The End, Pt. 3

As we wind down into 2014, I'm once again pondering a few writing things.

Isn't today a good day to think about ENDINGS?

Those perfect final sentences that make readers go Ahhhhh.

I've pulled out my favorite books to how some of the best authors pull it off. Not just what they say, but the way they say it. How the words look on the page, how they sound.

Listen to a few. Try reading them aloud.  Last sentences are often magical and poetic.

BEHOLDING BEE by Kimberly Newton Fusco.
(I'm secretly pulling for this one to win the Newbery next month.)

Chapter 126. Yes, you read that right. 126 chapters.
Only 329 pages. A lot of short chapters, including the final one which is not quite two pages long.

"And then, in the blink of an eye, they are gone.
Just like they said they would be."



PINNED by Sharon Flake.

"At the fountain by the bridge, drinking at the same time. Our lips ice-cold and warm. I think I hear him say, 'I love you, Autumn Knight.'"

 

FLORA & ULYSSES. by Kate DiCamillo

The very last lines are from the Epilogue.
Here's part of the poem Ulysses the squirrel has type-written: Words for Flora.

you
are the ever-expanding 
universe
to me




Finally,  another new favorite of mine.
The entire last chapter reflects back to the first chapter in OUT OF MY MIND, by Sharon Draper.

(I know, I know. Late to this party. I may be the only person who's just now reading this one.
I liked this story so much. Such a perfect book on many levels. Kidlike. Great voice. Surprising plot twist.)

The last sentence unexpectedly took my breath away. What a perfect way to end, as she began:

"I have never spoken one single word. I am almost eleven years old..."



Two of my previous ponderings on writing endings can be found
here:
http://ascattergood.blogspot.com/2013/10/more-on-end.html

And Here:
http://ascattergood.blogspot.com/2013/09/when-enough-is-enough.html