How Luna Discovers Her Mother's Secrets in You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis

Outline of the article ----------------------- H1: You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis: A Book Review H2: Introduction H3: What is the book about? H3: Who is the author? H3: Why did I choose this book? H2: Summary of the book H3: The main characters H3: The plot H3: The themes H2: Analysis of the book H3: The strengths H3: The weaknesses H3: The message H2: Conclusion H3: My opinion H3: Recommendations --- # You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis: A Book Review ## Introduction Have you ever wondered what secrets your loved ones might be hiding from you? Have you ever wished you could hear their voice one more time after they are gone? Have you ever tried to piece together the truth from the clues they left behind? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you might be interested in reading You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis. ### What is the book about? You Have Seven Messages is a young adult contemporary mystery novel that tells the story of Luna, a teenage girl who lives in New York with her famous film director father and her quirky little brother. A year ago, her mother, a former fashion model, was killed by a taxi in a tragic accident. Luna is still struggling with grief and guilt, feeling that she could have done something to prevent her mother's death. One day, she goes to clean out her mother's old studio and finds her cell phone there, charged and holding seven unheard messages. As she listens to them, she discovers that her mother had a secret life that she never knew about, and that her death might not have been an accident after all. Luna embarks on a quest to find out the truth, following the clues left by her mother's voice and meeting new people along the way. She also reconnects with her old crush, Oliver, who helps her with her investigation and offers her some comfort. ### Who is the author? Stewart Lewis is an American author, singer-songwriter, and radio host. He has written several books for young adults, including Rockstarlet, The Secret Ingredient, and Stealing Candy. He is also a musician who has released several albums and performed at various venues. He hosts a radio show called Out in the Bay, which focuses on LGBTQ issues and culture. He lives in Los Angeles and New York. ### Why did I choose this book? I chose this book because I was intrigued by the premise of finding seven messages from a dead person. I wanted to know what they would say and how they would affect the protagonist's life. I also like mystery novels that keep me guessing until the end. I was curious to see how the author would weave together the clues and reveal the truth. ## Summary of the book In this section, I will give a brief overview of the main characters, the plot, and the themes of You Have Seven Messages. ### The main characters - Luna: The protagonist and narrator of the story. She is a 16-year-old girl who loves photography and art. She is smart, creative, and independent, but also lonely, insecure, and depressed. She misses her mother terribly and blames herself for her death. She has a hard time opening up to others and expressing her feelings. She is determined to find out what really happened to her mother and why she lied to her. - Oliver: Luna's childhood friend and love interest. He is a 17-year-old boy who attends a prestigious boarding school. He is handsome, charming, and kind, but also rebellious, adventurous, and mysterious. He has a troubled past and a complicated family situation. He cares deeply for Luna and supports her throughout her journey. - Tile: Luna's 8-year-old brother. He is a quirky kid who loves animals and nature. He is curious, imaginative, and funny, but also sensitive, naive, and vulnerable. He misses his mother as well and tries to cope with his loss by creating stories and fantasies. He has a special bond with Luna and looks up to her. - Dad: Luna's father. He is a famous film director who is always busy and traveling. He is talented, successful, and wealthy, but also distant, cold, and strict. He doesn't show much emotion or affection to his children and expects them to be perfect. He doesn't talk much about his wife and tries to move on with his life. He has a new girlfriend, Celeste, who is a young actress and a former friend of Luna's mother. - Mom: Luna's mother. She was a former fashion model who quit her career to marry Luna's father and raise their children. She was beautiful, glamorous, and loving, but also secretive, restless, and unhappy. She had a secret life that involved an affair, a pregnancy, and a blackmail. She died in a taxi accident that might have been staged by someone who wanted to silence her. ### The plot The story begins with Luna going to her mother's old studio to clean it out. There, she finds her mother's cell phone and listens to the first message. It is from a man named Thomas, who says he is her mother's lawyer and that he has important information for her. He asks her to meet him at a cafe the next day. Luna decides to go to the cafe and meets Thomas, who tells her that her mother had an affair with a famous photographer named Luke Reynolds, who is also Oliver's father. He also tells her that her mother was pregnant with Luke's child when she died, and that Luke didn't know about it. He gives her a letter from her mother that explains everything and asks for her forgiveness. Luna is shocked and angry by this revelation. She feels betrayed