"Hello Goodbye"

"hello goodbye" is a novel by Emily Chenoweth -- the story of the Hansen family. The summer after Abby Hansen's freshman year of college she goes on vacation with her parents, Elliott and Helen, to a historic resort -- The Presidential Hotel in northern New Hampshire. This is to be a celebration of her parent's marriage and a chance to reconnect with old friends who will help them celebrate. What Elliott has told none of them -- including his wife, Helen -- is that she is dying. It's obvious to everyone that her health is fragile and the truth must come out but not before secrets are revealed and confessions are made. In the midst of this family/friends scenario Abby tests new boundaries and forges new friendships and makes a reconnection of her own among the young people who staff the hotel.

Although this book is not a biography, the author's own mother was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor during her first year of college and her father arranged a similar trip. The author has no notes or diary from that period but is able to draw on her own memories as well as her own experiences of grief and loss to craft a believable fictional story.

I found this book very readable and it certainly is one that would prompt a lot of discussion for groups. In fact, the copy I checked out from the library has book group discussion questions at the back of the book.

Although some might see grief as a depressing topic, I found this book uplifting. Despite the loss this family will experience when Helen dies, they are living life now!

pazt