This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 This is going to be a hard review to write, so I just want to preface it by saying this: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is a fantastic novel. You should read it. Immediately. 
 There. Now that way if I get rambly or emotional I've got my central point across. 
 Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is the story of one, lonely, suicidal boy. This year on his birthday he decides that he's had enough. He's going to take his own life. He packs his back pack for the last day of school, bringing only some goodbye gifts for "friends" and a gun. The gun, however, isn't just for Leonard. It's also what he will use to shoot is former best friend in the face. 
 Now despite the fact that Leonard Peacock is about to shoot another teenager in the face, as you follow him on his last day, saying goodbye to the people who matter most to him, you realize just how lonely he is and your heart goes out to him. His mom is never around, he doesn't have any close friends, except for an old man who lives next door. Every day is a struggle for him. And when you find out why is former best friend is "former" it's like being punched in the gut. Matthew Quick has written a very raw, roller coaster ride of a novel and this story is one that will stick with you. So be prepared! 
 My favourite two things about the novel were the footnotes and the letters from the future. Though there is some humour throughout the novel, I think the best bits are in the footnotes. It is there we really get a sense of Leonard's quirky personality. And I think it's there that we really get to know him. Same goes with the letters from the future. They give us a peek into the deeper parts of Leonard. Not just what's going on with him right now, but his hopes and dreams as well. I was a little confused by them at first, but once I realized what they were they moved me to tears. 
 I need to take a minute and talk about Herr Silverman before I end this review. In my mind he is a hero. He is the kind of teacher that I wish every aspiring teacher would use as a role model. He respects the kids he teaches, he challenges them and above all he cares about what's going on in their lives. I know being a teacher isn't easy. I know many have a ton of students and very little extra time. But that interest/care is so important. Herr Silverman goes above and beyond his official responsibilities and made a difference in someone's life. He is an amazing man, and even though they're not real, I'm glad Leonard Peacock has him around. 
 Recommendation: Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock is a must read novel. In fact all of Matthew Quick's novels are must read novels. They're emotional, they're poignant and you'll carry the stories with you (figuratively) where ever you go.