Dispatches from Parts Unknown
Dispatches from Parts Unknown by Bryan Bliss, published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2024, is a young adult fiction novel that explores the complexities of grief and the journey toward healing. In this 288-page book, readers meet Julie, a teenager grappling with the loss of her father, whose presence lingers in her life through a unique internal commentary provided by the voice of a professional wrestler. This narrative delves into the balance between moving on and holding on, presenting a blend of humor and poignant reflection.
As Julie navigates her emotions, she engages in activities that connect her to her father’s memory, such as sneaking into her parents’ closet and revisiting old VHS tapes of wrestling matches. The story captures her struggle with bereavement while highlighting the humorous aspects of her situation. Through her experiences, readers will encounter themes of family dynamics, social issues, and the emotional landscape of grief. Dispatches from Parts Unknown offers a distinctive perspective on how individuals cope with loss and the unexpected ways memories can shape their lives.
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*An Odyssey Award Honor Audiobook*
“The feel-good novel of the year.” –ALA Booklist (starred review)
Julie knows it’s unusual that a professional wrestler runs a constant commentary on her life that only she can hear. But grief can be awfully funny sometimes. National Book Award nominee Bryan Bliss delivers a thought-provoking, one-of-a-kind novel about how to tread the line between moving on and holding on. Dispatches from Parts Unknown is for fans of David Arnold, Nina LaCour, and You’ve Reached Sam.
Ever since her dad died three years ago, Julie has been surviving more than thriving. And surviving is sneaking into her parents’ closet when her mom is out, since it’s the only place that still sometimes smells like her dad. It’s roaming around the Mall of America. It’s pulling out the box of her dad’s VHS tapes, recordings of his favorite vintage professional wrestling matches.
And it’s hearing the voice of the Masked Man in her head, running a commentary of her life.
It’s embarrassing, really. Sure, he was her dad’s favorite wrestler, but that doesn’t mean she wants him in her head.
As Julie finally starts to come out of the haze of grief, maybe she’ll finally figure out why that voice is there, and how to let it go.
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