This book was a tough ride.

The writing style was really painful for me (because it was so slow and the letters didn’t really help me feel immersed) but at the same time Laurel‘s story was quite beautiful.

If it weren’t for the slowness of the book and how I really didn’t get to connect with anyone in this book, I may have given it more stars, but 2 feel right to me right now.

This book felt quite therapeutic though, even if it’s just in the knowledge of that I‘m happy I‘m not as depressed and traumatized as Laurel.

"Love Letters to the Dead" by Ava Dellaira follows the story of Laurel, a high school student who is given an English assignment to write letters to dead people. Instead of turning in the assignment, she begins writing letters to iconic figures like Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, and Amy Winehouse, among others, as a way to cope with the death of her sister May. Through these letters, Laurel explores her own grief, guilt, and struggles with identity. 

The novel delves into themes of family, friendship, love, and self-discovery, unraveling the secrets of Laurel's past and her journey towards healing and acceptance. 

The narrative is poignant and heartfelt, providing readers with a moving exploration of loss and the process of coming to terms with one's own inner demons.

There is a moment she writes to Kurt Cobain which seems very intense and I caught my eyes to what she was saying.

“ You wrote that you have a daughter, full of love and joy, kissing every person she meets because everyone is good and will do her no harm. You said that terrified you, because you couldn't stand the thought of her growing up and becoming like you were.

But did you think about the fact that when you wrote those words, when you took your life, you stole the innocence you loved her for? That you forever changed her heart full of joy?
You were the first to do her harm. You were the first person to make the world dangerous for her.”