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Angelhood
Seventeen-year-old theater geek Nanette believes her life is headed toward stardom on Broadway. But when her dream theater college rejects her and her best friend dies in a terrible accident, Nanette decides the world would be better off without her. Unfortunately, the afterlife offers something less than a heavenly situation. Trapped between alternating periods of utter darkness and light, Nanette is stuck following a high school freshman around. Soon, she learns she’s a guardian angel, and the only way she can earn her wings is to keep her young charge, Vera, from committing the same sin she did—taking her own life.
Unfortunately, Nanette is missing more than just her wings. She has no tangible body or voice, either. Frustrated by her inability to reach out to Vera and haunted by memories of her old life, Nanette wants to give up, but then she sees what happens when another Guardian at the high school turns his back on his charge. The shock is enough to supercharge Nanette’s determination. She’s going to find peace in the afterlife…as soon as she can convince Vera that living is what life is all about.
Unfortunately, Nanette is missing more than just her wings. She has no tangible body or voice, either. Frustrated by her inability to reach out to Vera and haunted by memories of her old life, Nanette wants to give up, but then she sees what happens when another Guardian at the high school turns his back on his charge. The shock is enough to supercharge Nanette’s determination. She’s going to find peace in the afterlife…as soon as she can convince Vera that living is what life is all about.
348 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2015
2 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Cattapan
8 books71 followersA.J. Cattapan began writing stories in the third grade. Suspiciously, all her stories seemed to be about a girl named Amy. Eventually, her writing became less self-centered, and her short stories and articles began appearing in children's magazines. This led eventually to her first Chicken Soup for the Soul contribution (see From Lemons to Lemonade) and then to her first young adult novel, Angelhood, the story of a reluctant guardian angel. She lives and works in the Chicago area where she teaches middle school English.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 27, 2020
I wish I could go back in time and put this book in the hands of some young people who gave up on their lives. Young or old, this story gives the reader something to seriously contemplate - what is the next life really like? And does suicide offer the best way out of misery? Using expressive literary license, an intimate understanding of young adult experiences, and the pain of a broken heart, A. J. Cattapan does a marvelous job creating an atmosphere the reader will never completely forget... and hopefully will go on to live life a bit more fully - no matter the past.
February 7, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. It is my introduction to A.J. Cattapan's writings, and it is very well written. But I also have a little unease. So First I will cover off the positives and then share my concerns.
First this book is very well written. It grabs you right away and you really want to know what is going to happen next. It is new and unique in presenting Guardian Angels, as people who have already passed away, and they are given a chance to help someone who faces struggles similar to their own. So when you die you become a guardian angel, and as an angel you have the choice to fight for your charge or give up. We see both in this book.
Nanetta was a young girl with her heart set on one thing. She wanted to get into a specific university program. When she doesn't she commits suicide. But the peace she was expecting in the afterlife did not come. First she goes through periods of darkness and witnessing the life of a girl named Vera. She soon meets another guardian angel who starts to teach her some of the ropes. But even the angels have their own faults and soon he is distracted and disappearing all the time. Nanette is desperate to help Vera and struggling to find a way.
It is a very touching and moving book. And I do believe that it might help some young people who are considering suicide realize the greater extent of the impact of their actions. And the book could be used as a discussion guide about the topic of suicide, and even why we are here.
But my concern is that some young readers might take the book too literally. That they might consider the possibility of the second chance in the afterlife, that there is no theological basis for.
As fiction it is very well written, with strong characters and a compassionate and moving storyline. The pacing is good. The handling of the topic is excellent. And I would recommend it but I would be selective about who I passed this book on to. The nuances of the theology and fictional betrayal of angels would be lost on less mature readers or those more grounded in the faith. But as mentioned it is very well written.
Read the review on my blog 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
First this book is very well written. It grabs you right away and you really want to know what is going to happen next. It is new and unique in presenting Guardian Angels, as people who have already passed away, and they are given a chance to help someone who faces struggles similar to their own. So when you die you become a guardian angel, and as an angel you have the choice to fight for your charge or give up. We see both in this book.
