The Last True Love Story By Brendan Kiely
“He holds me as he tells me and he knows damn well I’m thinking about Corrina just like he thinking about Gma. “Teddy,” he say, poking me in the chest. “Itchaca is here. With us.” - Brendan Kiely, The Last True Love Story
Ready to cry? The Last True Love Story, by Brendan Kiely, is a definite tear jerkier. Not only does the story go into detail of two bound for each other lovers who road trip across the United States, but it is about a man with Alzheimer's trying to regain the love he has lost. The combination of music, memory, stories, settings, and love quotes makes this a story that will sweep you off your feet and make you feel all mushy gushy inside. Like the reviews have said, “It’s almost like picking up an old vintage photograph, but then putting it into a modern frame.”
Lets go more into detail about the story line. Grandpa, or “Gpa,” is suffering from Alzheimer's. Gpa has a lot of good days where his memories comes back and he is up and walking around, but Gpa also has a lot of bad days where he doesn’t know where he is or he freaks out about small things. Our adolescent in the story, Hendrix, who is 17 years old, is lost and contemplating a lot of things going on his life. Hendrix’s dad passed away when he was young and his mother is overworked and does not make time for Hendrix. Hendrix turns to music and his poetry when things get rough in life but he has hit the bottom of his frustration right before the turning point in the novel. This is when Hendrix at some point in the hot summer meets Corrina, the ultimate love of his life, and they do something risky. Corrina is adopted at times feels she doesn't fit into her family. Her passion is music but her family wants her to be more straight minded and predictable. Now back to Gpa. Gpa favorite and lasting memories are with Gma, or Grandma. Gpa claims that Gma was the love of his life and the most important thing in his world. The love he had for Gma was impeccable. Gpa tells Hendrix that he is scared to lose the memories of Gma. In hopes Gpa doesn’t lose Gma memories and have him reserve them one last time, Hendrix decides to do something out of this world and steal Gpa from the nursing home and drive him to the place all the way in New York that him and Gma met. Hendrix knows that Corrina is sick of her life in CA, so they decide to make the road trip to New York. Hendrix love correlates with the stories Gpa tell them about his love with Gma. The road trip, although scandales because the cops are on their tail for stealing Gpa, takes them on a road down the greatest of two love story you will ever read. Does Gpa make it time? Guess you will have to read it to find out!
Why is this a GREAT book for YAL? This book is based on a 17 year old's perspective on Alzheimer's, love, music, and poetry. I think many of the young adult readers can relate to this the way Hendrix feels about Corinna. We all know that our first love, which is usually during adolescence, never truly dies! It is among the greatest loves we ever receive and I feel like teens can identify with that. Not only can they relate to the love story, but they can relate to the problems both these teens have at home. They feel alone, not hear, and out of place causing them to run away. I think we all felt that way at least once when we were teens. Lastly, anyone who knows some with Alzheimer's can relate to this book. It is so realistic the way it is portrayed! Teen may know a someone who suffers and if not they can now be more sensitive and aware.
Pros: It is a good novel if you're either looking for something romantic or finding who you are.
Cons: There is no sequel.
Brendan Kiely is fantastic! Check out more books by him:
Want more reviews about the quality of this book? Check it out:
Want more information about Alzheimer's? Go to:
The importance of adolescent romance and the impacts! This is the place:
Hello Amber,
ReplyDeleteThis novel does seem like an emotional trip! I found myself worrying for the main characters and I haven’t even read the novel… yet. I’m a little scared to know what happens to Gpa and if he does ultimately forget about Gma by the end of the novel. Anyways, I thought you did a great job with your review and you definitely caught my interest! Your resources are useful, especially the pyschologytoday link. It’s good to read an outside resource that explains teenagers and love. If there is a specific type of music that is listened to in the novel (like a named band or music type), perhaps it would be a good idea to include a link to that as well!