Book Review: What to Do When I’m Gone

What to Do When I’m Gone is a collaboration of wisdom shared between a mother and her daughter in a graphic novel format. Suzy Hopkins, a former newspaper reporter, explores the topic of death and offers advice to her daughter about living. Her daughter, Hallie Bateman, is an illustrator and author, and provides the heartfelt drawings for each daily dose of advice.

“Day 5,500: Ask questions. We’re here to look for answers. It’s not that you’re going to find them – it’s that you’re striving to find them.” Through this book, Hopkins provides an instructional manual about learning how to live without your mother. It is powerful, funny, and earnest. I was moved to remember that no matter how alone we feel we are in this world, we can find solace in each other and the memories that remain. This book is guaranteed to make you smile, relax, contemplate, and, inevitably, to cook for others.

Review by Katy Dodge, Head of Children’s Services

Click here to reserve a copy.

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