Nanetta was a young girl with her heart set on one thing. She wanted to get into a specific university program. When she doesn't she commits suicide. But the peace she was expecting in the afterlife did not come. First she goes through periods of darkness and witnessing the life of a girl named Vera. She soon meets another guardian angel who starts to teach her some of the ropes. But even the angels have their own faults and soon he is distracted and disappearing all the time. Nanette is desperate to help Vera and struggling to find a way.
It is a very touching and moving book. And I do believe that it might help some young people who are considering suicide realize the greater extent of the impact of their actions. And the book could be used as a discussion guide about the topic of suicide, and even why we are here.
But my concern is that some young readers might take the book too literally. That they might consider the possibility of the second chance in the afterlife, that there is no theological basis for.
As fiction it is very well written, with strong characters and a compassionate and moving storyline. The pacing is good. The handling of the topic is excellent. And I would recommend it but I would be selective about who I passed this book on to. The nuances of the theology and fictional betrayal of angels would be lost on less mature readers or those more grounded in the faith. But as mentioned it is very well written.
Read the review on my blog 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 10, 2015
Angelhood is a unique, refreshing novel. Although it deals with a serious subject (suicide), there is much hope and redemption. Have you ever considered whether you have a guardian angel? This book explores what it’s like to be a guardian angel. Nanette is completely relatable, and you really want to see her succeed, but will she? The plot pulls you in and keeps you engaged throughout the entire story. Will Nanette earn her wings? Will she help Vera? What led to her own suicide? Can Nanette battle her own darkness in order to show Vera the light? Angelhood is a rare combination of a novel that is entertaining, uplifting and inspiring
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March 12, 2015Loved this book. From page 1 until the end, I was reading like a mad women. Great job to this author.
January 24, 2018
This was a thought-provoking and moving read that deals sensitively with a very serious subject. The first couple of pages are quite shocking, though if you’ve read the synopsis what happens won’t be a surprise, and the rest of the book pulls one along with the need to know what happens, whether it can all turn out alright.
Some reviewers have noted that this is not a theologically accurate presentation of the afterlife, and indeed it is not, however, there is a cast iron reason for this within the book. I can’t say more without giving spoilers. Just enjoy it as fantasy, and all will become clear. The novel has the Seal of Approval from the Catholic Writers Guild, incidentally, which should assuage any doubts about theological issues!
This book is perfectly okay for teens to read, despite the suicide theme. In fact, the more of them read it the better, since it allows the consequences of selfishness to play out very clearly before the reader’s eyes, much more effective than simply lecturing on the subject!
Highly recommended.
[I received a free copy of the book whilst acting as a reviewer for the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval.]
Some reviewers have noted that this is not a theologically accurate presentation of the afterlife, and indeed it is not, however, there is a cast iron reason for this within the book. I can’t say more without giving spoilers. Just enjoy it as fantasy, and all will become clear. The novel has the Seal of Approval from the Catholic Writers Guild, incidentally, which should assuage any doubts about theological issues!
This book is perfectly okay for teens to read, despite the suicide theme. In fact, the more of them read it the better, since it allows the consequences of selfishness to play out very clearly before the reader’s eyes, much more effective than simply lecturing on the subject!
Highly recommended.
[I received a free copy of the book whilst acting as a reviewer for the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval.]
April 29, 2017
Angelhood offers important messages about hope and regret through the first-person account of 17-year-old Nanette, who, in the first chapter, puts a gun to her head and pulls the trigger. From there she embarks on her “angelhood.”
Despite the name, the body-less souls, and the acquisition of wings, the period of “angelhood” bears more resemblance to purgatory than angelic life. In order to gain her own redemption, Nanette is assigned a charge whom she must prevent from making the same fatal mistake she did in taking her own life.
Nanette shadows a friendless, angsty poet named Vera, whose mother has succumbed to breast cancer. Despite Nanette’s frustration with Vera’s anti-social, “loser” ways, she takes her task seriously and struggles to find means to influence Vera’s behavior and help her see the wonderful possibilities around her.
Throughout the novel, Nanette and other angels, including her mentor of sorts, Warren, engage in spiritual warfare in defense of their charges and their own journey towards sainthood. Darkness and evil tempt and taunt, eager to draw souls to their eternal torment.
Interspersed with the action are Nanette’s memories – both those leading up to her suicide and happy memories with her sister, mother, and fellow theater geeks. Not only does concentrating on positive memories help her to grown in grace, it also enables her to see clearly the rashness of her life-ending decision.
