Layoverland
on Goodreads (3,131)
What’s inside...
Two teens, one stuck atoning for her sins and one destined for heaven, fall in love in purgatory in this darkly hilarious and heartfelt rom-com, perfect for fans of The Good Place. Beatrice Fox deserves to go straight to hell. At least, that's what she thinks. On her last day on Earth, she ruined the life of the person she loves most--her little sister, Emmy. So when Bea awakens from a fatal car accident to find herself on an airplane headed for a mysterious destination, she's confused, to say the least. Once on the ground, Bea receives some truly harrowing news: not only is she in purgatory, but she has been chosen to join the Memory Experience team. If she wants another shot at heaven, she'll have to use her master manipulation skills to help 5,000 souls suss out what's keeping them from moving on. There's just one slight problem. Bea's first assigned soul is Caleb, the boy who caused her accident, and the last person Bea would ever want to send to the pearly gates. But as much as Bea would love to see Caleb suffer for dooming her to a seemingly endless future of listening to other people's problems, she can't help but notice that he's kind of cute, and sort of sweet, and that maybe, despite her best efforts, she's totally falling for him. And to make matters worse, he's definitely falling for her. Now, determined to make the most of her time in purgatory, Bea must decide what is truly worth dying for--romance or revenge.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bea's job in the airport helping others affects her own journey?
What are some ways Bea learns to understand and forgive herself and others?
If you were in Layoverland, what good deeds would you do to earn your way to heaven?
How does the author use humor to address serious themes like redemption and forgiveness?
Can you think of a situation where you had to forgive someone or ask for their forgiveness? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the themes of forgiveness and making amends by relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the characters' actions and motivations, and ask your child how they might react in similar situations.
Highlight the blend of humor and seriousness in the book, and explore how this storytelling technique can deepen understanding of the themes.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of empathy and understanding others' perspectives in resolving conflicts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Forgiveness and redemption
Explanation: In 'Layoverland', Bea learns to forgive herself and others while working to redeem lost souls in purgatory. Her journey highlights the importance of understanding and mercy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these concepts by learning to forgive others for mistakes and seeking forgiveness when they themselves err, fostering a nurturing environment of understanding.
Example Lesson: The impact of actions on others
Explanation: The protagonist, Bea, encounters souls who need help correcting their wrongdoings. This storyline emphasizes the consequences of one's actions on other people's lives.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think about how their behavior affects those around them, promoting empathy and mindful interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of self-reflection
Explanation: Throughout the book, Bea reflects on her own life and actions, which is crucial for her role in purgatory. This self-awareness leads to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to reflect on their own actions can help them develop self-awareness and grow into thoughtful and introspective individuals.
Example Lesson: Accepting life's uncertainties
Explanation: Bea's unexpected journey in the afterlife teaches her to navigate and accept the unpredictability of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that not everything is within their control, and learning to adapt to unforeseen circumstances is a valuable life skill.