"When I was a little girl, I used to hide in my closet. The place was dust-covered and dark, and it smelled like mothballs. But it was my sanctuary from the monsters outside." 
 This book explored the relationship between Mallory and Rider who had been separated for four years after spending their childhood in an abusive foster home. 
 It was darker than I expected, but it was also beautiful. 
 Mallory's character growth throughout this book is a journey that was lovely to share, from the quiet girl who found it difficult to find her words and voice, to the girl who was willing to stand up and make a speech in class, no matter how daunting that was to her. 
 "He has shaped who I am today because he was the first person to recognize that I had a voice worth listening to." 
 The only reason why this book lost half-a-star, in my opinion, is because it was slow in certain areas. But the ending of the book is so heart-warming, that it almost doesn't matter. 
 4.5 Stars 
 Recommend for fans of the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson