Daniel, a wry and thoughtful narrator, looks back on the summer when he was 14, three years after his older brother, Eli, died in Iraq at age 22. Rupp (Octavia Boone’s Big Questions about Life, the Universe, and Everything) skillfully weaves Daniel’s memories of larger-than-life Eli and his lingering anger about his death with Daniel’s day-to-day challenges, including his dysfunctional family (Daniel repeatedly clashes with his father, and his mother is all but catatonic, continuing to mourn Eli); his frustrations with his popular but conventional friends; his attraction to Isabelle, a gorgeous and free-spirited newcomer to town; and his nascent friendship with school outcast Walter. Throughout, Daniel adds to his “Book of the Dead,” in which he documents famous and infamous deaths that seem tragic, senseless, or cruel. The pain running through the narrative is tempered with hope, humor, and resilience, offering insight into the anguish of those left behind. A rich cast of secondary characters (Isabelle’s bickering twin siblings are scene-stealers) is a powerful source of support for Daniel in a story that’s as much about self-knowledge as acceptance. Ages 9–12. (Aug.)
After Eli
Narrated by Todd Haberkorn
Rebecca RuppUnabridged — 4 hours, 12 minutes
After Eli
Narrated by Todd Haberkorn
Rebecca RuppUnabridged — 4 hours, 12 minutes
Overview
When Daniel's brother Eli is killed at war, Daniel considers the history of unusual fatalities to determine what makes a death-or a life-matter.
Some people die heroically, others accidentally. When Daniel Anderson's older brother dies, he wonders which category Eli's death falls into. In an attempt to understand, Danny creates a Book of the Dead-an old binder that he fills with details about dead people, how they died, and, most important, for what purpose. Time passes, and eventually Daniel is prompted to look up from his notebook of death and questions to make new friends and be swept into their imaginings. With gentle humor and genuine emotion, Rebecca Rupp examines the questions that arise following a profound loss and the moments that start life rolling again.
Editorial Reviews
Rupp skillfully weaves Daniel’s memories of larger-than-life Eli and his lingering anger about his death with Daniel’s day-to-day challenges, including his dysfunctional family; his frustrations with his popular but conventional friends; his attraction to Isabelle, a gorgeous and free-spirited newcomer to town; and his nascent friendship with school outcast Walter... The pain running through the narrative is tempered with hope, humor, and resilience, offering insight into the anguish of those left behind.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Danny’s nostalgic first-person narration includes interestingly quirky information as well as sweet moments. Middle school readers will see the inevitable end of this first love long before Danny faces it, grieving his new loss but grateful for his healing. Far more than a summer romance, this is a tribute to those left behind.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The tone of this first-person narrative isn’t maudlin or morbid, it’s smart and searching, and the well structured story quietly builds to a moving climax and a worthy, satisfying conclusion.
—Booklist (starred review)
Rupp’s poignant bildungsroman is therapeutic, particularly for those readers who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a loved one.
—School Library Journal
Those who connect will find a profound yet unpretentious story and a resilient, relatable protagonist.
—The Horn Book
This is a hard-hitting book that fosters healthy and honest discussions about death, war, love, and moving forward even when it’s nearly impossible.
—Letter Blocks (Barnes & Noble blog)
Gr 5–8—When Daniel Anderson's older brother, Eli, is killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb, his world turns upside down. Three years later, the 14-year-old is still struggling with the devastating loss. His once vibrant, social mother has become a recluse and his father can only see what his youngest son lacks. Daniel keeps a "Book of the Dead," tracking the unexpected or bizarre deaths of historical figures. He becomes friends with Walter, who is brilliant and often bullied, and Isabelle ,who is visiting from New York. Their friendship feels magical and almost unreal, but it helps Daniel begin to move beyond the loss of his brother. His own healing impacts his parents as well, leaving listeners with the feeling that the family will eventually heal. Todd Haberkorn does an excellent job of pacing his reading of Rebecca Rupps story (Candlewick, 2012). His perfectly timed pauses clearly indicate when Daniel is sharing a memory of his brother and add power to the story. Haberkorn provides a unique voice for each of the main characters and perfectly captures Daniel's emotions, helping listeners to feel the youth's sorrow, longing, and struggle. This may not find a wide audience, but for those who have felt the loss of a close family member or friend, the connection will be significant and the impact lasting.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT
Todd Haberkorn gives a genuinely moving performance of this poignant story about death and those left behind. Daniel Anderson looks back on the summer he was 14, when he met the beautiful, free-spirited Isabelle and learned the true meaning of friendship from an eccentric genius while struggling with the death of his older brother. There's a soft, almost tender quality to Haberkorn's tone that lends itself perfectly to the nostalgic air of the story. Haberkorn sets an appropriately slow pace, adding thoughtfully placed pauses that remind the listener that Daniel is reminiscing. His portrayal of Isabelle's precocious twin siblings is outstanding, with Jasper's endearing speech impediment being particularly noteworthy. This touching story, which reminds us what can be gained after a loss, is as beautifully narrated as it is written. M.D. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Daniel (E.) Anderson looks back on the summer he fell in love and finally came to terms with his soldier brother's death. After Eli died in Iraq, Daniel added his initial to his own name and began compiling a Book of the Dead, a binder filled with his research on famous deaths. Three years later, still angry at his brother for joining the Army, the 14-year-old still keeps his book. Relevant entries, ranging from the princes in the Tower to Isadora Duncan and the 9/11 victims, begin each chapter of this poignant novel. Danny's father is detached and displeased by everything; his mother, silent and withdrawn. But in the course of an idyllic summer spent with the beautiful Isabelle and her younger twin siblings, visiting from New York, Danny comes to terms with his brother's death, finds a new, true friend in his dorky, formerly despised classmate Walter, and discovers that working on an organic farm is something he's good at and cares about. Danny's nostalgic first-person narration includes interestingly quirky information as well as sweet moments. Middle school readers will see the inevitable end of this first love long before Danny faces it, grieving his new loss but grateful for his healing. Far more than a summer romance, this is a tribute to those left behind. (Fiction. 11-15)
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940172669262 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Brilliance Audio |
| Publication date: | 08/14/2012 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Age Range: | 8 - 11 Years |
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