The Dead I Know

Aaron Rowe starts a job as a funeral director's apprentice at JKB Funerals while living in a trailer park with his guardian, Mam. During the day, he learns the technical and emotional aspects of preparing bodies and supporting grieving families. At night, Aaron battles severe sleepwalking episodes and recurring nightmares that leave him confused and exhausted. His relationship with Mam grows more complex as her mental state deteriorates, forcing him to become both caretaker and dependent. Between his work at the funeral home and his struggles at the trailer park, Aaron must confront questions about death, memory, and family bonds. The story tracks his journey to understand his past while building a future in the death care industry. Through Aaron's experiences with both the dead and the living, the novel explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the different ways humans cope with loss and mortality.

Most readers found this YA novel dark and emotionally impactful, though some felt it moved too slowly. Reviews highlight the authentic portrayal of grief, trauma, and poverty through the protagonist's experiences working at a funeral home. Readers appreciated: - Complex handling of difficult themes without sensationalism - Character development, especially Aaron's growth - Realistic depiction of working-class Australian life - Meaningful mentor relationship between Aaron and John Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Some plot threads left unresolved - Heavy themes may be too intense for younger YA readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ ratings) Multiple reviewers noted the book helped them process their own experiences with loss. As one Goodreads reviewer wrote: "This book takes you to uncomfortable places but rewards you with deep insight into how people cope with death and change."

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The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey An apprentice to a doctor of monster science confronts death and the macabre while questioning the boundaries between life and darkness.

The Gospel of Winter by Brendan Kiely A young man deals with trauma and secrets while working at his local church, forcing him to navigate complex relationships and face difficult truths.

Looking for Alaska by John Green A boarding school student faces the impact of unexpected death and explores the meaning of life through relationships and shared experiences.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson Twin siblings process grief and family secrets through art while working to understand their place in the world after tragedy.

🌟 Author Scot Gardner worked as a counselor before becoming a writer, which influenced his portrayal of grief and trauma in the novel 🌟 The book won the 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Award for Older Readers, one of Australia's most prestigious literary honors 🌟 The funeral home setting was inspired by Gardner's real-life experience attending a friend's father's funeral and his fascination with the mortuary process 🌟 The main character's sleepwalking condition was thoroughly researched, including consultations with sleep specialists to ensure accurate representation 🌟 The novel addresses youth homelessness in Australia, with the protagonist Aaron living in a caravan park - an issue that affects over 28,000 Australian young people aged 12-24