Leonard Peacock is a kind, highly intelligent, high school junior.  So why does he wake up on his birthday, intent on taking a gun to school to kill a former friend and then take his own life?  Told in Leonard’s voice, complete with footnote asides, we understand and empathize with Leonard.  I will not reveal anything more, to do so would spoil the story for the reader.

I picked up this galley at the TLA conference in April because it was by Matthew Quick and I thought Boy 21 was amazing.  I put off reading Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock for months because I wasn’t in the mood for such an intense, potentially emotionally draining book.  However, once I started, I couldn’t put it down.  The writing is intelligent and witty.  The voice is perfect, the story format, complete with footnotes, and the paced unveiling of Leonard’s life, are all examples of brilliant writing.  This book is not intended for younger teens.  Educators would benefit from reading this book.  Quick’s background as a high school teacher yields authenticity to this impressive work.  Highly recommend.

Galley Review     Publication date 8.13.13