Gripping Heartbreaker of a Book

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The synopsis of this book is what first caught my attention and I was so glad to see it as a Bookish First selection. The first three chapters are gripping, heartbreaking, and compelling. It's unlike anything I have ever read before, either in adult or young adult fiction. You can immediately sense the hardship that Jack and Matty have had to endure in the opening of this book. Jack doesn't even blink when he realizes his mother has taken her own life; his first priority is providing a sense of normality for his brother Matty. It's obvious that there is nothing the Jack won't do for Matty.

We barely get to know Ava at the end of chapter three, but I am curious to see what kind of relationship develops between her and Jack and what they might have in common. I also want to learn more about the lengths that Jack goes to in protecting Matty. Jack is a compelling and strong character and I am really excited to read this book in its entirety.