Amy and Matthew didn’t know each other, really. They weren’t friends. Matthew remembered her, sure, but he remembered a lot of people from elementary school that he wasn’t friends with now.
Matthew never planned to tell Amy what he thought of her cheerful facade, but after he does, Amy realizes she needs someone like him in her life.
As they begin to spend more time with each other, Amy learns that Matthew has his own secrets and she decides to try to help him in the same way he’s helped her. And when what started out as a friendship turns into something neither of them expected, they realize that they tell each other everything—except the one thing that matters most.
This book was funny, and hopeful, and heartbreaking, and eye-opening. I had never read a book before that put me in the shoes of someone who literally couldn’t speak (verbally, because she does use a computer to communicate) for themselves. Both Amy and Matthew have struggles that they are attempting to overcome for the majority of the book. Having the book from both of their mindsets truly allowed for me to experience two lives completely unlike my own and yet so similar in their dreams and goals, despite dealing with things much harder than anything I’ve ever dealt with.
I feel like this book helped me see different sides to OCD and Cerebral Palsy that I never would have, had I not read this. I think one of the greatest things a book can do is to make people more open and empathetic to the different struggles that everyone faces. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to gain a new perspective on life, and who enjoys a good love story. Matthew and Amy’s characters are both extremely interesting, and are developed well throughout the storyline. I would give this book 4/5
[MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD]
My only qualm is that it ended almost too perfectly, with them getting together in the end. I honestly just really enjoyed that Matthew was able to finally connect with other people and deal more successfully with his OCD. I loved that Amy took charge of her own life and went back to university to do what she wanted, standing up to her mom in the process, and worked incredibly hard to become successful. They both found their paths and were happy in their lives, so adding them getting back together and being in love seemed slightly over the top for me. But, it was still a cute ending.
Books Offering New Perspectives:
I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
Zac & Mia by A.J. Betts
Blind by Rachel Dewoskin
