Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE

book

THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE

Cynthia Hand

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE by Cynthia Hand. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Death of a character, Romance, Alcohol or drugs; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Positive messages.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel centrally addresses a parent's suicide, grief, depression, and guilt, with emotionally intense discussion and some teen romance; it is best suited to mature teenagers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Romance3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The death of a sibling is the central premise and focus of the narrative.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity consistent with teenage dialogue.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Includes secondary LGBTQIA representation.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic subplot involving a classmate.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

No monsters or suspense-driven scares, but suicide, grief, and intense emotional distress create some upsetting, emotionally frightening content.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to sexual situations appropriate for YA.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Brief mentions of underage drinking or smoking in some social contexts.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows courage by confronting painful memories, asking difficult questions, and continuing through grief.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Explores artistic or expressive ways to process emotions.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

General representation within a modern high school setting.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the grieving process and counseling.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist learns to show kindness to herself and others.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes seeking support, processing grief honestly, forgiving oneself, and recognizing the impact of mental-health struggles.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed but learning to make responsible choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+A Forest DividedErin Hunter · 2015Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating