I Heart You, You Haunt Me

Schroeder, Lisa. I Heart You, You Haunt Me. Simone Pulse (2008). ISBN 978-1-416-95520-7 

Plot Summary

Lisa Schroeder’s I Heart You, You Haunt Me is written in verse and tells the story of Ava, a girl mourning over the death of her boyfriend Jackson.  Not long after his dead, Ava starts to feel Jackson's presence in many aspects of her life and can even smell his after shave.  This makes it even harder for Ava to accept the loss of her boyfriend and best friend.  

Critical Evaluation

In this beautifully written book, Ava comes to terms with the pain of Jackson's loss and comes to some much needed realizations concerning the circumstances of his death.  The entire book is one long verse, which makes it very quick to read, but also lends the idea that the reader is experiencing all of Ava's thoughts and feelings at the same time as she is.  

It was difficult to get to know Ava very well.  While she is a sympathetic character just based on the fact that she lost someone she loved, it is hard to really connect with her.  This may be ok, though, as the feelings that Ava has towards everything are feelings that many have when they lose someone.  Making the narrator someone who the reader doesn't know too many specifics about makes this book more easily relateable.  

Reader's Annotation

Coming to terms with the death of a loved one can be difficult, which Ava experiences first hand when her boyfriend dies suddenly.

Author's Information

Lisa lives in Oregon and has written many books for young adults.  She spent her summers growing up reading and playing outside.  Much more information about her and her excellent YA novels can be found here: http://www.lisaschroederbooks.com/.

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Book talking Ideas

This book is written in free verse, which makes it a very fast read and one that has a very nice flow to it.  The book is all about loss and how one young girl copes with it.  This book can be used to help those who are suffering from a similar situation or have in the past.  Reading passages from books, short ones, always seems like a great way to get people interested.  

Reading Level / Interest Age

14/14

Challenge Issues


Despite the utter despair that Ava suffers through, this book doesn't feature any graphic scenes that would make parents uncomfortable.

Why Include This Title?

This covers the topic of loss in a very unique, lovely way. Ava could represent any reader making this the perfect book for teenagers.