History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

History is All You Left Me

9.2

Storyline

9.5/10

Queer Representation

9.0/10

Writing

9.0/10

Pros

• Complex and diverse characters
• Engaging storyline
• Positive representation of families

Cons

• Unhealthy relationships
• Queer Death
• Questionable actions

Title: History is All You Left Me

Author: Adam Silvera

Original Publication Date: 2017

Original Publisher: Soho Teen

Queer Representation: 1 gay protagonist plus love interest

Page Length: 292

A complex look at love and loss told from the perspective of a teenage boy grieving after the death of his first love. 

Memorable Quote: “People are complicated puzzles, always trying to piece together a complete picture, but sometimes we get it wrong and sometimes we’re left unfinished. Sometimes that’s for the best. Some pieces can’t be forced into a puzzle, or at least they shouldn’t be, because they won’t make sense.”

Review:

Griffin always thought that he and Theo were “endgame,” that no matter what happened they would be together in the end. Even after Theo moved to California, Griffin never gave up on them. Even after Theo started dating someone new, Griffin maintained the belief that it was only a temporary setback. But that was all before Theo drowned and Griffin had to face the fact that, not only would the two of them never get their happily ever after, but he will never be able to do so much as talk to Theo ever again.

The story of Griffin’s love and loss is told in a series of chapters alternating between “History,” where Griffin reflects on his relationship with Theo from beginning to end, and “Today,” where he grieves the loss of his first love. Trying to hold onto the memory of Theo for as long as possible, Griffin finds an unlikely ally in Jackson, the guy who took Griffin’s place and was with Theo when he died. Over the course of the novel, the two boys come together because they are the only ones who understand what the other is feeling, and together they can try to move on.

In History is All You Left Me, Adam Silvera paints a striking picture of love and loss. Silvera draws inspiration from his own life after learning that his ex-boyfriend almost drowned. His account of what it would feel like to grieve for the first love that you still believe is yours will resonate with readers long after they put down the novel. While readers may not always agree with Griffin’s actions, they can certainly understand them and they might even come away learning a little bit about themselves.