Every once in a while you find a book that stays with you. All the Truth That’s in Me by Julie Berry is that book. At the risk of giving a very bad description of the book, read what it says from the author’s blog.
Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.
Pretty amazing right?
I can’t quite place the time and location of the setting, it feels like 18th century America. Sort of the time when Hester might have been living during the Scarlet Letter. Certainly the character’s names allude to that time: Abijah Pratt, Goody Pruett, etc. The two aspects of the book that amaze me are Judith’s strength of character: how she survives the constant onslaught of degradation at home and in town is remarkable. Also amazing are the depths of depravity that people sink to. I am reminded of a line in which our heroine says something like: Just because you think I’ve been used before doesn’t mean you can use me. Here’s the phrase, beautifully put:
I’ll not be the pet of men who feel like touching something, anything. I’ll not be thought easy to have for having been had before.
And that, my friends is the sign of a strong female character. We need more of these. Well done Julie!
Here’s a pic of Julie and me. She’s totally trying to steal my drink.
Get this book right away for every young woman in your life.
It’s a life changer.
I give it four paws!