While Nanette had seen death as an escape from her various troubles, she now realizes that not only has peace eluded, her but her absence has had profound effects on her family members as well. Her perspective matures and broadens, allowing her to see hope where in the past she felt despair and to recognize, in theater terms, that comedy and tragedy exist side by side.
There are several twists, turns, and revelations along the way to maintain tension and keep the reader engaged.
In the years following the suicide of a friend’s 15-year-old son (also by gun), I’ve become hypersensitive to its frequent portrayal in media. While its depiction here made me uncomfortable, the overriding, hopeful message integrated so seamlessly into Nanette’s memories and experiences convinced me of its valuable message for teens in particular, who think their life isn’t worth living and the world would be better off without them.
I listened to Angelhood on audiobook, which opens me to distraction more than reading print does. It can also be a challenge to hear over the noise level and kid interruptions in my home. I did, however, enjoy the narration, which fit Nanette’s voice well.
Despite the name, the body-less souls, and the acquisition of wings, the period of “angelhood” bears more resemblance to purgatory than angelic life. In order to gain her own redemption, Nanette is assigned a charge whom she must prevent from making the same fatal mistake she did in taking her own life.
Nanette shadows a friendless, angsty poet named Vera, whose mother has succumbed to breast cancer. Despite Nanette’s frustration with Vera’s anti-social, “loser” ways, she takes her task seriously and struggles to find means to influence Vera’s behavior and help her see the wonderful possibilities around her.
Throughout the novel, Nanette and other angels, including her mentor of sorts, Warren, engage in spiritual warfare in defense of their charges and their own journey towards sainthood. Darkness and evil tempt and taunt, eager to draw souls to their eternal torment.
Interspersed with the action are Nanette’s memories – both those leading up to her suicide and happy memories with her sister, mother, and fellow theater geeks. Not only does concentrating on positive memories help her to grown in grace, it also enables her to see clearly the rashness of her life-ending decision.
While Nanette had seen death as an escape from her various troubles, she now realizes that not only has peace eluded, her but her absence has had profound effects on her family members as well. Her perspective matures and broadens, allowing her to see hope where in the past she felt despair and to recognize, in theater terms, that comedy and tragedy exist side by side.
There are several twists, turns, and revelations along the way to maintain tension and keep the reader engaged.
In the years following the suicide of a friend’s 15-year-old son (also by gun), I’ve become hypersensitive to its frequent portrayal in media. While its depiction here made me uncomfortable, the overriding, hopeful message integrated so seamlessly into Nanette’s memories and experiences convinced me of its valuable message for teens in particular, who think their life isn’t worth living and the world would be better off without them.
I listened to Angelhood on audiobook, which opens me to distraction more than reading print does. It can also be a challenge to hear over the noise level and kid interruptions in my home. I did, however, enjoy the narration, which fit Nanette’s voice well.
April 12, 2015
The place Nanette feels most alive is on stage, and she has big dreams to become an actress. However, real life interferes with these dreams, and after a succession of tragic events, Nanette decides that life is not worth living. Little does she know that the afterlife is even more real than life itself.
She embarks into Angelhood and meets Vera, a girl like herself, also contemplating suicide. Can Nanette prevent Vera from making the same mistake? Nanette must battle the demons that haunt Vera and also must confront her own demons. Death is not the easy way out she had hoped it would be.
In this stunning debut young adult novel, A.J. Cattapan explores the age old question; what happens when we die? Cattapan deftly weaves Nanette’s story into despair and back into the light; it is a story that will capture your imagination and keep it captive until the very end.
She embarks into Angelhood and meets Vera, a girl like herself, also contemplating suicide. Can Nanette prevent Vera from making the same mistake? Nanette must battle the demons that haunt Vera and also must confront her own demons. Death is not the easy way out she had hoped it would be.
In this stunning debut young adult novel, A.J. Cattapan explores the age old question; what happens when we die? Cattapan deftly weaves Nanette’s story into despair and back into the light; it is a story that will capture your imagination and keep it captive until the very end.