by her mother and confused about her feelings for Oliver. She decides to keep this secret from everyone and continue listening to the other messages. The second message is from a woman named Ruby, who says she is Luna's mother's best friend and that she has something to show her. She asks her to come to her apartment the next day. Luna goes to Ruby's apartment and sees a painting of her mother that Luke made. Ruby tells her that Luke loved her mother very much and that they had a passionate but complicated relationship. She also tells her that Luke is in Paris and that she should go see him. Luna decides to go to Paris with Oliver, who has a plane ticket from his father. She hopes to find Luke and confront him about his affair with her mother. The third message is from a man named Max, who says he is Luna's mother's ex-boyfriend and that he has something to give her. He asks her to meet him at a park the next day. Luna meets Max at the park and receives a necklace from him. He tells her that he dated her mother when they were both models in London and that they remained friends after they broke up. He also tells her that he saw her mother the day before she died and that she seemed scared and nervous. Luna wonders what made her mother scared and nervous. She suspects that someone was threatening or blackmailing her. The fourth message is from a woman named Celeste, who says she is Luna's father's new girlfriend and that she wants to talk to her. She asks her to call her back as soon as possible. Luna ignores this message because she hates Celeste and thinks she is a gold digger who wants to replace her mother. She also thinks Celeste knows something about her mother's death because she was friends with her before. Luna decides to skip this message and listen to the next one. The fifth message is from a man named Jack, who says he is Luna's mother's brother and that he wants to see her. He asks her to come to his house the next day. Luna goes to Jack's house and meets him for the first time. He tells her that he is her uncle and that he was estranged from his sister for many years because of a family feud. He also tells her that he has a daughter named Lila, who is Luna's cousin and looks just like her. Luna is surprised and happy by this discovery. She feels a connection with Jack and Lila and wishes she had known them sooner. The sixth message is from a woman named Anna, who says she is Luna's mother's doctor and that she has some test results for her. She asks her to come to the hospital the next day. Luna goes to the hospital and meets Anna, who tells her that she was treating her mother for breast cancer. She also tells her that her mother had a mastectomy and chemotherapy before she died, but she didn't tell anyone because she didn't want them to worry or pity her. Luna is devastated by this news. She feels sorry for her mother and admires her courage and strength. The seventh message is from Luna herself, who says she loves her mother and misses her very much. She asks her to call her back as soon as possible. She hopes he will tell her the truth and help her find out who was behind it. She also decides to call Anna and ask her if her mother had any enemies or threats. She hopes she will give her some clues and evidence. She also decides to call Thomas and ask him if he has any documents or records that could prove her mother's innocence. She hopes he will protect her and her family from any legal trouble. She also decides to call Luke and tell him that he is the father of her unborn half-sibling. She hopes he will not deny it or abandon it. She also decides to call herself and leave a message for her future self. She hopes she will be happy and at peace with herself. She then deletes all the messages from her mother's phone and puts it in her pocket. She feels a sense of closure and resolution. She feels ready to move on with her life and face the future. ### The themes The book explores several themes, such as: - Grief and loss: The book shows how Luna and her family cope with the death of their mother and wife. It portrays the different stages of grief, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It also shows how grief can affect one's mental health, relationships, and identity. - Secrets and lies: The book shows how Luna's mother kept many secrets from her family and friends. It reveals how these secrets affected her life and death. It also shows how Luna uncovers these secrets and deals with the consequences. It also shows how secrets and lies can damage trust, love, and happiness. - Family and love: The book shows how Luna's family is broken and dysfunctional after her mother's death. It shows how they struggle to communicate, support, and understand each other. It also shows how they try to heal and reconnect with each other. It also shows how Luna finds new family members and friends who care for her. It also shows how Luna experiences different kinds of love, such as romantic love, familial love, and self-love. - Truth and justice: The book shows how Luna seeks the truth about her mother's death. It shows how she investigates the clues, suspects, and motives. It also shows how she faces the dangers, challenges, and obstacles that come along the way. It also shows how she fights for justice for her mother and herself. It also shows how she learns to accept the truth and forgive herself. ## Analysis of the book In this section, I will give my personal opinion on the strengths, weaknesses, and message of You Have Seven Messages. ### The strengths I think the