thing. Even though Anna herself isn't met in the book and even though the suicide isn't front and center it's always there, in the back, hanging around, right in the readers mind. That's not for everyone.
I think I would have liked it better had there been more to it. With something like this, as serious as suicide, I like to have more meat to the book. Something to drag me in, keep me in without letting go, and keep me there until the end. This was kind of just flitting by and setting down for a second and it just didn't go beyond 'like' for me.
I will definitely look at the authors other books because I can see that I like her writing. I think I'd like to read an "adult" novel by her.
I think this would be a great book to hand to someone who likes to read but isn't "hooked" although that person would need to be the kind of person okay with reading about this sort of thing. Even though Anna herself isn't met in the book and even though the suicide isn't front and center it's always there, in the back, hanging around, right in the readers mind. That's not for everyone.
I think I would have liked it better had there been more to it. With something like this, as serious as suicide, I like to have more meat to the book. Something to drag me in, keep me in without letting go, and keep me there until the end. This was kind of just flitting by and setting down for a second and it just didn't go beyond 'like' for me.
I will definitely look at the authors other books because I can see that I like her writing. I think I'd like to read an "adult" novel by her.
October 29, 2010
This book was interesting.... it wasn't really a book as much as a collection of stories or after thoughts. Some of the stories were very good with lots of emotion, and wittiness while other were random, and had no revelation to the story. I don't think the school was at all affected by the suicide of Anna. Except for the teachers, and several friends most took advantage of it. There have been several suicides around my area in schools, and I know for a fact that almost 95% of the people were affected, some of my friends at that school didn't even know the guy but still cried the day the school choose to honor him. Anyway, overall this book wasn't all that great, and it looked as if it had major potential.
November 26, 2011
Anna has committed suicide and that has left the student body grappling with their own lives and what they did or didn't mean to Anna. Each poem is another character, adult, friend, teacher, student who has thoughts of Anna after their principal announces that "she took her own life".
Nothing is uniquely special about the poetry (reminding me of Mel's work) which creates a powerful message when the last "poem" is Anna's suicide note "I am just not. And I am so tired of trying to be."
Nothing is uniquely special about the poetry (reminding me of Mel's work) which creates a powerful message when the last "poem" is Anna's suicide note "I am just not. And I am so tired of trying to be."
May 24, 2018
Terri Fields has written many, many books including picture books, middle grade books and young adult books. Some of her young adult books include MY FATHER’S SON and HOLDUP, and AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ, which all focus on the teenager experience. Not only does Terri Fields write, but she also teaches and makes sure many of her students write as well. She is a teacher in Arizona and has won Arizona’s Teacher of the Year Award and was selected to the All-USA Teacher Team, which honors 20 teachers. Terri Fields currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ takes place the morning after Anna Gonzalez, a high school student, takes her life. The story follows 47 people at the school, from faculty and teachers of Anna’s to the fellow students of Anna’s on the day after. While the name of the book has the name Anna Gonzalez in it, AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ has less to do with Anna Gonzalez and more to do with the people she left behind. High school students, teachers and faculty each give their take on one portion of the day.
Anna thought she was invisible and while it’s clear that she was to some, this book shows how no one is ever completely invisible, whether it means being best friends or just your designated partner in a certain class. Each person brings a different voice, a different point of view and a different take on her. Some do not even realize what has happened. Some miss her. Some use her. As the story goes on you learn little bits and snippets about not only Anna but also what type of school she went to, the types of students she talked to and even the types of students she didn’t talk to.
I found AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ to be a very good book. One of the things Terri Fields did very well was managing not to blame anyone for Anna’s death. In many books --- especially young adult books --- about teen suicide, the author either glorifies suicide or makes it seem like a certain person or a group of people was the reason why a person killed himself or herself or both but AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ manages to show how while Anna’s death was devastating, it was not any of the student’s or faculty member’s fault. The poetry was very nicely written. It took me about 20 minutes to read AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ, but the impact has lasted a little --- more like a lot --- longer. The book really makes you think about life and perspective and how you never really know what someone is going through.
AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ is a book that many people, especially teens and parents and really anyone spends a lot of time with teens should read. Terri Fields does a great job with AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ.
Reviewed by Rebecca D., Teen Board Member
AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ takes place the morning after Anna Gonzalez, a high school student, takes her life. The story follows 47 people at the school, from faculty and teachers of Anna’s to the fellow students of Anna’s on the day after. While the name of the book has the name Anna Gonzalez in it, AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ has less to do with Anna Gonzalez and more to do with the people she left behind. High school students, teachers and faculty each give their take on one portion of the day.
Anna thought she was invisible and while it’s clear that she was to some, this book shows how no one is ever completely invisible, whether it means being best friends or just your designated partner in a certain class. Each person brings a different voice, a different point of view and a different take on her. Some do not even realize what has happened. Some miss her. Some use her. As the story goes on you learn little bits and snippets about not only Anna but also what type of school she went to, the types of students she talked to and even the types of students she didn’t talk to.
I found AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ to be a very good book. One of the things Terri Fields did very well was managing not to blame anyone for Anna’s death. In many books --- especially young adult books --- about teen suicide, the author either glorifies suicide or makes it seem like a certain person or a group of people was the reason why a person killed himself or herself or both but AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ manages to show how while Anna’s death was devastating, it was not any of the student’s or faculty member’s fault. The poetry was very nicely written. It took me about 20 minutes to read AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ, but the impact has lasted a little --- more like a lot --- longer. The book really makes you think about life and perspective and how you never really know what someone is going through.
AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ is a book that many people, especially teens and parents and really anyone spends a lot of time with teens should read. Terri Fields does a great job with AFTER THE DEATH OF ANNA GONZALEZ.
Reviewed by Rebecca D., Teen Board Member
November 2, 2022
Book Review for After the death of Anna Gonzales
In “After the death of Anna Gonzales” by Terri fields, The book talks about how different people’s reaction to hearing one of their classmates commit suicided. There is not a clear
protagonist and antagonist and the theme is more of a poetry/ non fiction book.
This kind of style allows for the reader to be able to understand what is happening and to also understand who is talking and what is their point of view. To provide some more context this book also goes into detail on how some people will take advantage of a person's death in order to get what they want. In this book there is a clear main focus on who is being talked to but Anna the main character is not the protagonist because she is not talking in the book and this is because she is the main focus of the book because she committed suicided.
This book will most likely relate to high school students because of how it is written and on that the people talking are most high school students. In the book some of the people who talk are confused on why Anna Gonzales killed herself and this is expressed when the math teacher talks about her and a classmate of hers are confused on why she killed herself. The formatting n the book and how it was written also shows the attention to detail on how people are feeling after hearing the news that one of their classmates killed themselves.
All in all this book was an ok read. This was not the best thing that I have read but it did give some insight on how people may react when they hear about a classmate or friend committing suicided and this adds insight to why people may feel this way and to have the reactions that they have.
In “After the death of Anna Gonzales” by Terri fields, The book talks about how different people’s reaction to hearing one of their classmates commit suicided. There is not a clear
protagonist and antagonist and the theme is more of a poetry/ non fiction book.
This kind of style allows for the reader to be able to understand what is happening and to also understand who is talking and what is their point of view. To provide some more context this book also goes into detail on how some people will take advantage of a person's death in order to get what they want. In this book there is a clear main focus on who is being talked to but Anna the main character is not the protagonist because she is not talking in the book and this is because she is the main focus of the book because she committed suicided.
This book will most likely relate to high school students because of how it is written and on that the people talking are most high school students. In the book some of the people who talk are confused on why Anna Gonzales killed herself and this is expressed when the math teacher talks about her and a classmate of hers are confused on why she killed herself. The formatting n the book and how it was written also shows the attention to detail on how people are feeling after hearing the news that one of their classmates killed themselves.
All in all this book was an ok read. This was not the best thing that I have read but it did give some insight on how people may react when they hear about a classmate or friend committing suicided and this adds insight to why people may feel this way and to have the reactions that they have.
December 22, 2020
4 stars
I probably enjoyed this in a way the author didn't intend. Despite the title of this story, not every poem has to do with Anna Gonzales. That's because not every student cared about Anna, and that didn't change when she killed herself. As a result, I became really interested in the lives of the students still living. Every time a name was dropped, I would quickly flip through the book to see if we've gotten a poem from them yet or if we would. I laughed at inappropriate times because I was so absorbed in the lives of the characters - when one girl wanted to see if she could switch to Anna's seat because Anna had sat behind her crush, and then in the next poem we see the crush hope that the Anna that killed herself isn't the Anna in his class because he knew the girl had a crush on him and doesn't want her sitting there. Or when we got to see a girl talk about how she appreciated her friend and crush and couldn't imagine feeling as alone as Anna... only this poem came after poems from her friend and crush and we knew that they were both mad at her and she would probably lose them both...
Outside of that, I did enjoy the message of the story. The poem from Kathleen Hays really hit home for me - I ended up reading it at least 5 times before I could move on with the rest of the book. While I was in a good mental space when I read this, I can easily imagine myself picking this up when I have a dark day and start feeling suicidal. The poems that are actually about Anna and from people that cared about her really gets you thinking...
I probably enjoyed this in a way the author didn't intend. Despite the title of this story, not every poem has to do with Anna Gonzales. That's because not every student cared about Anna, and that didn't change when she killed herself. As a result, I became really interested in the lives of the students still living. Every time a name was dropped, I would quickly flip through the book to see if we've gotten a poem from them yet or if we would. I laughed at inappropriate times because I was so absorbed in the lives of the characters - when one girl wanted to see if she could switch to Anna's seat because Anna had sat behind her crush, and then in the next poem we see the crush hope that the Anna that killed herself isn't the Anna in his class because he knew the girl had a crush on him and doesn't want her sitting there. Or when we got to see a girl talk about how she appreciated her friend and crush and couldn't imagine feeling as alone as Anna... only this poem came after poems from her friend and crush and we knew that they were both mad at her and she would probably lose them both...
Outside of that, I did enjoy the message of the story. The poem from Kathleen Hays really hit home for me - I ended up reading it at least 5 times before I could move on with the rest of the book. While I was in a good mental space when I read this, I can easily imagine myself picking this up when I have a dark day and start feeling suicidal. The poems that are actually about Anna and from people that cared about her really gets you thinking...
April 16, 2019
The book I chose to read was called “After The Death of Anna Gonzales” and it was a bunch of poems written in the eyes of a bunch of people from a school that knew Anna Gonzales and were affected in some way by her suicide. It first starts at the beginning of the school day after where the principal tells the school over the announcements and then how the students and teachers react through the day. It shows how all the students are tied together and then at the end has Anna’s suicide note and explains how suicide isn't the answer and affects those around you and not just you.
The book does a really good job of trying to make you feel the pain and emotion of the others but at the same time it also shows the plainness of some who didn't have ties to her. It helps show the thought process and try to help you visualize everything that is happening throughout the story. It helped you to understand the environment that Anna’s suicide is putting in the school.
I actually like this book even though I am pretty against poetry. I thought it did a good job of expressing emotion and getting its point across. Unlike most poetry the book did a good job of making what each poem was trying to say and express very clear. The story was very good at putting you in the story and environment of the story. All in all it was a good short read if you're looking for some kind of poetry and i would recommend it.
The book does a really good job of trying to make you feel the pain and emotion of the others but at the same time it also shows the plainness of some who didn't have ties to her. It helps show the thought process and try to help you visualize everything that is happening throughout the story. It helped you to understand the environment that Anna’s suicide is putting in the school.
I actually like this book even though I am pretty against poetry. I thought it did a good job of expressing emotion and getting its point across. Unlike most poetry the book did a good job of making what each poem was trying to say and express very clear. The story was very good at putting you in the story and environment of the story. All in all it was a good short read if you're looking for some kind of poetry and i would recommend it.
