This book consists of three stories relating to grief and those left behind. It was a quick read and worth the time spent. Cousins help their aunt's partner provide a proper burial after their aunt dies of aids. Dealing with a redneck, judgmental town isn't easy, but these young adults find a way to honor their beloved aunt's wishes while developing renewed respect for her partner.

An incredibly immature, self absorbed young man makes a promise to a dying uncle. In reluctantly helping his effeminate cousin navigate his way through macho bully land, the lessons learned by the begrudging young man are invaluable.

When a young spunky girl insists on joining three boys in a game of golf, together, the team helps the girl move along in life after the death of her father.

Best Books:
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005 ; H.W. Wilson; United States

Reviews:
Paula Rohrlick (KLIATT Review, January 2003 (Vol. 37, No. 1))
To quote from the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, May 2001: These three long short stories--novellas really--examine the effects of death on those left behind. In the title story, two cousins help their aunt, a potter who has died of AIDS, get the kind of burial she would have wanted. They assist her female lover in getting around state burial laws by cremating the aunt in a clay sarcophagus, and in the process learn about redneck prejudice and what people will do for love. In the second tale, "Playing for Creeps," a macho teenage boy named Hank promises his dying uncle that he'll help out his cousin Bobby, whom he has always viewed as a dweeb, more interested in chess than in sports. The final tale, "Teeing Up," has three teenage boys joined by an unexpected fourth on the golf course, a girl who carries the ashes of her dead father in a knapsack on her back. Their teasing covers up real caring, and they finally convince her to say a last goodbye to him. Brooks, a Newbery Honor Award-winner for The Moves Make the Man and What Hearts, tackles difficult ground here in his multifaceted look at the repercussions of loss. In each case, self-knowledge is gained, and while the themes are rather grim the storytelling will pull readers in. For thoughtful readers. Category: Paperback Fiction. KLIATT Codes: JS--Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2002, Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse, 168p., $6.99. Ages 12 to 18. ( )