
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complex waters of first love, the desire for independence, or the feeling that their physical or mental health challenges define them in the eyes of others. This is a poignant, honest look at the friendship between Amy, who has cerebral palsy, and Matthew, who lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It moves beyond the clinical to explore the messy, beautiful reality of two young people trying to be seen for who they truly are. Parents will appreciate how the story tackles the transition to adulthood and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. It is a secular, realistic narrative that avoids inspiration porn tropes, instead offering a grounded depiction of disability and mental health. This is an ideal choice for fostering empathy and discussing the importance of communication in any relationship, making it a powerful tool for teens seeking representation or those looking to understand the diverse experiences of their peers.
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Sign in to write a reviewExplores themes of isolation, frustration with disability, and intrusive thoughts.
Some realistic teenage profanity throughout.
The book deals directly with physical disability and mental health. The approach is realistic and secular, avoiding sentimental cliches. It addresses sexual health, the reality of physical caretaking, and the psychological weight of chronic conditions. The resolution is hopeful but remains firmly planted in reality.
A high schooler who feels like an outsider due to a disability, a mental health diagnosis, or simply a feeling of being misunderstood by their parents. It is for the teen who wants a romance that feels 'real' rather than a fairy tale.
Parents should be aware of a subplot involving a pregnancy scare and honest discussions about sexual desire and physical intimacy. It is best for mature teens who can handle frank depictions of bodily functions and intrusive thoughts. A parent might see their child pulling away or expressing frustration that 'no one understands what it is like to be me.' This book bridges that gap.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the 'will-they-won't-they' romance. Older teens (17-18) will resonate with the anxiety of leaving home and the fear that their limitations will hinder their adult lives.
Unlike many 'sick-lit' books where one character dies, McGovern focuses on the lived experience of moving forward. It uniquely balances two different types of challenges (physical vs. mental) without prioritizing one over the other.
Amy is a high school senior with cerebral palsy who cannot speak without a computer and has limited motor function. Determined to have a 'real' senior year experience, she convinces her parents to hire student peer-aides instead of adults. She hires Matthew, a brilliant but isolated boy struggling with severe OCD and intrusive thoughts. As Matthew helps Amy navigate the physical world, Amy helps Matthew navigate his internal one. Their relationship evolves from professional to a deep, complicated romance that survives college transitions, unplanned pregnancy scares, and the friction of gaining independence.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.