October Mourning is a fascinating combination of truth and art. The book is the author's interpretation of the feelings surrounding an actual event - the hate crime murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming in 1998. The book is written as a series of vignettes, short poetic pieces read together as a longer work or story. The individual pieces are works of fiction, stories told from the perspectives of Shepard's friends and family, the fence he was tied to, even his killers. But the story that they tell is real.
Why It's Worth Reading:
Readers, you need to know - this book is no joke. It was inspired by and captures the sentiments of a horrific act. It was sad and is made even sadder because it's based on actual events. This book is not easy to read. But if you can find it in yourself to read it, you'll be better for the experience. Books like this help you empathize with others and understand that our actions often have greater consequences than we expect or intend. It will make you think about the world, it's tragedies, and what each of us can do to prevent such tragedies in the future. Couldn't we all use a little more empathy and thoughtfulness in our lives?
Book Details:
ISBN: 9780763658076
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Source: Free audiobook in the LMC!
Awards: Stonewall Honor 2013, Outstanding Books for the College Bound 2014
Do We Own a Copy?: More than one. Read & discuss with a friend.