Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock

As Leonard’s 18th birthday goes unnoticed by the world, he spends the day giving gifts to the few people who matter, while planning a violent murder-suicide—killing his ex-best friend who raped him and then himself. As Leonard struggles to find meaning through his relationships before he engages in the horrendous plan, his truth is gradually revealed, exposing a vulnerable and struggling young man, and the mystery of his past and the precariousness of his future become clear. Suitable for class study, literature circle, and independent study in grade 10 classrooms, the novel examines the themes of violence, identity, and religion. A number of social considerations were identified.