Topping the Willow by Lori Closter accurately captures the struggles many teens encounter and offers hope for healing. Through its first person perspective, Brittany’s voice and emotions are made more apparent. The painful effects of emotionally distant parenting are also evident in the story. There are many uplifting messages beautifully woven into the plot including how faith can offer hope, encourage forgiveness and facilitate healing. I loved that each character was realistically portrayed and that the issues explored in the plot are familiar and relevant. Brittany and Will’s friendship was also inspiring. Topping the Willow by Lori Closter is a beautiful, profound novel with practical themes for its intended audience. It sensitively tackles many challenges that teenagers face. Highly recommended. 

Critique: "Topping the Willow" by Lori Closter is a realistic, contemporary novel that contains little or no explicit sex or strong language, and is especially recommended for mid-teen and older readers due to mature themes and situations. The universal themes of parent-child love and our core beliefs about God, life, and death will appeal to a broad audience and bring hope to those who need it. "Topping The Willow" is especially appropriate and recommended for highschool and community library YA Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal lists of young readers ages 15-18 that "Topping the Willow" is also available in a digital book format ($4.99).