Comment

Sep 06, 2015booklover8987 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The Last Leaves Falling is a beautifully written novel by author Sarah Benwell that leaves readers in profound thought with different questions and perceptions. This book made me feel so many strong emotions, and I just could not put it down. Appropriate for older teens, The Last Leaves Falling touches on deep and darker subjects that makes you take a step back and reflect. The Last Leaves Falling is a book that’s words and message I will not soon forget. Abe Sora is a 17 year old boy living in Japan suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) who expects to die within two years. His previous life shattered, Sora is left confused and lost, and in search of ordinary lifestyles turns to teen chatrooms online. There he meets two friends Mai and Kaito whom he becomes very close, and provides Sora with a sense of relief from his rapidly progressing disease and the guilt he feels of burdening his mother. With the help of his friends and some Samurai quotes, Sora grows to accept his future and makes an important decision. I cannot get this book out of my head. It has brought on me whole new perspectives and thoughts. To put it simply, The Last Leaves Falling inspired my thoughts, I’m not sure that makes sense, but make of it as you will! The indirect message kept me up late into the night, wondering, considering, conflicted. There is no way you will finish this book and it will be simply “a book you read at some point.” The Last Leaves Falling has gotten me thinking, and looking at life and other things in diverse, atypical ways I would never have thought of before. Most certainly The Last Leaves Falling has left its mark upon my soul, and will leave a mark on yours, for eternity. Using a mix of traditional first person narration and online chatroom conversations, The Last Leaves Falling kept me interested for the entire book. In fact, I finished it within two days! This unique style of writing gives the story its own distinct spin, and enables the reader to really dive deep into the story. Furthermore, the raw emotion expressed in The Last Leaves Falling hits you like a wave. I laughed, sobbed, and clenched my fists in anger and frustration along with the protagonist all the way through. That’s how strong you’ll feel connected to Sora and his story, something you don’t find in every book. I would say that The Last Leaves Falling is appropriate for older teens. Darker subject matter and some foul language (not without reason) as well as also older teens will likely get more out of the main message than the younger audience. However there is nothing I would consider “inappropriate.” Generally speaking 14+. All in all, The Last Leaves Falling is memorable read that will keep you wondering and thinking. The one of a kind writing style and emotions striking you like a sharpened knife renders the reader incapable of tearing their eyes away. Every component of The Last Leaves Falling weaves together to create an exquisite tapestry unlike any other. Not exactly uplifting, but I will always remember this book, and hold the message and characters close to my heart. “I cannot mourn, for I have lived a life Of mountain air and cherry blossoms, steel, and honor.” -from The Last Leaves Falling I give The Last Leaves Falling a total of 5 katana (samurai swords) out of 5.