dizzymissruby 's review for:

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

5.0

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LGBT History Month (7/12): What a beautiful and compelling story. I've read lots of stories this year that are told in two timelines, but this is one of my favourites. History Is All You Left Me is about two openly gay and bisexual boys - Griffin and Theo - who are simply just living life in love, with parents who don't blink an eye at their relationship. One day, Theo applies for early acceptance to college in California, leaving Griffin behind in New York. Looking to the future, Griffin breaks up with Theo, but assures him that they are still end game... until Theo is picked up on a rainy day by Jackson in his truck, and then their friendship begins to become tense, as Griffin is now unsure of whether Theo still loves him, and whether he made a mistake in breaking up with him. Theo still has so much love for Griffin, but also finds love for Jackson, which leads to a complicated dance between the three boys, with Theo not being able to give up Griffin completely. Then an unfortunate day at sea leads to Theo's death, and the story is told in both the past and the present with Griffin at his funeral and recounting all the history he had with Theo. Soon, Theo and Jackson find solace in one another which makes everything more complicated... this story was so interesting and it was thoughtful in dealing with death of loved ones, and the regret that comes with what could have been. It was beautiful and human. Representation of OCD and how it affects Griffin in his every day life, plus how Theo learns to make him feel comfortable about this. A beautiful and sad story that will leave you wanting to hold those you love a little closer.