In high school, I found a haunting book with an elusive cover and I bought it. Some people say that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but for this book, I totally did. The picture of a young girl in the spring time was just too much for my lonely eyes to not become attracted to.

Purchasing the fifteen dollar book at the time was a big investment, considering I was not exactly a rich kid (still am no where near rich), but it would change the way I viewed art, love, and reading for the rest of my life.

The book is basically a tale constructed ten years after the death of five girls in Michigan. At first the girls seem to be normal, church going girls, with no major problems. But as the narrative unfolds and more interviews are made, the girls are painted into a troubled picture with a family that is somewhat reclusive, and quietly waiting for the burning flames of indignation to cease creating atmosphere.

The writer uses such a great tone and illustrative purpose in his writing, yet it seems to be more of a journal entry than a real story with an all knowing narrator. The narrator switches between a group of friends still baffled at the reasons why the girls took their own lives.

At the first time I read this book, the girls were painted into such a realistic view, girls that were growing into womanhood, with loves, cares, fears, and anxiety that is a real juxtaposition of life and art fused in literary format.

The book is somewhat short, but full of deep empathy for the characters, and will not be a book that reaches all audiences. However, those that remember their high school years fondly, or at least were around in the 70’s will appreciate the writers unique presentation of the years without relying on historical situations to create a mood.

While the title is grim and somewhat dark in tone, the overall theme seems a little lighter. With humor and class, this book does a good job of relaying the characters to their respective corners, open for scrutiny by the reader.

In the late 90’s a film was adapted from this novel, and the film did a great job staying true to the book. The film is quite far one of the best adaptations of a book I’ve ever seen.

So would I recommend this book to others?

Yes. I loved reading this book, and although some people might find the subject matter a little dry and predictable at times, the overall tone and complexity of small situations create a lavish field of emotional response, worthy of your time and money.

The Virgin Suicides is one of my favorite books of all time. If you want to buy this book, you can do so online, by clicking here.