Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

By: Matthew Quick

Narrated by: Noah Galvin

In addition to the P-38, there are four gifts, one for each of my friends. I want to say good-bye to them properly. I want to give them each something to remember me by. To let them know I really cared about them and I'm sorry I couldn't be more than I was--that I couldn't stick around--and that what's going to happen today isn't their fault.
Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol.
But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart--obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.
In this riveting book, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made--and the light in us all that never goes out.

You're Forgiven, Leonard Peacock

What can I say about this novel? Completely moving. It was everything I had hoped for in a book. Detailing the psyche of a tormented young man, Matthew Quick addresses what few people in this country do. It truly sheds light on a lot of systems in this country - like the mental health system, school systems, familial relationships, etc. This needs to be a book that every young adult reads - so that they know that they are not alone in their feelings and emotions; and also to shed light on the consequences of our interactions with one another, especially during the critical developing years of our lives. Kudos to Matthew Quick! And to all of you Leonard Peacock's out there - we have heard you!

wish the ending was better

hood book the ending is just not the best wish it told you what happens to leo

Bleak

Grade: B-

One Word: sobering

Today, on Leonard Peacock's 18th birthday, he's going to kill his former best friend and then himself. First he wants to deliver four gifts to important people in his life.

Leonard is an enigmatic character, often rude and unkind despite his strong moral inner voice. Bright, thoughtful and evocative, he lets few people into his world. Walt, his elderly next door neighbor trades Bogart quotes with the teen, Lauren, a prosthelytizing would be love interest, his teacher Herr Silverman, and a violin playing classmate, Baback. Matthew Quick did the story a disservice by creating such a one dimensional, neglectful mother character. This is the second YA story I read with parents who leave their teens home alone for weeks on end as a plot device.

FORGIVE ME LEONARD PEACOCK held my interest. I'm not sure why I had a hard time connecting with Leonard and feeling his despair. I don't think I ever bought into the idea he was murderous, or even suicidal. He said the words, but they didn't translate into feelings for me.

THEMES: depression, suicide, parents, neglect, school, sexual abuse, friendship

Angsty

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'd recommend it to select friends. It was a good and quick listen but the story line was deep and sad and even disturbing at points.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was hard to find a place to stop because I wanted to know Leo's whole story and what his next moves would be.

Never underestimate the power of a teacher

Thought provoking story into the mind of a teenager dealing with depression and trauma. But don’t let that scare you! Wonderful characters woven into his richly written novel. The power of kindness and the power of a teacher will impact the way you think about and treat the different kinds of people to meet every day