“Debut novelist LaBan takes us into the private school culture as well as the heads of two charming yet very different teenage boys and their parallel love stories. Eventually, LaBan’s ever-building suspense reaches a harrowing climax. The private school aura also adds to the book’s fascination. Non-existent parents, well-intentioned, likeable faculty on the periphery, elaborate dorm rooms with over-stuffed closets, even the romantic, snow-covered campus all contribute to a setting that adds to the story’s heft and intrigue. Finally, Laban weaves a single underlying thread through both boys’ narratives—the tragedy paper. A senior year requirement possessing its own myths and legends and assigned by the very exacting, personable Mr. Simon, the tragedy paper must answer for both the Irving graduate
and the reader the ultimate question: how do you define tragedy?”
–Booklist (Starred Review)
“The legend of a curse “that every year a senior would leave for some unforeseen reason” provides an eerie backdrop to this story set at Irving, a prestigious, tradition-laden boarding school. Foreshadowing and dramatic tension build through alternating, parallel narratives of two seniors in consecutive years, as details of a tragedy involving both boys gradually unfold… A playful element infuses the story as tragic themes described in English class play out in the characters’ dramas, adding texture to this strong debut.”
–Publishers Weekly
“LaBan’s debut — reminiscent of Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why — compassionately illustrates
the tragedy of withholding love and friendship, or worse, never having the courage to seek them out.”
–Entertainment Weekly
“LaBan’s take on adolescent life is rendered in the sweet, intelligent tradition of John Irving,
but without any of the prep-school genre’s self-satisfaction… Life will hand you all manner of troubles,
but as LaBan portrays so eloquently, what matters is what you do with them.”
–Philadelphia Inquirer
“The Tragedy Paper is equally beautiful and heartbreaking.
Main characters Duncan and Tim take parallel journeys into the consequences of their actions,
and as Duncan could not press stop as he hears Tim’s story, I could not put this book down.
The magnitude of their actions is revealed at its climax brought me to tears.
It is by far one of my top picks of the year.”
–Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)
“…The Tragedy Paper is a compelling tale of forbidden love
and the lengths people will go to keep their secrets.”
–Liz & Lisa, Chick Lit is Not Dead (Club Pick)