Review also posted at http://socially-awkward-bookworm.tumb... 
 Synopsis 
 Seventeen-year-old Cleo Berry has no idea what she wants to do with her life. Flipping through Famous American Women: Vignettes from the Past and Present hasn't been offering much inspiration. When the Spanish flu pandemic finally arrives in Portland, Oregon, thoughts of the future don't seem very important as the body count rises by the day. In an attempt to slow the spread of the illness, her boarding school is quarantined and anyone who leaves will not be allowed back on the premises. But when Cleo sees a Red Cross ad begging for volunteers, she can't ignore it. In the days after her headstrong decision, Cleo risks her life for strangers, wondering when her luck will finally run out. 
 Thoughts 
 A Death-Struck Year is the second book I've read recently about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic (In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters was another awesome title with a paranormal twist). This topic is so fascinating and terrifying. The speed at which the flu ripped through cities and the number of deaths within days of it arriving are difficult to fathom. Lucier's story does a great job of capturing the confusion and fear of the time as well as the emotional toll. 
 I throughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down until I found out what was going to happen. The historical aspects were woven in seamlessly. The romance is lovely, but far from the center of the story. And for those in search of stories that pass the Bechdel test, this one passes it many times over. This story is full of characters with aspirations and rich back stories that make the events they face even more tragic and inspiring.