On a deeper level, it also tackles the cost of hiding parts of your life to avoid hurting your loved ones. Adroitly avoiding a didactic politicizing of the Iraq War, it concentrates instead on depicting the emotions that conflicting viewpoints engender to someone mourning a loved one who died in the war. Well written and heartfelt, the novel provides much to discuss after the covers are closed. The book demonstrates that everybody deals with grief differently Matt’s journey and healing process make this book exceptional. Matt’s first-person, present-tense narrative, with its fast, contemporary dialogue, will grab readers right from the opening scene. Kokie’s well-crafted debut novel depicts a military family with admirable complexity while tracing one young man’s hard-fought coming of age. A strong choice for reluctant readers and lovers of realistic fiction alike. and Matt are forced to deal with their own pain in secret. Kokie beautifully crafts a story about the troubled relationships between an emotionally stunted father and his two sons. Matt tells his tale in an almost excruciatingly deliberate present-tense narration Kokie grounds readers so thoroughly in Matt’s misery that they will be as itchy to escape the brutal emptiness of life with his father as he is.A fine addition to the literature of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through raw moments and strikingly mature characterizations, Kokie explores loss, personal relationships, and the burden of preconceptions.

Writing with grace and subtlety, Kokie depicts Matt's emotions as he uncovers the details of T.J's hidden life. Kokie glides along that fine line between comedy and tragedy to tell a sensational story. PERSONAL EFFECTS is a smart, rugged, hugely insightful book that elevates an already soaring genre. Jo Knowles, author of Jumping Off Swings and See You at Harry’s The devastating power of secrets and grief are perfectly captured in Matt's journey to finding the truth about his brother-and ultimately, himself. James Howe, author of The Misfits and Totally Joe

Heartbreaking and heart-opening at the same time. Timely, passionate, and political, PERSONAL EFFECTS is a story that needs to be told.

Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World and The Last Summer of the Death Warriors But most of all, it is about different kinds of love. PERSONAL EFFECTS is a courageous book about the anger and pain of loss. Ellen Wittlinger, author of the Michael L. Kokie tells a harrowing story of profound grief and powerful honesty. Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Finalist, Coretta Scott King Award winner, and Newbery Honor winner I want everyone I love to read this book. PERSONAL EFFECTS is one of the best novels I've read in a long time-it's complex, moving, and beautifully written.

Personal effects by em kokie