Publishers Weekly
Starred Review.
In an outstanding debut, Kokie tackles the tumultuous aftermath of a soldier's death, as seen through the eyes of a sibling left behind. Ever since 17-year-old Matt Foster's older brother, T.J., died in Iraq, Matt has been enraged-especially with anyone who criticizes the war or his brother's role in it-and he doesn't hesitate to express himself with his fists. Meanwhile, his authoritative and physically intimidating ex-military father seems determined to erase every sign of his deceased son's presence. When Matt gets his hands on some of T.J.'s possessions, he discovers that T.J. had a life he never knew about, complete with girlfriend and potential child. Risking his father's wrath, Matt borrows a car and takes an impromptu road trip, hoping to reconnect with his brother's memory. Writing with grace and subtlety, Kokie depicts Matt's emotions as he uncovers the details of T.J's hidden life. Through raw moments and strikingly mature characterizations, Kokie explores loss, personal relationships, and the burden of preconceptions. Ages 14-up. Agent: Chris Richman, Upstart Crow Literary.
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From the Publisher
PERSONAL EFFECTS is one of the best novels I've read in a long time—it's complex, moving, and beautifully written. I want everyone I love to read this book.
—Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Finalist, Coretta Scott King Award winner, and Newbery Honor winner
With a pen dipped in adrenaline, E.M. Kokie tells a harrowing story of profound grief and powerful honesty. Read it immediately.
—Ellen Wittlinger, author of the Michael L. Printz Honor winner Hard Love
PERSONAL EFFECTS is a courageous book about the anger and pain of loss. But most of all, it is about different kinds of love.
—Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World and The Last Summer of the Death Warriors
Timely, passionate, and political, PERSONAL EFFECTS is a story that needs to be told. Heartbreaking and heart-opening at the same time.
—James Howe, author of The Misfits and Totally Joe
The devastating power of secrets and grief are perfectly captured in Matt's journey to finding the truth about his brother—and ultimately, himself.
—Jo Knowles, author of Jumping Off Swings and See You at Harry’s
PERSONAL EFFECTS is a smart, rugged, hugely insightful book that elevates an already soaring genre. E.M. Kokie glides along that fine line between comedy and tragedy to tell a sensational story.
—Chris Crutcher, a Margaret A. Edwards Award-winning author
Writing with grace and subtlety, Kokie depicts Matt's emotions as he uncovers the details of T.J's hidden life. Through raw moments and strikingly mature characterizations, Kokie explores loss, personal relationships, and the burden of preconceptions.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Matt tells his tale in an almost excruciatingly deliberate present-tense narration; Kokie grounds readers so thoroughly in Matt’s misery that they will be as itchy to escape the brutal emptiness of life with his father as he is. . . .A fine addition to the literature of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
—Kirkus Reviews
Kokie beautifully crafts a story about the troubled relationships between an emotionally stunted father and his two sons. Both T.J. and Matt are forced to deal with their own pain in secret. A strong choice for reluctant readers and lovers of realistic fiction alike.
—School Library Journal
Kokie’s well-crafted debut novel depicts a military family with admirable complexity while tracing one young man’s hard-fought coming of age.
—The Horn Book
Matt’s first-person, present-tense narrative, with its fast, contemporary dialogue, will grab readers right from the opening scene.
—Booklist
The book demonstrates that everybody deals with grief differently; Matt’s journey and healing process make this book exceptional. The ending is more than satisfying. (Highly Recommended)
—Library Media Connection
Well written and heartfelt, the novel provides much to discuss after the covers are closed. It tackles some tough subjects. Adroitly avoiding a didactic politicizing of the Iraq War, it concentrates instead on depicting the emotions that conflicting viewpoints engender to someone mourning a loved one who died in the war. On a deeper level, it also tackles the cost of hiding parts of your life to avoid hurting your loved ones. The dialogue is authentic to the characters and the plot moves the story forward at a pace that allows reflection, but keeps the reader interested. This title is highly recommended for teen readers.
—VOYA
This is a brave kid. This is a feeling kid. This is a kid with heart. The story is written with incredible sensitivity. A real beaut of a journey....haven't seen one like this in a long time.
—Barb Langridge, Children's Services at Howard County Central Library
School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 9 Up—Matt has had a rough time coping since his brother's death in Iraq left him alone with his abusive father. When his father tries to keep him from looking through his brother's personal effects, Matt can no longer just do as he's told. Convinced that his things will give Matt insight into TJ's "real" life, Matt secretly defies his father and discovers that his brother had a secret significant other in Wisconsin. Needing to deliver TJ's final unmailed letter, Matt heads for Madison to seek out C, only to find that there was even more to TJ's secret than he'd thought. Matt must choose a path for his own future. Will he follow in his father's footsteps or will he defy him and accept who TJ truly was. Kokie's stellar debut novel (Candlewick, 2012) is narrated by Nick Podehl who easily captures an unsure teenager's emotional struggle. As Matt strives to find his own self-worth and uncover his brother's TJ's secrets, Podehl draws listeners in and keeps them invested in Matt's story. He fluidly evokes the wide gamut of emotions that Matt experiences, while still maintaining a sense of underlying grief throughout. The expert narration coupled with a powerful and heartfelt story make this audiobook a must have for all high school and public library collections.—Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, MA
SEPTEMBER 2012 - AudioFile
It’s spring 2007. Seven months ago T.J. died in Iraq, and his younger brother, Matt, is still grieving. With trouble at school and his dad insisting that he ”man up,” Matt struggles to control his anger and grief while searching for a way to connect with his big brother. Nick Podehl narrates this emotionally wrenching story in Matt’s voice, moving seamlessly between details of T.J.’s last leave and Matt’s search for something of T.J. to hold on to. Podehl emphasizes Matt’s urgency and confusion, as expressed in the author’s short sentences. In varying the speed of his narration, Podehl heightens the story’s tension, keeping the listener eager for Matt to find closure. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
