TL;DR
Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone explores the life of Sam, a teenager with Purely-Obsessional OCD, and her journey through self-discovery, friendship, and mental health.
What is Every Last Word about
Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone revolves around Samantha “Sam” McAllister, a high school junior who suffers from Purely-Obsessional OCD. Beneath her perfectly managed appearance lies a constant battle with dark thoughts and severe anxiety. The story takes a turn when Sam meets Caroline, who introduces her to Poet's Corner, a hidden room where a group of misfits gather to share their love for poetry. Through this new circle of friends, especially a talented guitar-playing poet, Sam begins to uncover another side of herself she has long suppressed. The novel delves into themes of mental health, friendship, and self-discovery, offering a compelling narrative about the struggles and triumphs of a teenager grappling with OCD.
Every Last Word 5 Key Takeaways
Sam's Hidden OCD
Sam McAllister struggles with Purely-Obsessional OCD, keeping her condition hidden from her popular friends while managing dark thoughts and anxiety.
Meeting Caroline
Sam meets Caroline, a refreshingly candid girl who introduces her to Poet's Corner, a hidden space where a group of misfits share their love for poetry.
Discovering Poet's Corner
Sam is immediately drawn to Poet's Corner and its members, especially a guitar-playing poet, who help her explore a new side of herself.
Feeling 'Normal'
For the first time, Sam begins to feel more 'normal' than ever, thanks to her new friends and creative outlet.
Questioning Sanity
Just as Sam begins to settle into her new life, she encounters a new challenge that makes her question her sanity and her relationships.
Top Every Last Word Quotes
- "You look around at the people in your life, one by one, choosing to hold on to the ones who make you stronger and better, and letting go of the ones who don't."
- "If you could read my mind, you wouldn't be smiling."
Who should read Every Last Word?
Every Last Word is ideal for mature tweens and teens who are interested in stories about mental health, self-discovery, and the complexities of high school life. It offers valuable insights and messages about managing mental illness and finding one's true self.
Every Last Word Best Reviews
- Tamara Ireland Stone masterfully captures the complexities of mental illness and high school life in Every Last Word, creating a relatable and moving narrative. — Publishers Weekly
- Every Last Word is a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of a teenager grappling with OCD, offering hope and understanding to readers. — School Library Journal
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Every Last Word FAQs
What is the book Every Last Word about?
Every Last Word is a story about Samantha “Sam” McAllister, a teenage girl with Purely-Obsessional OCD, who navigates high school life while battling her mental illness and discovering a new side of herself through poetry.
Is the book Every Last Word inappropriate?
The book contains some mature themes, including a few paragraphs of a sex scene and a lot of kissing, making it more suitable for mature tweens and teens.
What is the theme of the book Every Last Word?
The primary theme of Every Last Word is the struggle of living with a mental illness in high school, focusing on the importance of finding supportive relationships and creative outlets.