January 3, 2017
The pacing is spot-on, the characters are well-drawn and well-motivated, the parents are a living (is that a pun?) and breathing part of the plot rather than just add-ons. One caveat emptor: I am concerned about how the resolution of the story might make light of the permanence of suicide, especially in the minds of young readers who are on the more impressionable side. I don't want to give anything away, but I did want to put that out there as something for parents to consider when thinking about sharing Angelhood with their young readers. That said, it's well-written and well deserving of all the awards it has received! I'm looking forward to my next Cattapan read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
“Angelhood” is a bit of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “13 Reasons Why” with some Dean Koontz style supernatural elements! Written for young adults, this story deals with the difficult subjects of teen depression, loneliness and suicide in a way that offers hope. This book could potentially save lives by providing a new perspective to someone who is suffering with similar struggles.
I think many young people will identify with the main character, seventeen-year-old Nanette, even if they don’t have suicidal thoughts. The teenage years can be so turbulent. Teens are trying to find themselves, figure out where they fit in the world, who they are important to, and where they’re headed. And when things go wrong in their lives, it’s easy to focus only on that. Nanette responds to the disappointments in a drastic way, taking her life.
As Christians, we know that life is a gift from God and it’s wrong to throw that gift away through suicide. But we also know that God looks at the individual, and sometimes a person’s mind is so clouded that they don’t have full culpability. I believe Nanette falls into that category. She almost seems to think that she’ll go straight to heaven. This shows she has a skewed understanding of the proper response to blessings, including life.
So when Nanette becomes aware again, she’s surprised she’s not in heaven. She doesn’t know where she it. The reader doesn’t know where she is either. While it’s not a doctrinal representation of purgatory, there is something very purgatory-like about it. A soul who dies in God’s grace, but with imperfect love, goes through a process where that love is purified.
Nanette has been living a sort of self-centered life, rather than a life of love. Love looks outward, not in. This story shows how focused a person can become on themselves and their goals, not just teens either, and they fail to see the bigger pictures. So when something goes wrong, it’s a big deal, life-shattering, even.
Gradually, Nanette starts to see the bigger picture. And this happens because, in this afterlife, she must help and protect someone. It turns out to be a teenage girl who is also suicidal. Over the course of the story, you see her growing in love, you could say. In watching this girl, in looking back and her life, and with the counsel of other “guardians,” she gradually begins to realize how she had failed to appreciate the daily gifts in her life. She begins to see how important she is to others, even if things aren’t going her way. This story sheds light on our fallen human nature and offers a new perspective and hope.
I think many young people will identify with the main character, seventeen-year-old Nanette, even if they don’t have suicidal thoughts. The teenage years can be so turbulent. Teens are trying to find themselves, figure out where they fit in the world, who they are important to, and where they’re headed. And when things go wrong in their lives, it’s easy to focus only on that. Nanette responds to the disappointments in a drastic way, taking her life.
As Christians, we know that life is a gift from God and it’s wrong to throw that gift away through suicide. But we also know that God looks at the individual, and sometimes a person’s mind is so clouded that they don’t have full culpability. I believe Nanette falls into that category. She almost seems to think that she’ll go straight to heaven. This shows she has a skewed understanding of the proper response to blessings, including life.
So when Nanette becomes aware again, she’s surprised she’s not in heaven. She doesn’t know where she it. The reader doesn’t know where she is either. While it’s not a doctrinal representation of purgatory, there is something very purgatory-like about it. A soul who dies in God’s grace, but with imperfect love, goes through a process where that love is purified.
Nanette has been living a sort of self-centered life, rather than a life of love. Love looks outward, not in. This story shows how focused a person can become on themselves and their goals, not just teens either, and they fail to see the bigger pictures. So when something goes wrong, it’s a big deal, life-shattering, even.
Gradually, Nanette starts to see the bigger picture. And this happens because, in this afterlife, she must help and protect someone. It turns out to be a teenage girl who is also suicidal. Over the course of the story, you see her growing in love, you could say. In watching this girl, in looking back and her life, and with the counsel of other “guardians,” she gradually begins to realize how she had failed to appreciate the daily gifts in her life. She begins to see how important she is to others, even if things aren’t going her way. This story sheds light on our fallen human nature and offers a new perspective and hope.
