My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've had this book on my Paperwhite for a while, so I decided to read it next. And I'm glad I did because this turned out to be quite a gem.
Amy has cerebral palsy, which means she needs a walker to get around, can't talk and can't even express herself with facial expressions. She communicates by typing into a voice box. She's also highly intelligent, but doesn't have any friends. So she convinces her mother to hire several teenage aides during her last year in high school. An idea that actually works and gets her closer to a boy she really likes.
Matthew has an obsessive-compulsive disorder. He's constantly making deals with his brain because if he doesn't count, tap or wash his hands a thousand times something bad will happen to someone. But meeting Amy makes his mind quieten down and rituals take a backseat. Actually, hanging around with her encourages him to get help and at least attempt to live a normal life.
They share a beautiful friendship that is ultimately destroyed by a string of misunderstandings, as well as all the things they don't say to each other.
This story is... wow! I was hooked in right away and before I realised it was almost halfway through. Both narrators have distinct, strong voices that made me smile, frown and want to shake them.
Amy is an amazing character. A teenager with disabilities that hinder her life but don't stop her from being the person she wants to be. She keeps secrets, is brutally honest and does what she wants. Something that gets her into a lot of trouble!
Matthew is just as amazing. And always seems so sad. He tries so hard to change, but his disorder always manages to take control. It's only Amy who manages to fill him with the need to do something--take care of her, attempt her tasks, be by her side when she needs him the most. And like Amy, this also works against him.
I loved how these two characters don't outwardly appear to be your average teens because of their disabilities/disorders, but are TOTALLY just like every other kid.
I loved this book! It's heartbreaking and beautiful. It's full of sadness and hope. It's about friendship and love. It's about honesty and lies. And it's very unpredictable. I didn't expect the majority of the events unfolding in this story.
Yep. I highly recommend this book!
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