Dispatches from Parts Unknown written by Bryan Bliss, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: 18-year-old Julie navigates the complexities of grief and healing following her father's sudden death three years ago. With the imaginary voice of her dad's favorite wrestler, the Masked Man, offering a lively commentary on her life, Julie finds herself reluctantly joining the prom committee. As she interacts with new friends like Briar and Leg, and leans on her best friend Max, Julie begins to heal. Her journey is filled with humorous and poignant moments, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery. The novel handles grief with empathy and humor, making it an engaging read for teens. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book was such a surprise! With its unique blend of wrestling culture and teen life, the novel provides an engaging narrative that resonates with readers. I'm glad there was a wrestling glossary included with the book. The depiction of a platonic male-female friendship offers a refreshing perspective in YA literature. Julie's interactions with the Masked Man add a layer of humor that balances the emotional depth of the story. Librarians and school counselors can use this book to explore themes of loss and resilience with students. Its relatable characters and authentic voice make it suitable for discussions around coping mechanisms and friendship dynamics. It's such a unique book that it's hard to compare it to others.  The author is a priest and a theologian.  The book is not overtly religious, but connecting grief to a spiritual journey makes sense.  If you have ever visited the Mall of America, you'll find some familiar settings.  I'm glad this book was recommended to me and it will make a great addition to our school library.