February 9, 2016
This was a beautiful, heartbreaking book. The cover art is fantastic, and the poetry is incredible. I'm not an expert on Angelology (I think that's the word,) but I’m pretty sure that the way the angels are depicted in this book is not considered correct by the Catholic Church, which means that this is the first book, and the second story (the first being the film “It's a Wonderful Life,”) with inaccurate depictions of angels that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Nanette was annoying at first. She's just so selfish. But I felt bad for her because of DePaul's rejection of her, because of the way her father treated her, and because of the loss of her friend, especially because of the way that she lost her friend. Over the course of the book you can see that she has so much character growth. She realizes just how much she gave up when she made her selfish choice, and she gets an idea of how much she hurt the people that she cared about. I didn't think that she healed very much, from the pain of losing Ally, but other than that she had a beautiful transformative journey over the course of the book.
Vera was heartbreaking. She was so sweet, but so alone. She didn't need to be alone, but she felt that she did.
Cecille was another sweet character, and she was the cause of a lot of Nanette's character growth. I wish we could have seen her a little bit more,
One of my favorite characters was Warren, but I was not as satisfied with his ending.
I guess the real reason why I was dissatisfied with the end of Warren’s story is because Nanette's wrapped up too quickly.
The book tackles tough subjects. Depression, suicide, cutting, even a little bit of drugs and eating disorders.
There were a few inconsistencies. At the beginning of the book, Nanette is described as being unable to breathe or cry, but later she sighs I'm frustration, and cries over what she has lost. These inconsistencies can be explained away with the argument that by the time Nanette sighs and cries she had grown in grace.
I don't feel that this is the kind of book that will get a sequel, but I really, really want there to be one.
Nanette was annoying at first. She's just so selfish. But I felt bad for her because of DePaul's rejection of her, because of the way her father treated her, and because of the loss of her friend, especially because of the way that she lost her friend. Over the course of the book you can see that she has so much character growth. She realizes just how much she gave up when she made her selfish choice, and she gets an idea of how much she hurt the people that she cared about. I didn't think that she healed very much, from the pain of losing Ally, but other than that she had a beautiful transformative journey over the course of the book.
Vera was heartbreaking. She was so sweet, but so alone. She didn't need to be alone, but she felt that she did.
Cecille was another sweet character, and she was the cause of a lot of Nanette's character growth. I wish we could have seen her a little bit more,
One of my favorite characters was Warren, but I was not as satisfied with his ending.
I guess the real reason why I was dissatisfied with the end of Warren’s story is because Nanette's wrapped up too quickly.
The book tackles tough subjects. Depression, suicide, cutting, even a little bit of drugs and eating disorders.
There were a few inconsistencies. At the beginning of the book, Nanette is described as being unable to breathe or cry, but later she sighs I'm frustration, and cries over what she has lost. These inconsistencies can be explained away with the argument that by the time Nanette sighs and cries she had grown in grace.
I don't feel that this is the kind of book that will get a sequel, but I really, really want there to be one.
April 18, 2015
This story is amazing. A.J. Cattapan does a great job tackling a very tough subject for our youth today, suicide. What better use for fiction than driving home truths in a palatable format that our kids will enjoy. The characters are engaging, realistic, and on a journey that will keep youths - and adults - turning the pages.
The opening scene is hard-hitting. High school senior Nanette commits suicide. Where can the story go from there? How about into a whole new realm. Nanette finds herself in a limbo-like state where she's put in charge of watching over another young girl who is considering suicide. As Nanette helps Vera, she starts to change, and it's not all about the wings that sprout from her back. In helping another, she learns the value of all she left behind. Can both girls reach the healing truth in time?
This is fiction. While some may want to quibble over the theology, I want to encourage readers to glean the message within its pages. The consequences of suicide reach far beyond the person who dies. Angelhood explores these consequences in a touching, authentic, eye-opening story.
The opening scene is hard-hitting. High school senior Nanette commits suicide. Where can the story go from there? How about into a whole new realm. Nanette finds herself in a limbo-like state where she's put in charge of watching over another young girl who is considering suicide. As Nanette helps Vera, she starts to change, and it's not all about the wings that sprout from her back. In helping another, she learns the value of all she left behind. Can both girls reach the healing truth in time?
