Gil Marsh by A.C.E. Bauer

It was absolutely enchanting. Gil is a very complex boy, and I loved his story. His story is one of letting go, and he definitely told it well. He made you want to laugh and cry in all the right places. It was a little short, but anybody who can pack that much emotion into such a short book definitely gets my vote. Read it today. I dare you. This story was utterly unique, in all the best ways.

Here's the Blurb:


Good looking, athletic, and smart, Gill Marsh is the most popular kid at Uruk High School, even though he is only a junior. When Enko, a new kid from Montreal, shows up, Gil is wary. Yet Enko is easy going and matches Gil's athletic prowess without being a threat. Soon, the two become inseparable friends, practicing, studying, and double-dating. 


Then suddenly, to everyone's shock, Enko succombs to an aggressive cancer. 


When Enko's parents take his body and return to Canada, Gil is unable to even say good bye. He is inconsolable. Determined to find Enko's grave, Gil sneaks away and heads north.


Closely based on the ancient story of Gilgamesh, the Sumerian King from 3000 BC, A. C. E. Bauer has carefully woven the classic elements of myth to follow Gil's quest and explore the grief and growth of a young man.


                                I give this Book Three Stars.