October 24, 2019
After the Death of Anna Gonzales, by Terri Fields, is a short and powerful novel in verse about the tragedy of suicide. The reader knows, from the title, that Anna had taken her own life. The forty six poems, each by a different classmate, show how Anna's life and death impacted them.
The author is a teacher who wants to emphasize the most important messages to her readers. In Carrie Sells's poem, she states, "But then I decide I don't want to die. I haven't really even had my Chance to live." (p.43)
Anna's friend Alexis Jimers's poem, "But, Anna, somehow, I failed you. And now I've lost the best part of Me." (p. 47)
Shannon Delaney's poem, "No one ever taught Anna how to live, And for sure, No one taught me how to feel About finding out how she died. " (p.55)
Randal Mallander's poem, "Still, I cannot quite believe That those big brown eyes Are forever closed." (p.67)
Karen Covington's poem, "So , Anna, did you know That wehn you kill yourself Those you say you love, They die too?" (p.71)
Anna Gonzales's poem appears last, and in this poem is heartbreaking, but so important in that she felt so alone despite what we know, that she was never alone.
For middle school readers and older, to be a springboard for discussion and for those struggling to gain knowledge of more resources in the fight to stay strong and to prevent the tragedy of suicide.
The author is a teacher who wants to emphasize the most important messages to her readers. In Carrie Sells's poem, she states, "But then I decide I don't want to die. I haven't really even had my Chance to live." (p.43)
Anna's friend Alexis Jimers's poem, "But, Anna, somehow, I failed you. And now I've lost the best part of Me." (p. 47)
Shannon Delaney's poem, "No one ever taught Anna how to live, And for sure, No one taught me how to feel About finding out how she died. " (p.55)
Randal Mallander's poem, "Still, I cannot quite believe That those big brown eyes Are forever closed." (p.67)
Karen Covington's poem, "So , Anna, did you know That wehn you kill yourself Those you say you love, They die too?" (p.71)
Anna Gonzales's poem appears last, and in this poem is heartbreaking, but so important in that she felt so alone despite what we know, that she was never alone.
For middle school readers and older, to be a springboard for discussion and for those struggling to gain knowledge of more resources in the fight to stay strong and to prevent the tragedy of suicide.
November 30, 2020
This book is a beautiful collection of poetry of a schools reaction to the suicide of a fellow student, ranging from her best friend, to someone who doesn't even know her. I read this because it was highly recommended and honestly I'm glad I did. I would recommend this to someone who loves poetry and seeing similar situations from different points of view. I would be careful in reading this with someone who has depression or suicidal thoughts. While many don't find it triggering, some of the reviews I read said it was extremely difficult to read.
I don't know if I would read this in class... Just as I wouldn't read "13 Reasons Why" because it is sometimes a way to romanticize suicide, I would be very careful in recommending this to students. This book was not as bad in romanticizing suicide as "13 Reasons Why," but I would still proceed with extreme caution.
Warnings for the faint of heart:
Sex: Two students have sex, but it is implied and not described.
Drugs: None that I can remember.
Violence: Almost none described, but you know that a student killed herself.
All in all a beautifully written book that I would have a hard time recommending because I would worry about triggering someone.
I don't know if I would read this in class... Just as I wouldn't read "13 Reasons Why" because it is sometimes a way to romanticize suicide, I would be very careful in recommending this to students. This book was not as bad in romanticizing suicide as "13 Reasons Why," but I would still proceed with extreme caution.
Warnings for the faint of heart:
Sex: Two students have sex, but it is implied and not described.
Drugs: None that I can remember.
Violence: Almost none described, but you know that a student killed herself.
All in all a beautifully written book that I would have a hard time recommending because I would worry about triggering someone.