This is fiction. While some may want to quibble over the theology, I want to encourage readers to glean the message within its pages. The consequences of suicide reach far beyond the person who dies. Angelhood explores these consequences in a touching, authentic, eye-opening story.
August 15, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. In general contemporary, issue, and urban fantasy books aren't my favorites, and it seemed like this book was all three. I'm glad I overcame my prejudices to give ANGELHOOD a try.
ANGELHOOD brought me to tears several times. In addition to evoking deep emotion, the author did an excellent job putting in compelling story form some pretty solid advice about dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.
That being said, I would have liked to see some mention of mental health care somewhere, even in an appendix. Not all depression is the same. Some people need to seek counseling, others require the help of a psychiatrist, or to be put on medication. And that's okay.
Overall, I did really enjoy ANGELHOOD. I would highly recommend to readers who enjoy emotional, life affirming stories.
I will also say if you are a reader hesitant to read ANGELHOOD because it appears to conflict with your personal belief system (for example, you don't believe dead people become guardian angels), there is a last minute twist that keeps the meaning of the book intact without offending different theological points of view.
ANGELHOOD brought me to tears several times. In addition to evoking deep emotion, the author did an excellent job putting in compelling story form some pretty solid advice about dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.
That being said, I would have liked to see some mention of mental health care somewhere, even in an appendix. Not all depression is the same. Some people need to seek counseling, others require the help of a psychiatrist, or to be put on medication. And that's okay.
Overall, I did really enjoy ANGELHOOD. I would highly recommend to readers who enjoy emotional, life affirming stories.
I will also say if you are a reader hesitant to read ANGELHOOD because it appears to conflict with your personal belief system (for example, you don't believe dead people become guardian angels), there is a last minute twist that keeps the meaning of the book intact without offending different theological points of view.
May 23, 2017
Angelhood by AJ Cattapan is a captivating YA novel that tackles an extremely difficult subject while putting an intriguing and heartfelt twist to it. Cattapan is a talented writer who has effortlessly created a story about teen suicide which is moving, positive, and uplifting. This hard to put down book encourages readers to think about the good in their lives and how much they’d miss it if they did the unthinkable and gave it up. The lead character is completely relatable and likeable, as readers we empathize with the despair she feels in her life as well as the painful realization of the damage her decisions have on others. The novel’s intriguing premises and subplots are the perfect elements to generate great discussions. I only wish I had known someone else who had read it because I had so much I wanted to debate and talk about. This is a truly exceptional novel.
April 25, 2015
This is a YA novel but it will appeal to adults as well. Parents, this YA novel is completely safe to share with your kids in middle school and up. It's a powerful and compassionate look at suicide as seen through the eyes of a teenager who does the unthinkable. In this story, "purgatory" means that a person becomes the guardian angel for someone else contemplating the same fate. Purgatory ends when the ultimate choice for life or death is made.
A.J. Cattapan has written a great story with terrific characters. I was carried away by Nanette's battle to keep her charge from giving in to the darkness and evil that tried to surround her.
This is a difficult and dark subject but the author has written a story based on hope, not darkness.
A.J. Cattapan has written a great story with terrific characters. I was carried away by Nanette's battle to keep her charge from giving in to the darkness and evil that tried to surround her.
This is a difficult and dark subject but the author has written a story based on hope, not darkness.
May 8, 2015
Wow. From beginning to end … Wow!
This impeccably written story follows Nannette, a ‘lifer’ sent to angelhood to grow in grace while guarding another troubled soul – one who teeters on the brink of destruction. Plots, subplots and even a sub, sub-plot keep truths hidden from the reader, as we journey with Nannette. Dark issues such as suicide, drug overdose, cancer, loneliness and depression are interwoven with light and the realization that free will allows us to choose.
The story pulled me in from the get-go and didn’t let go until the last page. Truly, this book is a must-read for teens, especially those struggling with suffering and loss.
This impeccably written story follows Nannette, a ‘lifer’ sent to angelhood to grow in grace while guarding another troubled soul – one who teeters on the brink of destruction. Plots, subplots and even a sub, sub-plot keep truths hidden from the reader, as we journey with Nannette. Dark issues such as suicide, drug overdose, cancer, loneliness and depression are interwoven with light and the realization that free will allows us to choose.
