The Leaving Room

 

Rating: 4 for speculative poetry in verse and trusted author

My Thoughts:

This novel starts as a wondering by the author, or perhaps a hope of the author that when young people, children die, there is an in between place that helps them to transition. The leaving room is such a place. This leaving room is hosted by a Keeper, Gospel. Gospel collects memories in jars and offers the young souls a treat and a hot drink. As a Keeper, the collecting of memories makes her question what are her memories versus what are others' memories. And then a portal opens up and she meets Melodee, another Keeper. In a span of four minutes, their two worlds shift, things fall a part, and rules are broken. This speculative novel is typical for Amber McBride. Readers need to pay attention, most likely re read and try to fall into the world without question. 

From the Publisher:

For fans of You've Reached Sam and If I Stay, a hauntingly beautiful, ultimately hopeful novel-in-verse about a girl in between life and death, by National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride.

Gospel is the Keeper of the Leaving Room—a place all young people must phase through when they die. The young are never ready to leave; they need a moment to remember and a Keeper to help their wispy souls along.

When a random door opens and a Keeper named Melodee arrives, their souls become entangled. Gospel's seriousness melts and Melodee’s fear of connection fades, but still—are Keepers allowed to fall in love? Now they must find a way out of the Leaving Room and be unafraid of their love. In a novel that takes place over four minutes, National Book Award finalist Amber McBride explores connection, memory, and hope in ways that are unforgettable and poignant.

Publication Information:

Author: Amber McBride
Publisher: Feiwel Friends (October 14, 2025)

Print length: 224 pages

Reading age: 12-18