Who Killed Christopher Goodman? by Allan Wolf

I saw this on a best of list on Amazon and requested it from WHPL.  I read it in one night.

I was deeply affected by this book.

Every choice we make has consequences.  What might, at the time, seem like an insignificant decision can have far-reaching impacts later.  What if I take the long way home today?  What if I stop for coffee?  Will doing either prevent me getting in a car accident along the route?  Will it cause one?

This book starts with seniors mourning the death of a classmate at the end of the summer.  Then the story is told in flashback by characters who were not overly close to him, but their choices throughout lead to Christopher's murder.  They are all dealing with survivor's guilt and questioning themselves with what ifs.

I don't want to spoil too much of the plot here, because the little details that seem minute as you are reading are actually very important.  Squib's photographic memory and summer job driving an ice cream truck, Hunger's taxidermy business needing roadkill, Mildred's stamp collecting, Hazel's prized pigs, Lance's drug addicted mother and God-fearing foster parents, and Doc's confusion about where he fits in ALL contribute in someway to Christopher dying that August night.

What was the most moving for me was knowing the novel is based on a true story.  Wolf's classmate Ed died in the same manner as Christopher.  Wolf's writing is part of his healing process and dealing with the same survivor's guilt.

Advice?  Get to know your classmates, even the ones not in your circle.  Find out who they are before they are gone.  Don't let the chance to invite someone for one more slice of pizza ever slip away.

Follow me on Twitter @RamblingsLMS

All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.