The story pulled me in from the get-go and didn’t let go until the last page. Truly, this book is a must-read for teens, especially those struggling with suffering and loss.
January 20, 2016
From the terrifying first page to the twisty end, I was enthralled with Nanette's story. This story is something like "It's a Wonderful Life" for teens. As a former drama geek, I loved all of the theatre references. A.J. takes tough topics like teen suicide, cancer, bullying, and drug abuse and deals with them in a sensitive way. The story unwinds at a steady pace. I loved this story and want to read more books by A.J.
April 18, 2015
A.J. Cattapan's debut novel beautifully portrays the tragic yet hope-filled story of Nanette. With sensitivity and a hefty dose of reality, Cattapan weaves an intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you long for Nanette to find peace and closure. Brimming with creativity and imagination, Nanette's journey will hold you breathless until the very end... then will render you speechless.
May 11, 2015
This is a great book for any middle or high schooler that has ever felt like life just isn't going his/her way (which is pretty much all of them). Despite the darkness at the beginning of the book it is really quite uplifting. I would definitely recommend it to anyone middle school on up. I fully enjoyed it as an adult. Great start to your writing career A.J.! I look forward to seeing what your future holds!
August 18, 2015
This is not my usual genre but I received a copy from the author for my opinion. So, I have read it and I found this YA novel is about a difficult dark subject. Suicide.... Interesting characters and a engaging story line that kept me wondering.. I thought it a sad, dark story but I was pleasantly surprised with the ending.. A.J. Cattapan covered the topic of suicide with a compassionate, powerful message that there is help and hope in seemingly hopeless situations.
October 27, 2017
A captivating story, Angelhood shows teens how selfish actions have long-reaching consequences but small efforts can make a tremendous difference in the lives of others. Whatever your beliefs regarding angels are, this novel is definitely worth reading. Prepare to shed a few tears with its characters as well as share in their triumphs.
June 11, 2015
This book really touched my heart in a way no other book had. Depression and loneliness and despair is something that everyone can relate to and the the reoccurring theme of hope throughout the book sends a very powerful and beautiful message. I am so glad I read this. It's rejuvenating and aspiring.
October 31, 2015
Spoiler alert! The reason this only gets three stars instead of four is because of the overused technique of "it was just a dream." That said, I'm glad it WAS just a dream; otherwise, I would have been more leery of the theology of people turning into angels upon their deaths. The lessons Nanette learns make it a great read for teens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2015
What a great read! I don't take nearly enough time to read but I couldn't put this book down! Such a unique book with a unique perspective. It may be a young adult book but I think it's a great read for everyone!
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September 3, 2015 This guardian angel novel touched on some heart issues but we did it in a way that was respectful it's definitely had some suspense and I love the overall message I think this is definitely a quick read worth picking up
July 27, 2015
This is an excellent book! It is so wonderful to see a new book that gives a positive message of hope to teens!
April 22, 2015
Great job, A.J. Love it! I would highly recommend this book.
April 13, 2015
Beautiful
This book is brilliantly written with a wonderful plot and a meaningful message.
I highly recommend this book to read!
This book is brilliantly written with a wonderful plot and a meaningful message.
I highly recommend this book to read!
August 25, 2015
The story seemed unique and kept me reading. Well written.
I was surprised with the ending...although I think I was more prepared for a different one.
I was surprised with the ending...although I think I was more prepared for a different one.
December 23, 2020
Angelhood really kept my attention, and I did not want to stop reading!
A book recommended for Catholic teens, anyone who has an interest in guardian angels will enjoy this story. (That being said—it is a work of fiction, and there is a surprise ending, so don’t peek ahead!). Since it does deal with suicide and even evil devils themselves, I would recommend it for older teens and adults.
The first chapter takes you right to the heart of the story: a teenage girl, Nannette, decides to take her own life, believing it will help her family to lead easier lives without her around. Plunged into darkness, she “wakes” to find she has become a guardian angel to another girl, Vera, planning her own suicide. Her job is to prevent that suicide from taking place, and she soon finds out how difficult that will be.
(At this point I was looking in the book for a foreword or afterward explaining that humans really don’t become guardian angels at death, but immediately go to their personal judgment; but I couldn’t put the book down. It was too interesting! Plus, knowing the author to be a faithful Catholic, I trusted her and continued on. I was NOT disappointed!)
