I can handle dark and depressing stories just fine, but a light at the end of the tunnel to balance out a story where I care so much about the main character is essential. And yet, somehow, Quick manages to make the dark story of Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock work by mixing in some scenes of humour and, ultimately, hope. Sorta Like a Rock Star is a darker book than the cover would have you think but it looks like sunshine and rainbows when compared to this. He takes center stage and captures your attention for the whole book, dragging you into his life until you find it hard to put down the novel and convince yourself he isn't real. But, as with Sorta Like a Rock Star, the real strength lies with the vibrant, full-of-life protagonist himself. I especially liked the creative use of letters Leonard wrote to himself from the future (this makes a lot more sense when you read the book, I swear). Some of Leonard's problems have been explored in other young adult novels, but none of them do it in quite the same way. Because Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock felt so different to everything else out there and that's partly why I loved it so much. I'm tempted to say 'I wish all books were like this' but that would totally defeat the point of what I'm saying. Go love it.' Most of the book's strengths can't be talked about without spoilers and one of the main issues in the story is very much needed there's not nearly enough books out there about it. I want to string together a list of beautiful, funny or sad quotes from the book when what I'm really saying is: 'Just read it.

I don't know how to review books like this. Some of my tears were laughter most of them were sadness.

Which is an embarrassingly melodramatic statement to make after this book managed to be so dark and sad without feeling forced or manipulative like my words. I don't know how helpful this review will be because I read most of the book through a film of tears. I imagined all of my blood flowing out into the snow and watching it turn a beautiful crimson color as Philadelphians walked by in a great hurry, not even pasuing to admire the beauty of red snow, let alone register the fact that a high school kid was dying right in front of their eyes.

Forgive me leonard