Almost Forgot About This Amazing Book...

My " in a nutshell" summary...

Two very damaged people find each other...sort of...with disastrous and beautiful results.

My thoughts after reading this book...

I loved every word of this strange and beautiful novel. Nastya...not her real name...and Josh...damaged in irreparable ways...find a way to connect with each other. This book is mystery, tragedy, and beauty...all woven together in the best of all ways. I was lost in this book. I was wrapped up in it. I was enamored with it. It made me feel tragic and sad and overwhelmed and sometimes just a little bit happy. Nastya...hides behind make up, horribly slutty clothes, and silence. Josh...is so tragic that everyone just leaves him alone...he is never challenged. Nastya runs to forget her pain and literally runs into Josh's garage where he makes furniture to forget his. They establish a strange and needy relationship. Nastya does not speak...and in fact has not spoken in over 400 days. Formerly known as the Brighton Piano Girl...now just trying to recover and regain her sanity and the use of her hand. She has one thing on her mind...destroying the man who killed her. Josh...lives his life in pain...alone...everyone he has ever loved is gone. Whew!

Again...an overwhelmingly poignant tragedy.

What I loved about this book...

While definitely YA...this book has strong and vivid characters...situations felt real and tragic...with glints of sunshine while I watched the characters evolve. I loved Josh...his strength was touching. Nastya also was a character I admired. She was brave, tragic, strong...amazing. It truly was a lovely book.

What I didn't love...

I can honestly say that there is nothing that I did not love. I loved this author's writing. I loved the characters. I loved the story.

Final Thoughts...

I found this to be a strong book with a strong message. I am still thinking about it and you will, too. It is an amazing YA book...different, extremely sad, joyous, filled with emotion and turmoil...and yet so beautiful.