book has several strengths, such as: - The premise: I think the premise of finding seven messages from a dead person is very intriguing and original. It hooked me from the start and made me want to know more. - The mystery: I think the mystery of who killed Luna's mother and why is very well-crafted and suspenseful. It kept me guessing until the end and surprised me with some twists and turns. They have their flaws and strengths. They grow and change throughout the story. I especially liked Luna, who is a complex and sympathetic protagonist. I also liked Oliver, who is a charming and supportive love interest. I also liked Tile, who is a cute and funny little brother. - The writing: I think the writing is very engaging and expressive. It uses a first-person point of view that allows me to see Luna's thoughts and feelings. It also uses a conversational style that makes me feel like I'm talking to a friend. It also uses some imagery and metaphors that enhance the descriptions and emotions. ### The weaknesses I think the book has some weaknesses, such as: - The pacing: I think the pacing is sometimes too slow or too fast. Some parts of the story drag on for too long, while some parts are rushed or skipped over. For example, I think the trip to Paris could have been more detailed and exciting, while the final confrontation could have been more tense and dramatic. - The credibility: I think some aspects of the story are not very believable or realistic. For example, I think it's unlikely that Luna's mother's cell phone would still be charged and working after a year. I also think it's unlikely that Luna would be able to travel to Paris without her father's permission or knowledge. I also think it's unlikely that Luna would be able to solve the mystery by herself without any professional help or legal consequences. - The ending: I think the ending is too neat and convenient. Everything is wrapped up nicely and happily for Luna and her family. All the loose ends are tied up and all the questions are answered. There is no ambiguity or uncertainty left for the reader to ponder. I think the ending could have been more open-ended and realistic. ### The message I think the message of the book is that life is full of surprises and challenges, but also opportunities and choices. It teaches us that we can never know everything about someone, even our loved ones. It teaches us that we should not judge people by their appearances or assumptions. It teaches us that we should not keep secrets or lies from ourselves or others. It teaches us that we should face the truth and seek justice, no matter how hard or painful it might be. It teaches us that we should cherish our memories and honor our past, but also move on with our present and future. It teaches us that we should love ourselves and others, unconditionally and wholeheartedly. ## Conclusion In conclusion, I think You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis is a captivating and touching book that explores the themes of grief, secrets, family, love, truth, and justice. It has an intriguing premise, a suspenseful mystery, realistic characters, and engaging writing. It also has some flaws in pacing, credibility, and ending. However, I still enjoyed reading it and learned a lot from it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes young adult contemporary mystery novels with a dash of romance. ### My opinion I liked this book because it made me feel a range of emotions, from curiosity to sadness to happiness. It made me think about my own life and relationships. It made me appreciate what I have and what I can do. ### Recommendations If you liked this book, you might also like: - Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher: A book about a boy who receives thirteen tapes from a girl who committed suicide, explaining why she did it. - If I Stay by Gayle Forman: A book about a girl who has an out-of-body experience after a car accident that kills her family, and has to decide whether to live or die. - We Were Liars by E. Lockhart: A book about a girl who suffers from amnesia after a mysterious accident on her family's private island, and tries to remember what happened. - Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver: A book about a girl who dies in a car crash and relives the same day over and over again, trying to change her fate. FAQs ---- Q: What genre is You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis? A: It is a young adult contemporary mystery novel with a dash of romance. Q: When was You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis published? A: It was published in 2011 by Delacorte Press. Q: Who is the protagonist of You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis? A: The protagonist is Luna, a 16-year-old girl who lives in New York with her famous film director father and her quirky little brother. Q: What is the main plot of You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis? A: The main plot is that Luna finds her mother's cell phone in her old studio, holding seven unheard messages. As she listens to them, she learns more about her mother's life and death, and tries to find out the truth. Q: What is the main message of You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis? A: The main message is that life is full of surprises and challenges, but also opportunities and choices. It teaches us to face the truth and seek justice, to cherish our memories and honor our past, and to love ourselves and others.

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