What We Thought: The Last Child by John Hart

Who is the last child? The book club discussion of The Last Child by John Hart focused on 13-year-old Johnny Merriman’s dedication to the search for his missing twin sister Alyssa. His mother’s love for Johnny and how the recent tragic circumstances of her life interfered with the care of her son was another important part of the family’s story. Her missing daughter and the subsequent disappearance of her husband, which led to the loss of her family home, contributed to an unfortunate and toxic relationship with a former boyfriend and town bully.

The members were not very understanding of how the mother could have become dependent on drugs and alcohol, but then they came to the realization that people cannot truly know how they might deal with a horrific situation unless they have direct experience with it. Material things and attachments drop away until all that matters is love.

Johnny is by far the strongest character; he searches for his sister and takes care of his mother above all else. His mother becomes a heroine when she defies her abusive boyfriend to protect her son.

Book club members endorsed this book. All agreed that that Johnny’s story is profoundly enlightening despite the fate of Johnny’s twin Alyssa.

Have you read this book? What did you think? Please feel free to add your comments to the discussion...