The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban

The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban is a riveting page turner that tells the tale of a deep and harrowing first love and heartbreak. 17 year old Tim Macbeth is a recent transfer to the prestigious Irving School and quickly tries to blend into the background, but his best efforts fail when he stumbles Vanessa, the school’s most popular girl. Although she seems far out of reach, turns out that she has feelings for him too, but that would mean kissing her current boyfriend goodbye, as well as any social status at school. But, things become even more complicated for the duo as the school’s most difficult teacher hands out a year end project that has the seniors shaking in their boots. Coined the “Tragedy Papers” by fellow seniors, the two most survive not only a complicated love, but when Duncan (a fellow senior) digs deep and uncovers the truth about their relationship, they must survive the repercussions of that too.

This book is by far one of my favorites so far this year and for some reason, that feels like quite an understatement. Oddly enough, this book felt similar to ROMEO AND JULIET because of the doomed feeling of the relationship and because of the intensity of the love (not in any type of suicidal way btw). From early on I was transported back into high school and felt like I was right there with Tim as he embarked on his senior year. I thought Elizabeth did such an amazing job at creating not only believable characters but a deep and intense love, the kind that keeps you thinking at night. I remember my first love and boy, when I think back to the way things were in high school, it was definitely intense. I can’t say enough about this book except that it is a must read. Well done, Elizabeth!