Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

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 look at a day in the life of a disturbed teenage boy, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out.  

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is a definite must read! I loved the book. It touches upon such important topics like; depression, suicide, inadequate parents, bullying, etc. Leonard has decided that on his 18th birthday he is going to kill his former best friend, Asher Beal and then himself with his grandfather's P-38 handgun from WWII. Before doing this, he wants to give 4 gifts to the people in his life who mattered the most. Two of my favorite characters in the book are Walt (the 70-year-old next door neighbor) who likes watching old Humphrey Bogart films with Leonard and also Herr Silverman (Leonard's caring and compassionate Holocaust teacher). The characters are so well developed and although I dreaded Leonard's actions with the handgun, I couldn't help sympathizing and connecting with him. He points out the challenges of every day life including how difficult and disheartening it can be being an adult. His narration is wise and heartbreaking. The book truly demonstrates the need for people to find others in the world with whom they can relate and connect with. Those who are the most different or unique are the ones who sometimes need the most care or understanding. The ending is positively beautiful. Definitely read this one!