Reviews

Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie

kevinmenglish's review against another edition

4.0

I picked this up because of the large number of students that I have interested in the military, and I'm glad I did. Through its pages, Kokie explores difficult topics that students need to think about: grief and loss; friendships and family; and Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Overall, a powerful and moving read of Matt Foster's coming to terms with his brother's death and learning more than he ever thought possible about his brother and himself.

onesmartcupcake's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars -- I found this novel to be emotionally intense and generally satisfying despite a few weak spots in characterization and structure. It's a potent exploration of grief and there were several moments where Matt's anger, sorrow, and confusion really came through in a gut-punch of emotion. There were a few plot elements that felt out of place or distracting from the primary plot and emotion through line and I think the novel would be stronger if those had been edited, deleted, or re-conceived. And while I absolutely felt invested in Matt and his story, there were moments where I was wanted a bit more exploration and explanation for his actions or reactions. There was one key aspect of the story where I simply wanted MORE reflection and processing--I wanted Matt's initial reactions and his consequent shifts in feeling to be explored more explicitly and at slightly greater length.

However, I found this debut novel to be a powerful exploration of love, loss, and grief with a strong male narrative voice.

missusb21's review against another edition

4.0

Intense, intimate, insightful.

Great male POV.

But I need to stop reading books that make me cry. So draining.

jmshirtz's review against another edition

4.0

[b:Personal Effects|9372419|Personal Effects|E.M. Kokie|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1330545297s/9372419.jpg|14255981] is a beautiful look at loss, grief, and acceptance. I was glad it ended up being about what I initially thought it was, even if it took a detour in the middle. I loved Matt's development into a person who loves and stands up for what he loves, instead of someone who runs from things that make him uncomfortable. Some of the story, especially the dialogue, was a little clunky. While it was true to life, it was frustrating having to read two pages for the full message to get across between characters. Overall, the book was a positive message about accepting and loving people for who they are, not who you think they are.