June 16, 2019
This is a very good book and a simple read. It reflects on suicide and how it affects other people. Sometimes we don't know what's going on the inside when someone takes their own life. The main questions of why and how strick our minds. This gives us the inside thoughts of other people and what they thought about the situation that has been presented. Suicide is something that shouldn't be taken light-hearted but I gave it three stars because I wanted something more in depth. However, it is the minds of young adult children in high school and their thinking process is different than others.
I would teach this book in a school setting because it touches a subject that creates understanding about how we could prevent suicide rather than hiding it under the rug. It a very simple read so students will easily read it and have a more in-depth discussion. Escaplly students in high school would like to discuss this type of subject when present within a book.
I would teach this book in a school setting because it touches a subject that creates understanding about how we could prevent suicide rather than hiding it under the rug. It a very simple read so students will easily read it and have a more in-depth discussion. Escaplly students in high school would like to discuss this type of subject when present within a book.
October 15, 2020
I wish I could have given this more stars because of the impact it had on me personally. I have struggled with depression, and the want to commit suicide for as long as I can remember. This book doesn't sensationalize suicide. This book doesn't place the blame on anyone but on Anna Gonzales herself. This book does a great job of showing the impacts of suicide and the impacts of depression. This book will forever remain in my mind. This book book will stay in the back of my head repeating "So, Anna, did you know that when you kill yourself those you say you love, They die to." except replace her name, with my name.
I recommend this book for anyone over the age of 13. I think it's good for this age because that's when stuff like depression and anxiety can start. I think that suicide is something that needs to be more deeply discussed. Discussing such things will be beneficial for everyone in the long run.
Warnings:
-Death
-Suicide
-Language
-Drugs
-Alcohol
-Abuse
I recommend this book for anyone over the age of 13. I think it's good for this age because that's when stuff like depression and anxiety can start. I think that suicide is something that needs to be more deeply discussed. Discussing such things will be beneficial for everyone in the long run.
Warnings:
-Death
-Suicide
-Language
-Drugs
-Alcohol
-Abuse
August 31, 2024
TW: suicide, drive by shooting, sexual assault
Was the poetry well written? Yes, wonderfully accessible.
Why the one star? Because all this book does - all this author does- is shame Anna.
How could she do that when children have cancer? That's a literal poem here.
How could she do that when people are poor? That's a poem here.
How could she choose to ruin her family's lives? That's a poem here.
Anna's friends are sad now. How cruel could Anna be. That's a poem here.
All the praise the author claims at the end are from people affected by suicides of others, never from suicidal people finding hope in this book.
If you are experiencing suicidal ideations or would be triggered by such, please seek out resources other than this book. I do understand the authors intent was good, but it just left me angry and scared for those readers who are already in a dark place. You cannot logic or shame depression away.
You are loved and not alone.
Was the poetry well written? Yes, wonderfully accessible.
Why the one star? Because all this book does - all this author does- is shame Anna.
How could she do that when children have cancer? That's a literal poem here.
How could she do that when people are poor? That's a poem here.
How could she choose to ruin her family's lives? That's a poem here.
Anna's friends are sad now. How cruel could Anna be. That's a poem here.
All the praise the author claims at the end are from people affected by suicides of others, never from suicidal people finding hope in this book.
If you are experiencing suicidal ideations or would be triggered by such, please seek out resources other than this book. I do understand the authors intent was good, but it just left me angry and scared for those readers who are already in a dark place. You cannot logic or shame depression away.
You are loved and not alone.
June 11, 2019
This book is how we need to be teaching our young people about suicide. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. he way the story is composed entirely of poems bouncing from one person's mind to another concerning Anna Gonzales' suicide is touching, and disturbing, as it shows both the compassion and love some people feel and the opportunity and selfishness others see in her death.
If we want to teach young people that suicide is not the answer, allowing them to read about the love that Anna failed to see, and the hopelessness she could have been saved from if she had sought help is how we need to do it. We do not see the pain in the people we love, but it will always haunt us if we don't do what we can while they are around, that is the best way to water down the message from this little book.
No warning, just now this book is about suicide.
