This Shining Life

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Ollie is an eleven-year-old who thrives on rules and facts, from world capitals to soccer players, and excels at Killer Sudoku puzzles. He struggles with complex questions and double meanings, and while he loves his family, he sometimes loses his temper. His life is turned upside down when his vibrant father, Rich, dies from brain cancer, leaving Ollie to navigate a world of grief. His mother, Ruth, is paralyzed by sorrow, refusing to leave her bed, while his aunt Nessa attempts to take control, though her efforts fall short. Ollie's eccentric grandmother wants them to move in with her, and his other grandparents are also grappling with their own health issues as they mourn their son. Amid this chaos, Ollie clings to a puzzle he believes his father left him: six gifts for each family member that will reveal the secret to understanding life. The narrative alternates between Ollie's perspective and those of his family, creating a rich tapestry of their individual journeys through grief. This touching story explores how they come together to heal, ultimately delivering a poignant yet uplifting message about love and resilience in the face of loss.