My Darling, My Hamburger by Paul Zindel

Zindel's books are so sad! My first experience with his writing was The Pigman which I read several weeks ago.

There were several really interesting quotes in this book. One of which is on page 120.

"...and as she looked at the back of his head she was overwhelmed by the fact that at that very moment she was creating her own past. To let Dennis go that way without even saying a word would be a memory she'd have to have for the rest of her life. It seemed as if it was something Liz should have known, and Shawn. They should have known what they were risking. The present becomes the past, and it continues inside you."

Wow. That quote sums up the whole story. How perceptive and mature for Maggie's character, as a high school senior, to realize how much today's events affect tomorrow.

I took it as a lesson that we should really relish the good times we have. Enjoy them to the fullest. Friends and special experiences come and go and one day all that's left is memories.