If we want to teach young people that suicide is not the answer, allowing them to read about the love that Anna failed to see, and the hopelessness she could have been saved from if she had sought help is how we need to do it. We do not see the pain in the people we love, but it will always haunt us if we don't do what we can while they are around, that is the best way to water down the message from this little book.
No warning, just now this book is about suicide.
October 27, 2019
Wow. What a powerful read.
I won't sugarcoat it: this book brought tears to my eyes. Teen suicide is very much a prevalent problem, one which I have personal experience with, and so it was incredibly hard at times to read these poems. I did it though. I made myself work through that discomfort because I knew how important every word would be in the end.
Anna, even if you were never real, you represent so many others who are. To the girls and boys out there who are suffering silently and thinking that suicide is the answer remember that every one of you are loved and have impacted many more lives than you'll ever realize.
This is a collection that I plan to keep with me from now on, ready to give it to anyone who needs the reminder that they make a difference. Thank you, Ms. Fields, for having the strength to write this. You, too, have made a difference today.
I won't sugarcoat it: this book brought tears to my eyes. Teen suicide is very much a prevalent problem, one which I have personal experience with, and so it was incredibly hard at times to read these poems. I did it though. I made myself work through that discomfort because I knew how important every word would be in the end.
Anna, even if you were never real, you represent so many others who are. To the girls and boys out there who are suffering silently and thinking that suicide is the answer remember that every one of you are loved and have impacted many more lives than you'll ever realize.
This is a collection that I plan to keep with me from now on, ready to give it to anyone who needs the reminder that they make a difference. Thank you, Ms. Fields, for having the strength to write this. You, too, have made a difference today.
July 12, 2017
This book is a collection of narratives from a high school where a student took her own life. I normally don't like sad books, but I thought that this was a great read. This collection of narratives comes for a variety of perspectives from classmates, teachers, and the principle. The narratives are simply the author's reactions to what is going on in the community now that this girl is gone. The personal experiences of these community members remind us that one life does make an impact on others whether they see it or not.
While I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to a student who is suicidal, I would recommend that older students approx. 16 and older read this to see what it means when a student takes their lives.
While I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to a student who is suicidal, I would recommend that older students approx. 16 and older read this to see what it means when a student takes their lives.
March 11, 2019
4.5 Very powerful and not a book I will let go of any time soon. The author’s notes, questions, and references for help are particularly noteworthy. I found this book to be quite well done and I am very critical when it comes to books discussing suicide. Students who have given me their feedback on this book say they find that the verse format and author’s intentional vagueness stimulates lots of good discussion. As a middle school librarian this is the issue I have the most difficulty with because I don’t want to glamorize the thoughts; however, glossing over them and pretending they don’t exist at the middle school level is wrong as well. Anna Gonzales is in the fall of her freshman year, so in my opinion, and for my student population, I found this book to be an appropriate fit.
July 12, 2019
I chose to read this book because of the recommendations of my classmates. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys poetry, being inspired, or deep simplicity.
I would use this book in a classroom to teach about how people have different life circumstances and may view events in different ways. In the book, some people care about Anna and some don't, and it's important to acknowledge all of those feelings and understand the differences in them. It also demonstrates the importance of realizing that everyone has different struggles and we may not always see what they're going through. Also that people handle grief in different ways, and that that's okay.
Drugs: No
Sex: Subtle reference
R&R: Deals with suicide and some other hard life experiences
Violence: No
September 10, 2024
This is a collection of stream of consciousness responses from students and faculty/ staff following a student’s death by suicide. While at first I thought this was non-fiction, the characters are fictional with some of their thoughts taking place the moment they hear the announcement of Anna’s death. The reactions are very diverse and in the Q+A, the author provides an excellent answer to one of the questions regarding this that really emphasizes the importance of not romanticizing suicide but still being able to show the horrific impact it has on those who care.
I also found it interesting to have been written in 2002, since so much has changed since then about how suicide is spoken about, and how news spreads.
