Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt

Last night, I finished reading Speechless by Adam P. Schmitt. A realistic fiction novel, Speechless is about Jimmy, a thirteen-year-old boy who is asked by his mother to give a eulogy the next day at his cousin Patrick's funeral. During the wake for Patrick, Jimmy dreads this speech because he has no idea what to say about his impulsive and hot-tempered cousin and is constantly distracted by the guests and his too-tight dress pants. He can't think of one nice thing to say about his cousin who had a tendency to ruin everything. Each memory that pops into his head ends in injury or destruction, but as he goes through these memories, he eventually realizes that maybe there was a lesson to be learned from Patrick's struggles to be heard.

I enjoyed reading this novel because I was drawn into the story by the gradual reveal of Patrick's character through Jimmy's memories of him. While the book was emotional and sad at times, it was definitely offset by humor. I couldn't help but smile at Jimmy's awkwardness and tendency to exaggerate his problems at the wake. At the same time, I related to the loss of a family member and his anxiety about having to give the eulogy at Patrick's funeral. At first, I didn't really understand why his mother wouldn't give him break, but by the end of the book, I thought it was really obvious why Jimmy was the best person for the job. During Jimmy's later memories, I started thinking Patrick was misunderstood because although I wouldn't tolerate his behavior, I understood his reasons for being upset. I also loved Jimmy's epiphany about Patrick during his speech because I think wanting to be heard is something that everyone can relate to. Additionally, I know what it's like to realize something too late. My favorite memory was at the very end when Jimmy revealed how much Patrick loved his sister, Sofia. This novel is a wonderful choice for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood and unheard.