Items related to How Could You Do It, Diane?
Synopsis
As Bethany struggles to find the reasons why her sister committed suicide, her parents try to repress the incident
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10-- Bethany discovers the body of her 15-year-old step-sister, Diane, lying on the basement couch and, to assuage her own sense of responsibility and disbelief, tries to find out why Diane killed herself. The tragedy disrupts the entire family, as all relationships are abruptly changed by the loss of the loved sister/daughter/step-daughter. With the help of counseling, the family begins to re-establish the normal patterns of life. The dialogue is simple and occasionally choppy and cliched. This is not a fault, as, in real life in such a situation, thoughts are not smooth and well developed. The book is reminiscent of Pfeffer's About David (Delacorte, 1980), as both books begin after the deaths have occurred, and are similar in style and focus. Bethany's mother, Diane's step-mother, emerges as a real person who makes mistakes, perhaps tries too hard, but is concerned and caring. The father's realization of his unintentional lack of involvement results in believable strengthening and acceptance. Bethany finds no complete answers, for Diane's suicide remains a mystery; no shameful secret emerges, no villain is revealed. While the ending is too sweet and pat, and the message, that suicide is a waste, is too obvious, this book will have an impact on readers. --Carrol McCarthy, Tower Hill School, Wilmington, DE
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Publishers Weekly
Stepsisters since they were five, Bethany and Diane were friends as well as siblings, sharing a bedroom when they could have had separate quarters. When Bethany discovers Diane's still form on the basement couch, dead from an overdose of pills, she realizes with a shock just how little she knew of her sister's life. As Bethany's family gropes with their feelings, she looks for solid answers to the "why" of beautiful, popular Diane's suicide--answers on which she hopes to base her own future. Like Susan Beth Pfeffer's A Year Without Michael , this book never answers that question, which keeps the emotional bends of the story ringingly honest. Pevsner ( Sister of the Quints ) takes her time with the narrative; she seems ready to explore every angle with readers, in an attempt to make them think through the issues, too. Pat scenes with a therapist do not mar or alter the book's total impact--Bethany handles her problems realistically, and not without grace. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherClarion Books
- Publication date1989
- ISBN 10 0395510414
- ISBN 13 9780395510414
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages183
- Rating
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