I also found it interesting to have been written in 2002, since so much has changed since then about how suicide is spoken about, and how news spreads.
November 8, 2024
After The Death of Anna Gonzales is by Terri Fields
The book is an amazing book. It is very interesting and the excitement never ends. Once you start you can't put the book down.
It is about a girl named Anna. She committed suicide. Everyone is trying to figure out what to do. Like one boy, wants to take Anna's seat in class. A cheerleader doesn't want Anna's death to interrupt with homecoming. Everyone is finding a way, one way or another, that might affect Anna's death.
The point the author is trying to make is that, never take something that happens and make it work towards you or just because something bad happens doesn't mean something else bad is going to happen
The book is definitely worth reading!!!
The book is an amazing book. It is very interesting and the excitement never ends. Once you start you can't put the book down.
It is about a girl named Anna. She committed suicide. Everyone is trying to figure out what to do. Like one boy, wants to take Anna's seat in class. A cheerleader doesn't want Anna's death to interrupt with homecoming. Everyone is finding a way, one way or another, that might affect Anna's death.
The point the author is trying to make is that, never take something that happens and make it work towards you or just because something bad happens doesn't mean something else bad is going to happen
The book is definitely worth reading!!!
June 27, 2019
I was recommended this novel by several classmates, and I liked it. I know that suicide is a serious subject and this novel approaches it in a good way. I enjoyed the personal accounts that were the story. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in understanding the effects of suicide.
I would use this book in a class to teach poetry. There are different kinds of poetry in the novel that would be useful to study. Also, the book would help bring awareness to students about the effects of suicide.
Language: Don't think there is, if so, very little
Drugs: None
Sex: Reference
Violence: Suicide
Rock and Roll: suicide, highschool
I would use this book in a class to teach poetry. There are different kinds of poetry in the novel that would be useful to study. Also, the book would help bring awareness to students about the effects of suicide.
Language: Don't think there is, if so, very little
Drugs: None
Sex: Reference
Violence: Suicide
Rock and Roll: suicide, highschool
July 11, 2017
I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. I hadn't heard anything about it, except that one of the students in my English class was reading it. So, I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad that I did. The book is written entirely in prose, which was super interesting and unique. Although the story doesn't follow a certain character in particular, I thought that the depictions and reactions of the different students was chilling and probably pretty accurate. I really enjoyed this easy and quick yet emotional read.
This book would probably be a great mentor text for a poetry unit. It is different than the normal poetry and pros that students are used to (and probably dread) and for some students, they may even be able to relate to the situation(s) written about. We could definitely analyze the varying types of poems and patterns as well as rhetorical tools and patterns used throughout the book. There could even be an assignment where the students put themselves in the book and write a poem based on the reaction they think they might have.
Warnings:
1. Suicide
2. Gang and/or street violence
3. Sexual innuendo and themes.
This book would probably be a great mentor text for a poetry unit. It is different than the normal poetry and pros that students are used to (and probably dread) and for some students, they may even be able to relate to the situation(s) written about. We could definitely analyze the varying types of poems and patterns as well as rhetorical tools and patterns used throughout the book. There could even be an assignment where the students put themselves in the book and write a poem based on the reaction they think they might have.
Warnings:
1. Suicide
2. Gang and/or street violence
3. Sexual innuendo and themes.
April 16, 2018
POETRY/VERSE NOVEL
I really enjoyed this book. It's written in verse, which really adds to the effect of the story. Each page is a different poem written by a different person in the high school where Anna Gonzales went to school before she committed suicide. Each poem shows how different people react to her death; some were devastated and others barely noticed she was gone. It's incredible to see how her choices affected so many people though. I would recommend this book for students over 13.
I really enjoyed this book. It's written in verse, which really adds to the effect of the story. Each page is a different poem written by a different person in the high school where Anna Gonzales went to school before she committed suicide. Each poem shows how different people react to her death; some were devastated and others barely noticed she was gone. It's incredible to see how her choices affected so many people though. I would recommend this book for students over 13.
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