Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock
Books | Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Sexual Abuse
3.7
(743)
Matthew Quick
★ "Brilliant.... The masterful writing takes readers inside Leonard's tormented mind, enabling a compassionate response to him and to others dealing with trauma." —School Library Journal, starred reviewFrom New York Times bestselling author Matthew Quick comes an intensely compassionate and important book about a boy who brings a gun to school, and the people and experiences that force him to look beyond his pain. In addition to the P-38, there are four gifts, one for each of my friends. I want to say good-bye to them properly. I want to give them each something to remember me by. To let them know I really cared about them and I’m sorry I couldn’t be more than I was—that I couldn’t stick around—and that what’s going to happen today isn’t their fault. Today is Leonard Peacock’s birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather’s P-38 pistol. But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate, Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school’s class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches. In this riveting look at a day in the life of a disturbed teenage boy, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out.
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More Details:
Author
Matthew Quick
Pages
208
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published Date
2013-08-13
ISBN
0316221325 9780316221320
Ratings
Google: 4
Community ReviewsSee all
"Soooo good I literally cried. I’m hoping to find more books that are similar "
Amelia Kaiser
"interesting boy."
daisy perez
"One of the best, most intense books I have ever listened to. Very tight, realistic story (well, except for the mother), that makes you not want to turn it off. I also thought the narrator, Noah Galvin, was perfect."
Ricki Marking-Camuto
"Such a sad, bittersweet relatability. The complexity of being a male victim of abuse and the many factors that go along with it. Leonard makes mistakes, and goes as far as to neglect someone else’s consent, all in the attempt to find some healing. "
Blakely
"Dark and sad and it dug a while inside my chest"
G Y
Grace Young
"I loved this book. I started it one morning at work and couldn't put it down, read it all day when I had the free time until I couldn't keep my eyes open, and then finished it as soon as I woke up the following morning.<br/><br/>There eventually comes a time in most people's lives when they think about why they should keep on living. For some it's merely a passing thought, for others it's a more serious contemplation following a traumatic life event. But for people who have experienced neglect, trauma, and abuse, the thought is far more frequent and severe to the point where they consider taking action. Leonard Peacock falls into the latter category. As the holes in the story of Leonard's life leading up to his decision to kill his best friend and himself are filled in, it's clear to understand how he was driven to that point. But Leonard falls victim to human nature. As determined as he seems to carry out his plan, he also clings rather easily to a reason to live. His hope in a happier future isn't completely demolished thanks to the few good, inspiring people he does have in his life.<br/><br/>Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is a beautiful story about how human interaction has the power to make or break a person. It's dark, it's light, it's humorous, it's heartbreaking, and it's absolutely enthralling."
Leah Silecchia
"I listened to the audiobook and my parents wondered why I looked hungover after listening to it"
Adelyn V King
"I could not put this down ! Finished in 2 days and really opened my eyes to view life in a different perspective. Such a beautiful book . With a rollercoaster of emotions I did tear up a bit at the end. Would definitely reread it 10/10 ! Never have I found such an amazing read in a while this was the first .I highly encourage this read."
marissa mares
"A book that I will never ever ever stop recommending because of how deeply real and incredibly well-written it is. If you're not sure about this book, I STRONGLY recommend you give it a try."
Fallon M.M.
"A powerfully moving story that teaches the reader empathy. This book also plays with an open ending that can lead to conversations about agency and abuse - a wonderful talking point! "
Kiana Pennington