52 pages • 1 hour read
Matthew QuickForgive Me, Leonard Peacock
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The young adult novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick follows 18-year-old Leonard Peacock on his birthday, a day he plans to kill himself and his former best friend, Asher Beal, who became a bully. Carrying gifts and a WWII-era gun, Leonard interacts with various people, contemplates his future, and ultimately chooses a path toward healing with the help of his compassionate teacher, Herr Silverman. The novel addresses sexual abuse and suicidal ideation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick has received praise for its raw and honest portrayal of mental health and adolescence, with many readers appreciating the emotional depth and unique narrative style. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the protagonist's voice occasionally grating. Overall, it's a powerful but polarizing read.
Who Should Read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock?
A reader who would enjoy Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick is likely someone who appreciates raw, emotional, and introspective young adult fiction. Comparable to those who love The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, they seek thought-provoking narratives dealing with mental health and personal struggles.
RecommendedReading Age
15-18yearsLexile Level
980L