Speechless

Written by Adam P. Schmitt

Narrated by Brian Holden

How do you give a eulogy when you can't think of one good thing to say? A poignant, funny, and candid look at grief, family secrets, difficult people, and learning to look behind the façade.



As if being stuffed into last year's dress pants at his cousin's wake weren't uncomfortable enough, thirteen-year-old Jimmy has just learned from his mother that he has to say a few words at the funeral the next day. Why him? What could he possibly say about his cousin, who ruined everything they did? He can't recall one birthday party, family gathering, or school event with Patrick that didn't result in injury or destruction. As Jimmy attempts to navigate the odd social norms of the wake, he draws on humor, heartfelt concern, and a good deal of angst while racking his brain and his memory for a decent and meaningful memory to share. But it's not until faced with a microphone that the realization finally hits him: it's not the words that are spoken that matter the most, but those that are truly heard.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Feb 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705270448

Reviews for Speechless

[kristelh_15 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is for middle school age but it was still a good book. It's about a young boy who is told by his family that he is going to give a speech at his cousins funeral.A cousin that he did not like. It also covers the disability of hearing impairment and speech in another cousin though that is not the obvious part of the story. And it's a story about listening. I would also add that perhaps this is a story of the harm of family secrets.

[carriewuj · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 Funny and touching middle school story. Jimmy's cousin Patrick has died, and Jimmy is tasked with saying something at the funeral. Never mind that Jimmy hates public speaking, doesn't have appropriate clothes that fit, and most importantly doesn't even like his cousin. Through the course of the wake and a bit of the funeral, we get snippets of Patrick's story through Jimmy's eyes as he sweats over his speech and tries to come up with just one positive memory about his cousin. It's not an easy job. Patrick is portrayed as a impulsive, out-of-control brat who doesn't know limits - if he's ever had any. He borders on violent, and while Jimmy knows something is wrong, he doesn't fully understand what that is. Worse, Patrick's parents, Aunt Rose and Uncle Mike also know something is wrong but try to manage it and deal with it without getting Patrick proper help. Aunt Rose is Jimmy's mother's twin, so the two families are together constantly and it always seems to end with Patrick in some sort of trouble. Super wise and sensitive for his 13 years, Jimmy comes up with a list of 10 observations about his first wake and funeral and these comprise the book's chapters. Everything builds to Jimmy's speech and he is honest but thoughtful, hopefully ending a family history of secrets and avoidance. Definitely a good pulse on middle school angst and the challenges that come with family embarrassment and shame. Kudos to this local author (Oswego, IL) for creating a realistic, sincere hero.

[ewyatt_16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jimmy is told he'll be giving a speech at his cousin Patrick's wake. The whole book is told in a series of flashbacks about the relationship between the two boys as Jimmy struggles to figure out what to say. He is at the wake and the funeral in a too-tight suit feeling awkward and a little angry about the position his parents have put him in. However, as we learn about his past they have been putting him in these bad positions for years as he is expected to be a companion to his cousin who is a deeply troubled kid that no one seems to do anything to help. The family has a "don't interfere" policy. With each memory, it starts well enough by Patrick somehow has a meltdown or acts out in a way that is destructive to himself and others. It seems to have cost Jimmy friendships, activities, and pretty much every nice thing he has ever gotten. As the book unfolds Jimmy is forced to think deeply, tell truths, and take a stand for himself, his family, and his deceased cousin.

[literacyrocks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jimmy is requested to give the euolgy for his cousin, Patrick, with a one day notice. What do you say when everything was ruined by Patrick while growing up? Jimmy has to deal with his memories of often unpleasant behavior by Patrick to try to come up with a flattering tribute for a troubled cousin. This is where the book starts getting interesting, although I would have liked to have seen more of a backstory as to why Patrick did what he did. I liked that the author did not take the safe road and the end result (euolgy) is spot on-and will leave you thinking that he actually said what most people think but are too afraid to say. Great read for grades 5-8.

[mszreadz · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book as a part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

Speechless is centered on a relatable experience of a boy, Jimmy, who must navigate life with his difficult and eccentric cousin, Patrick. When Patrick dies, Jimmy is asked to give a eulogy at his cousin's funeral, even though he cannot think of a single positive thing to say about Patrick. The overall content of this book was very interesting and relevant, but I anticipate that the plot would be difficult to follow for some middle grade readers. The chapters were very long and the transitions between current experience and a reflection from the past were not always clear. There was a very powerful twist at the end, and many moments that would spark great discussions about individual difference, and the importance of considering others' perspectives in a middle school classroom (if students are able to navigate those transitions)!

[dgryan1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A touching story of a young boy, Jimmy, who is told he must deliver the eulogy for his cousin's funeral. He never got along with his cousin Patrick, the often out-of-control boy who seemed bent on ruining things for Jimmy--whether his birthday or any other special moment. However, as Jimmy considers Patrick's life and all their many interactions growing up, he comes to see something else about Patrick and the family circumstances he contended with at home. Patrick's little sister Sophia is an especially well-drawn character with a sensitive portrayal of her hearing loss. Overall, this is a book that leads one to think about how well we really know others and to consider the burdens others may carry.

[sdbookhound · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Speechless is a unique book about a 13 year old boy who is given the task of delivering the eulogy at his young cousin's funeral. The catch is that Jimmy and his cousin Patrick didn't get along. Every memory he has of Patrick is an unhappy one. How will he be able to get up in front of everyone and talk about Patrick? As the book progresses, Jimmy looks back and thinks about his experiences with Patrick and interacts with his family. By the end of the book, he is able to speak and has learned some things about Patrick and about himself in the process. This book would lend itself to some good discussions with middle grade readers. I give it three stars.

[lilibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Patrick is difficult. When he dies at age 13, his cousin Jimmy is asked to write a eulogy for the funeral. Jimmy runs through his memories, trying to think of a memory that is not about Patrick ruining things. Down to the last minute, he is not sure what he will say - and then he realizes that really, no one was listening to Patrick and that may have had something to do with his behavior and possibly his death.

[keafrost · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A well written book about a tragic loss. In this book, Jimmy comes to terms with having to give a eulogy at his cousin's funeral. A cousin who he did not always get along with. With flashbacks to help the reader understand why Jimmy felt this way towards his cousin, we understand more about his cousin Patrick and his challenges that caused him to act the way he did. This book could be triggering to some readers, but I would recommend it middle-grade readers who have experienced loss and who are looking to overcome some of the feelings that happen during those difficult times.

[bevfuller · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a very good book that you will think about for a long time.

[bonitajean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jimmy, who is 13, has to give a speech (eulogy) at his only male cousins funeral (Patrick who was also 13). Not only does he not want to do this, but he cannot think of anything nice to say, plus the pants he has to wear to the wake and to the funeral are to tight and and he is worried the button is going to pop off.

Patrick had many many issues, he was prone to trouble, whether of his own making or not. Adults knew and tried to handle it was well as any family member could.

Along the way we get to know Jimmy and Patrick’s family. Dysfunctional as they may be, they are true to the family spirit of love. Jimmy‘s Mom and Patrick’s Mom are twins, and this is the reason Jimmy feels he is begin “forced” to give this speech. Eventually Jimmy comes to terms -even if he was unaware of it, as to what to say.

Loved this little novel.