The writing for this book was beautiful! It feels like poetry! I will definitely be purchasing this in physical form once it comes out to add to my shelf

The Leaving Room is a beautifully written, poignant story that earns a solid 4 stars. Amber McBride crafts a unique world where young souls transition, guided by Keepers. The characters Gospel and Melody are compelling, and their connection is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. McBride's exploration of memory, connection, and hope is unforgettable, packing an emotional punch in a short span of time. However, the poetry style of writing, while adding to the ethereal atmosphere, can sometimes be a bit confusing. It requires a closer read to fully grasp the nuances of the plot and character development. Overall, this is a thought-provoking and moving novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Despite the occasional confusion from the poetic style, the story's depth and emotional resonance make it worth the read.

With every book Amber McBride writes, the more in love with her storytelling I am. I have read each of her releases, and I know I’ll read each new one as well. The Leaving Room is a beautiful, quiet, hopeful, sad story in verse. The development of the story of Gospel and Melodee and the way it all came together was so masterfully woven. This is such a sweet book, and I cannot wait to see what will be next from Amber McBride.

The Leaving Room is a beautifully written, poignant story that explores love and letting go through the eyes of Gospel, a "Keeper" who oversees a quiet in-between space for children who have passed on. Gospel cannot leave the Leaving Room herself—she is bound to this place and her purpose: to comfort and guide young souls, or "Leavers," on their way to what lies beyond. The concept is unique and imaginative.

The prose is lyrical, and while I initially thought it was a book of poems, it quickly became clear that the structure and language were intentional and powerful.

Admittedly, this book wasn't quite my style, and I recognize that I may not be the intended audience. I suspect this will resonate more with readers in the 11–16 age range. That said, I found the messaging and wordplay incredibly thoughtful and well-executed. It’s a quick read, but one that lingers emotionally.

It’s simply a beautifully crafted tale that wasn’t personally for me, but I can absolutely see its brilliance and value for younger readers navigating big emotions and difficult topics.

McBride has given us another profound, lyrical and twisty story. A poet first, McBride always finds an interesting question and a buried slice of the world, and winds her way in, across and through it. The Leaving Room is a big story that takes place in mere minutes, yet manages to invoke many lifetimes along with the concept of choice and home.

This book left me in actual tears. Like, clutching my chest deep release crying. The Leaving Room had been on my radar since the beginning of the year and I had added it to my list as it also releases on my birthday (present for me!). So, when the opportunity to read it beforehand came up, I jumped at the chance.

I didn’t expect the poetic prose BUT once I got into the flow, I was fully immersed in the story. The imagery was so so beautiful and much of the symbolism felt personal to me. The idea of there being a “leaving room” or waiting space upon death was interesting enough but the story is much more complex than that. I absolutely loved this book.

Every single book that McBride writes leaves me breathless! What I love about her characters is that they are all facing their own demons, they move through their world with such realistic grace, a quiet strength that resonates deeply with you long after the story has ended. You know those books that leave you slightly better after you've finished them? Those are always McBride's books for me and this might be her best yet.

The Leaving Room is one of those books that feels like a whispered secret you carry with you long after the last page. Amber McBride’s verse is stunning—spare but powerful, each word pulsing with emotion. Gospel and Melody are two souls caught between worlds, and their journey through memory, grief, and unexpected love unfolds over just four minutes but resonates like an eternity.

This story may be brief, but its impact is enormous. McBride handles themes of death, connection, and vulnerability with breathtaking care. Gospel’s quiet strength and Melody’s unraveling fear are beautifully rendered, and watching them find comfort in each other in the most liminal of spaces is deeply moving. It’s haunting, yes—but also hopeful, tender, and filled with light. If you’re looking for a quick but emotionally rich read that will stay with you, The Leaving Room is not to be missed.

I enjoy poetry, but this was my first book written in prose, and it was incredible. The writing added so much dimension to an incredible story. So many pieces were incredibly evocative.

4 stars! 🌟

“I am the keeper named Gospel. The keeper who has lied, who has broken rules. The keeper who plays human to help the leaving.”

This book is entirely unique and in a genre of its own. Along with the flowery, poetic style writing, and elaborate comparisons this story felt like a quick but lovely fever dream. But, I liked it. I am not sure how to describe it other than that.

Thank you to Netgalley and by Feiwel & Friends for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

We are brought into this world with many questions, being slowly answered and explained by Gospel. Gospel is a keeper of what she refers to as the “leaving room” and she herself is a “keeper” of this room. She helps younger souls - aka children remember their most impactful memories in order to move their soul forward. One day, another keeper named Melody crosses paths with Gospel and they are stuck with one another. They start to develop feelings for each other and can’t help but what is next for them both in this unique situation.

When I read the synopsis of this book on Netgalley I was immediately intrigued. The concept of having a room to help you move from one plane in life to another is very comforting and creative. I was not expecting the writing to be so poetic. I thought the story would be more straightforward, so it took me quite some time to figure out what was taking place. I can see this being a controversial read for others. Please read at your own discretion 🙂

Seriously, this was so beautiful I had a hard time putting it down. It’s a quick read but kept me thinking days later. Amber McBride is always an author I check out and this book should not be missed. I seem to find myself gushing about her books because I’m always left in awe of her work. It was so touching and sweet. Definitely give this book a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

“It’s easier to be a Leaver.
It’s harder to be a Stayer.”
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Gospel is the Keeper of the Leaving Room—the place where young people go after they die and before passing on. Gospel feeds them, gives them something to drink, sometimes plays a game with them and then ushers them into the next phase, but little by little she starts breaking the rules. She’s not supposed to look at Leavers’ memories, but she does. She’s not supposed to sleep but one day finds herself napping. There aren’t supposed to be doors, but one a door appears and a Keeper named Melodee arrives and the two share rooms to usher in more Leavers together, something that’s also forbidden. As the two spend more time together they begin to fall in love, but can they find a way to leave The Leaving Room where this, too, is forbidden?
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Brilliant. AM this might be my favorite of yours so far. Fans of The Giver, Tuck Everlasting and other stories that buck the status quo and have characters questioning their existence and place in the world will devour this YA novel-in-verse the same way I did. Four minutes between life and death is the best tagline I’ve seen. I will be booktalking this one to death when it releases October 14. An easy 5 ⭐️!

CW: death, child death, car accident, medical trauma, grief, homophobia, trauma, hospitalization