Wow! WORDS WE DON'T SAY has amazing characters, spot-on dialogue, and a powerful message. High school junior Joel Higgins is struggling with the recent loss of his best friend Andy. Life just doesn't seem worth living, but Joel keeps keeping on, looking for meaning somewhere.
Following Eli's example, I'm going to make a list of some of the awesome things in this book.
Joel's imperfect, but yet perfect, parents.
Joel's tender love for his younger brother, Jace.
Does God exist? Maybe...
Being two inches shorter than the girl you're crushing on.
Benj, the new kid who may have killed his parents.
The tough, yet kind-hearted Mrs. T at the soup kitchen.
"Stealing" eggs and asparagus.
The silent veteran dubbed Rooster by Joel and Eli.
Hilarious "what-if" conversations in the drivers' ed car.
The seniors pranking Mr. Stanley the drivers' ed instructor.
Banned books.
Endless text messages saved to the draft folder.
I could go on and on because debut author K. J. Reilly grabbed me on the first page and never let go. I didn't want to say goodbye to Joel and his gang. They will be with me for a long time. WORDS WE DON'T SAY is joining my limited list of best books ever!
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