Every Last Word

As I sat in the car with my copy of Time Between Us, signed by the amazing Tamara Ireland Stone, I leafed through, remembering how fascinated I was when I first read it a year prior. I was awed by the unique way she wrote about time travel. I was incredibly excited to be hosting Tamara for the second annual TAB squared event. When I heard her talk about her new book, I realized that it was probably the book I looked most forward to reading over the summer. I decided that I would get Every Last Word as soon as it came out. Tamara let us hold the first copy of the book. I read the inside-the-front-cover summary aloud to my fellow TAB members and we fell in love with the story. As the evening went on, I talked more to her, and I loved discussing topics ranging from her musical inspiration to her writing style. Before I left that evening, I followed her on Instagram and Facebook. A few weeks later, amidst my scrambling to gather notes and study for my finals, my cousin mentioned the Berkeley Book Fair. I told her I would definitely come, and she could tell me the details later. Imagine my surprise when Tamara Ireland Stone posted a couple days later saying that she would be there too -- on the Teen Stage and selling her book. Nine whole days before it was officially on sale!! I did go, and I was overwhelmed with delight that she remembered me. After I got the book that day, I could not put the book down. I fell in love with how Sam learned to use her words; the impact Caroline had on Sam's whole outlook; the interactions she had with AJ.

This book is a story of struggling to fit in, overcoming hardship, and realizing that you don't have to fit in to be accepted by those who truly care about you. It has a cute romance, beautiful poetry, and a beautiful place called Poet's Corner. Since poetry is such a huge part of this book, I have decided to write a few haikus.

Just like her first two,

Tamara's book does not fail 

To bring joy to me.

From Sam and AJ 

To Caroline's great advice, 

We realize, at last....

This book teaches us

That every last word matters 

You become your words.

by Anjini V. - TAB Member