Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town Written by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock. Reviewed by Becky, Age 12

Everyone Dies Famous In a Small Town by Bonnie – Sue Hitchcock is a hauntingly brilliant book. Every character sticks with you throughout and beyond the book. Each character is written with such depth that no matter how big or small their problem is in comparison to other characters, you get a better idea of who they are and what they’re feeling. It is written so well and has simple but impactful language. I think that Bonnie Sue Hitchcock intwines every story masterfully as she always keeps us guessing, leaving room for our imagination.

In this book Bonnie – Sue Hitchcock changes location and characters every chapter. I really loved how it is set throughout small and large towns in America, some by the sea, some in Alaska and everywhere in between. What I found really interesting is how one chapter you are wrapped up in a wildfire ravaging everything in its path and the next chapter you are in Alaska surrounded by snow. By the end of the first chapter I was already gripped, at the end of each chapter I wanted to read about the next character and move to the next location. It is so expertly written I didn’t find the changing of location and characters confusing or peculiar, it was masterful.

This book is realistic and is set in our world but it is fiction. It tackles many issues, some within families and relationships, some to do with the environment and climate change. There are quite a few themes but all of the characters are living around grief and sometimes anger. Some of the causes for these are heartbreak, betrayal, and sometimes just miscommunication, however there are some darker themes like a child being kidnapped and a priest taking liberties. So I would recommend it to readers from around 12/13 and above as some younger readers may find these particular themes upsetting.

Even after finishing this short but brilliant book I was still thinking about what I’ve read, wondering what happened to the characters and overall loving the book. There are a few tears a long the way especially at the end, it makes you think and appreciate all of your blessings. But all in all it is an absolutely amazing read.

Everyone Dies Famous In a Small Town is a short but powerful and important read and I think adults and older children would both really enjoy it.

I would absolutely recommend it.