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Review
4 stars
This is a beautiful YA read. A sweet, emotional and uplifting story about two 16-year-olds who are dealing with significant life challenges and who find strength in their family and friends to hope and heal, and just keep on going. With characters that will own your heart and a gorgeous story of first love, this little book completely captivated me and I loved it.
Tessa Dickinson’s world is upended when she is involved in a car accident, and head trauma causes her to temporarily lose her vision. Told that her blindness will mostly likely last 11-14 weeks, she wallows in darkness, unable to use her beloved poetry blog as an outlet, and terrified that her condition will become permanent.
When her grandparents place an ad in the local newspaper for somebody to help her with her blog, Weston Ludovico answers the call. As a double-amputee, he knows the challenges that come with having a disability, he understands how Tessa must be feeling, and he thinks that he can help her. His first meeting with Tessa doesn’t go well, but when she takes her anger out on him, he loves the fact that she doesn’t treat him like an invalid.
For a moment, I’m speechless.
It’s the first time in three years anyone has ever met me without that look of pity on their face. The first time anyone has ever looked at me and not seen me. The first time anyone has stood before me – with perfectly normal legs – and complained about their own problem.
The feeling is exhilarating.
It’s a match made in heaven, and though Tessa doesn’t make it easy, Weston is stubborn and keeps coming back with his eternal optimism, determined to get her out and living life again. And as he teachers her new ways to experience the world, it’s a beautiful journey for them as they become friends and Tessa comes to count on him in ways she never expected.
This stubborn, kind, impertinent, obnoxiously optimistic boy is doing something to me.
And it feels good.
Weston is an amazing character. His own story is told in flashback throughout the book, and I was amazed again and again at his strength, courage and incredible attitude. His love for his family and his passion for life kept him moving forward, and you can’t help but admire him and the way he handled his situation. And the way he is there for Tessa is absolutely beautiful!
But he has kept his condition a secret from Tessa, terrified that once her sight returns she will see him differently. When the time comes, they will both have to figure out their friendship and what they have come to mean to each other.
This is a beautifully emotional and heartfelt story that brings all the feels. I ached for these characters, and I celebrated their successes as they fought to overcome their obstacles. The friendship that they form is just gorgeous and the romance is a natural and honest extension of that, and I loved watching them find their way through it all.
This book left me with a big grin on my face, feeling awed and inspired by the journey of these two teenagers. It’s such a beautiful read.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.