1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: Playlist for the Dead follows main character, Cameron, as he grapples with grief and loss while trying to understand his best friend’s untimely death.
“Maybe the thing we learn from death is that we can’t take life for granted.”
Quick Info

Category: Depression
Publish Date: 2016-10-25
# Pages: 304
ISBN: 0062310518
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Table of Contents
Overview
Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff is a gripping story of tragedy, loss, and grief.
It follows the story of Sam, a high schooler who is struggling to cope with the death of his best friend, Hayden.
Hayden’s death is mysterious and Sam is struggling to figure out what happened.
As his grief takes over, Sam begins to create a playlist of songs that reminds him of Hayden, and the memories that the two shared.
This playlist becomes an exploration of their friendship, and a way for Sam to confront his own guilt and sorrow.
Through this process, Sam begins to understand the power of music to connect people and to heal.
4 Key Lessons from Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff
1. It’s Okay to Grieve
The book Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff teaches readers that it’s okay to grieve, to take the time to process the death of a loved one.
Through the story of protagonist Sammy, readers learn that it’s important to take the time to really feel the pain of loss, rather than trying to push it away or ignore it.
This lesson can help readers to understand that it’s normal to feel intense emotions after a loss, and that it’s important to let these emotions out in order to heal.
2. Connecting with Others Helps Grieving
Another lesson readers learn from Playlist for the Dead is that connecting with others can help with the grieving process.
Sammy’s interactions with his friends and family help him to slowly come to terms with his loss.
Connecting with others can provide comfort, make us feel less alone, and help us to understand that many people have experienced loss and still moved forward.
3. Taking Action Helps Grieving
Additionally, readers learn that taking action can help with the grieving process.
Sammy creates a playlist for his friend who has died, and this helps him to process the loss in a meaningful way.
Taking action can give us a sense of control and can help us to channel our emotions in a productive way.
4. Life Goes On
Finally, readers learn that life goes on, even after a great loss.
Sammy is forced to confront this fact when he sees his friends move on and make plans for their future.
It can be difficult to accept that life continues, even without our loved ones, but it’s ultimately a reminder that we must keep living and find a way to keep going.
Who Should Read It
Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff is a book suitable for people aged 13 and over.
It is best suited to teenagers and young adults who are dealing with issues of loss, grief, and depression.
It is an emotional and thought-provoking read that can help readers understand and cope with the pain of losing a loved one.
Where to Get It
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About Michelle Falkoff
Michelle Falkoff is an American author and lawyer.
She is the author of several young adult novels, including Playlist for the Dead.
The novel follows protagonist Sam as he navigates his grief and guilt following the death of his best friend, Hayden.
Falkoff’s writing has been praised by critics for its emotional depth and its realistic portrayal of teenage life.
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Over to You
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Thanks a lot,
Simon

Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.