August 1, 2015
Gr 9 Up-Two years ago, Maggie Carleton witnessed a horrific event. She saw her father murder her mother. Since that moment, she has not spoken a word. Even when forced to move in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin, she remains silent. West Ashbly is a super hot, popular, football-playing jock that everyone wants to be friends with or date. No one knows the pain he endures every day having to watch his dad die from cancer. West does not feel comfortable telling anyone about his father's illness. However, when he meets a girl who cannot speak, he finally bears his soul. Maggie is just as shocked as West when she responds, sharing her story with him. Having someone who can understand their pain and help them heal is a blessing for both of them. Glines believably shows readers that love, trust, and friendship can result from so much tragedy. The narrative illustrates that there is more to high school than the big game. VERDICT Romance fans will love the relationship between the protagonists and be sucked into the story line of the circumstances that bring them together. -Jessica Strefling, US Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit Library
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