The Ultimate Fangirl

Book Review: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

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I’m back! This is an overdue August review, since I wasn’t able to post after my wrap-up. All the reviewing for the midterms really made me miss my books. I kept on saying my midterm mantra and my lovely friends kept on banning me to buy books. I would’ve probably slipped if it wasn’t for them. But you’re not here to know what happened to me. You’re here for Leonard Peacock. 😀

Yep, I would definitely post more reviews for the Fangirl Corner. Giving more love to YA males.

I have been raving about this book for ages and I don’t know why but it seems so underrated. How come so few shelves have this beautiful creation?Title & Author: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Genre:  Young Adult- Contemporary

Year Published: 2013

Series: None

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Source: Ebook and bought

Synopsis:

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.

(via Goodreads)

So Leonard Peacock came on too strong. Big deal. In honesty, I saw this book on a Buzzfeed list as well. The same list that recommended books that can cure your TFIOS hangover (which also lead me to Me and Earl and the Dying Girl AND a lot more books.) But to be frank, and I hope I don’t burst your bubble and I am not complaining. Why is this book in that list?

I mean the book belongs on an entirely different list. Say, in a list where you can also find The Perks of Being A Wallflower, It’s Kind of A Funny Story, Suicide Notes and Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets. (Reviews for some of those books will be up soon.) Because it’s technically not a touching and fluffy romantic story, it’s a hauntingly beautiful tale of a teenager who needs help.

It’s just very… different. And I mean that in a good way. I immediately got hooked by the book because of Leonard’s actions. I wanted to know what will happen next because he just sounded so real. Like is he going to do it? Will he really   kill himself and his former best friend. It’s quite obvious that Leonard needs help, but what can one do when everyone just seems to be very… uber-moronic?

In a good sense, I can’t call Leonard a wallflower. But he sees things and understands them in a literal sense. It made more sense with the presents he wanted to leave before doing his business.  It is pretty obvious that Leonard does not have a lot of people around him because he is kind-off weird. Still, you can see how genuine he is when he talks about those 4 people that he left presents to.

Matthew Quick’s writing is undeniably good. I was on the edge when I read the book for the first time. He just made this wonderful peace of literature that screams uniqueness. I have never encountered a book that is “messed up” and exquisite. You sir, belong in the line of authors that I want to treasure forever. I just loved the book to bits.

Overall, my experience with this book is simply amazing. It opened my eyes to a lot of things going on around me, possibly in looking for a Leonard Peacock. I hope that they turn this book into a movie, soon. It will probably be one of those amazing films for teenagers. *Looking at you Channing Tatum*

I give this book 4.5 / 5 stars because it’s a gem that I would never want to let go.

P.S. Because of Leonard Peacock and Walt, I watched Humphrey Bogart’s movies. I suggest you watch his films now and it will be the best decision that you ever made. You can thank me and Leonard later.