This novel starts off so tragically and ends so beautifully. If you can stomach the first chapter, you will be hooked after the second.
"The Lovely Bones" is the story of Susie Salmon, who was murdered when she was 14. She is in heaven, trying to adjust to her new life up there, and looking down on her family, and telling the story of how they cope (or poorly cope) and adjust to life without her, with a few flashbacks to help us understand the character's. We see the effect of a child's death on her parents - as a married couple, and also individually. Susie's sister Lindsey, only one year younger is profiled, as is her brother who was quite younger than Susie. We read as she follows her "first crush" and also a school mate who has become somewhat obsessed with her death.
And, of course, she follows the killer, who was never caught or prosecuted for his crimes. Although the book does not focus largely on this character - it more details her family and friends.
There are bits and pieces detailing her new heaven, but more of the story focuses on the lives of those left behind, as Susie sees it from heaven. It tells the story of the grief process and the intended healing thereafter - although things don't always work out as planned.
A surprisingly easy read - easy to understand, and hard to put down. The book itself is just over 300 pages long. The movie, starring Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz, is set for release December 11, 2009.
This is one of my top 3 favorites. A definate must read! I would give it 5/5!
