Wish I Could Have Said Goodbye

by Shari A. Brady

Genre: YA Contemporary

Book Description

Before my older sister Francesca died, I worked at the bakery and wrote songs, but now I write lists. Lists like ten reasons why it’s my fault Francesca’s dead, or five reasons why I should try and win Howie back, or one reason why I need to stop lying to everyone, including myself.

Wish I Could Have Said Goodbye is an extraordinary novel about one family’s struggle to make sense of their world after losing a family member to addiction. Through sixteen-year-old Carmella’s eyes, we witness the courage and strength it takes to overcome the consequences of grief, guilt and co-dependency. WIth conviction and determination, Carmella shows us what can happen when we’re open to love, feel the pain of our loss, and find the courage to accept the truth of our lives.

An Excerpt from the Book

“Carmella, pull yourself together.” My father slams the window completely shut, then reaches his hand out. I stare at my dad’s hand and remember when things were different with him and me, when his outstretched hand meant he needed me to give him the hammer or the nail or whatever we were fixing. I want to go back to that time when we’d go to the hardware store to get what we needed so we could hang a picture or fix the sink or trim the lower branches of the pine tree in the front yard. I want to go back to a time when our whole lives weren’t about trying to fix Francesca.

About the Author

Shari A. Brady is a native Chicagoan and previously had so many careers she’s lost count. A graduate of Loyola University’s Business School and University of Chicago’s Creative Writing program, she’s finally a full-time writer, a dream she’s carried with her since she was twelve. She lives in suburban Chicago with her awesome husband, two of the best kids ever, and their shelter dog, Betty Queen Elizabeth. This is her first novel and her last career.

http://www.sharibrady.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6426270.Shari_A_Brady

PURCHASE WISH I COULD HAVE SAID GOODBYE

Shari is holding an INTERNATIONAL giveaway!  You can win: 5 E-books, or 3 signed, Print books. Ends 9/14.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!