Thank you to NetGalley and Flux for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book blindly. I decided to pick this book solely based on the cover and honestly, it surpassed my expectations!
The Quiet You Carry discussed a real and heavy issue. With the book being written in first POV, I was able to get into Victoria’s head. And oh, it was heartbreaking. Through this POV, we get a glimpse of her inner thought and have a bit more understanding about what’s inside an abuse survivor’s head. The flashbacks, the guilt, the shame, and finally, the acceptance.
I have to admit that this book moved in a slow pace. I was frustrated while reading the book – I just wanted to shake Victoria and said “IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT”. But I realised that it has to do with the circumstances. Through the way the book is written, we watched how Victoria slowly came to acceptance that what her father did was wrong and that she should stand up for herself and let go of all the guilt and shame; that she doesn’t have to protect her father. I’m happy that the book ended in a happier note, that Victoria got her justice – she deserved it.
The Quiet You Carry is not the easiest book to read. It’s heavy, it feels raw, and it’s emotional. I’m glad that there are more gritty YA books out there. If you are looking to read a young adult fiction that talks about heavier issue and impactful, The Quiet You Carry is a book you should check out!
The Quiet You Carry by Nikki Barthelmess
Victoria Parker knew her dad’s behavior toward her was a little unusual, but she convinced herself everything was fine—until she found herself locked out of the house at 3:00 a.m., surrounded by flashing police lights.
Now, dumped into a crowded, chaotic foster home, Victoria has to tiptoe around her domineering foster mother, get through senior year at a new school, and somehow salvage her college dreams . . . all while keeping her past hidden.
But some secrets won’t stay buried—especially when unwanted memories make Victoria freeze up at random moments and nightmares disrupt her sleep. Even worse, she can’t stop worrying about her stepsister Sarah, left behind with her father. All she wants is to move forward, but how do you focus on the future when the past won’t leave you alone?
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