In Memory of Todd Woods

by Tom Taylor

How do you know when someone is popular? When his death changes the lives of people who didn't even know him.

Bob and Pete weren't nearly popular enough to know Todd, and yet his mysterious death has changed everything, including their friendship.

Suddenly lines are being crossed. As Bob finds himself in the elite crowd, dating Ellen Trumbull, Pete sees the girl of his dreams and his best friend slipping away. Is it possible for Bob and Pete to let girls into their lives and still remain best friends? Does change mean the end? If any of them could ask Todd Woods, maybe he could tell them.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2011

About the author

Tom Taylor was raised in Darien, Connecticut. He studied writing at Emerson College in Boston, and received his MFA in Creative Writing at Columbia College Chicago. He lives in Chicago with his wife and son. Please visit him at iamtomtaylor.com

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed this book

[Jacquelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has me torn. I feel like it needs a follow-up, if for nothing else except to see how Pete, Bob and the gang are in their college years or something. I'm giving this book a firm 3-stars. For me, there was too much taking the Lord's name in vain, cursing doesn't bother me, but that does and on a few pages, it was almost every other word., which is not a good look. Neither was the scene with one boy calling his girlfriend "stupid" and "idiot" then telling her to shut up. Those things are disturbing and should have been addressed.

The story itself takes place over a period of about a week or so, and like so many teens, these kids spend their days falling in and out of love while discovering themselves, having crushes and pondering sex all the while wondering why Todd Woods, a former classmate, decided to end it all. If an excessive amount of cursing doesn't bother you, I would say to give this story a look.

[Jonathan Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I am over twice the age of the main characters, this book has transported me right back into the mind and world of a teenager. I wanted to know what happened next as bad as I just wanted to finish and get back to my adult world, which might be just as scary but not for the same reasons. It's open and honest and brutal and hopeful. Oh, and the chapters are real short!

[Maribeth Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming book! It's so unusual to read a coming of age book from the guy's POV! I so enjoyed hanging out with Bob as he tried to negotiate getting the girl and keeping the BFF. Great read and a lot of fun!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

There aren’t enough YA books about meaningful platonic male friendships—at least not where the friendship is prominently featured. But friendship—any friendship—in adolescence is fraught with problems that always seem to be outside of the scope of the individual. This novel makes a solid effort to uncover what happens when friendship is tested by the strains of all of life’s big challenges—what happens to the individual & what happens to the partnership. This is a solid read.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drama

Drama-filled book. It was a good read, and I actually really liked the ending. This book deals with the complexities of being a teenager - the angsts, love, confusion, etc. The author tells the story authentically, across multiple viewpoints.

[Joshua Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a 45 year old man, I don’t think I’m really the target audience for this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Written with compassion and insight, I’d wholeheartedly recommend to any high school kid anxious about love, sex, friendship, and life.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good look into the complicated lives of teenagers,

[Brent Doerzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, brought back so many memories of my teen years, loves and emotions. Loved the humor and the writing style too!

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Brian
Cover Story: Intriguing
Drinking Buddy: Dude...No
Testosterone Level: 6
Talky Talk: Sitcom Hijinks
Bonus Factors: Revenge, Spock's Beard
Bromance Status: That Jerk From Middle School Who I Can't Quite Bring Myself To Hate

Read the full book report here.

[O'Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am re-reading this novel soon as I think I may use it as a book club selection for my students. I really enjoyed this novel - the characters are likable and believable - complicated adolescents full of irony and questions. A great choice for teens who like realistic fiction without cataclysmic tragedy "driving the bus". A good read and no hankies required.