As a guardian, Nannette also has to protect Vera from the evil spirits of darkness who constantly encourage her in her despair. Other guardians help Nannette learn her role and her angelic abilities.
The conflict between guardian angels and devils as each tries to affect humans’ actions was really intense, and helped me realize just how much our real guardian angels must work to keep Satan and his minions away from us.
The story is filled with emotion in some places as well, as Nannette also learns how her own suicide affected her family. She finds herself trying to help her own younger sister deal with her loss.
The necessity of prayer is also emphasized—as only the humans who ask God for help (even if it is just a brief prayer) receive a guardian to protect and aid them.
All in all an excellent story. I gave it to my daughter to read as soon as I finished it.
A book recommended for Catholic teens, anyone who has an interest in guardian angels will enjoy this story. (That being said—it is a work of fiction, and there is a surprise ending, so don’t peek ahead!). Since it does deal with suicide and even evil devils themselves, I would recommend it for older teens and adults.
The first chapter takes you right to the heart of the story: a teenage girl, Nannette, decides to take her own life, believing it will help her family to lead easier lives without her around. Plunged into darkness, she “wakes” to find she has become a guardian angel to another girl, Vera, planning her own suicide. Her job is to prevent that suicide from taking place, and she soon finds out how difficult that will be.
(At this point I was looking in the book for a foreword or afterward explaining that humans really don’t become guardian angels at death, but immediately go to their personal judgment; but I couldn’t put the book down. It was too interesting! Plus, knowing the author to be a faithful Catholic, I trusted her and continued on. I was NOT disappointed!)
As a guardian, Nannette also has to protect Vera from the evil spirits of darkness who constantly encourage her in her despair. Other guardians help Nannette learn her role and her angelic abilities.
The conflict between guardian angels and devils as each tries to affect humans’ actions was really intense, and helped me realize just how much our real guardian angels must work to keep Satan and his minions away from us.
The story is filled with emotion in some places as well, as Nannette also learns how her own suicide affected her family. She finds herself trying to help her own younger sister deal with her loss.
The necessity of prayer is also emphasized—as only the humans who ask God for help (even if it is just a brief prayer) receive a guardian to protect and aid them.
All in all an excellent story. I gave it to my daughter to read as soon as I finished it.
November 6, 2022
Okay, I am conflicted in regards to my feelings on this book. While I understand the premise, I thought there was far too much description of the “how’s” behind the suicide attempt. And I did NOT like the ending; for a teen novel I get the why, but it felt like a cop-out and was not particularly creative either. Additionally, I don’t think it’s the most well-written and there are a lot of themes that I would not want presented to my younger siblings (suicide, cutting, bulimia, drugs, etc.).
That said, for most kids none of this is new information between easy access to the internet and modern cultural “norms”. For these kids, I can see this book doing a lot of good. It is NOT theologically sound, but in the same way ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE is not. And in my experience many kids nowadays have no faith life to speak of and this would be good place to begin thinking about God.
What the book DOES do very well is show what a person gives up when they end their life. The narrator has attempted suicide and throughout the course of the story her voice changes. She starts only able to see the negativity that “forced” her hand but by the end sees all the positives she took for granted and mourns that she’ll never be able to _____ again. It’s definitely a book that needs to be finished for this reason. It would be terrible for someone, particularly someone struggling with depression, to stop reading while the narrator is still justifying her decision to end her life. For this reason especially, I would read carefully and think twice before recommending.
That said, for most kids none of this is new information between easy access to the internet and modern cultural “norms”. For these kids, I can see this book doing a lot of good. It is NOT theologically sound, but in the same way ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE is not. And in my experience many kids nowadays have no faith life to speak of and this would be good place to begin thinking about God.
What the book DOES do very well is show what a person gives up when they end their life. The narrator has attempted suicide and throughout the course of the story her voice changes. She starts only able to see the negativity that “forced” her hand but by the end sees all the positives she took for granted and mourns that she’ll never be able to _____ again. It’s definitely a book that needs to be finished for this reason. It would be terrible for someone, particularly someone struggling with depression, to stop reading while the narrator is still justifying her decision to end her life. For this reason especially, I would read carefully and think twice before recommending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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