All the Truth That's In Me - YA Review by Kit K.

Reader: Kit K.
Age: 15
Title: All the Truth That's In Me
Author: Julie Berry
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Pub Date: 09/26/13
Galley: Yes 
Top 25: Yes
Convince us to read the book: When I began this book, I was quick to realize I would have to pace myself. I needed to take brief intermissions that would help me make my way through the pages. And this was shocking to me, as I usually love to sweep my way through a book efficiently in order to squeeze out the amazing plot and characters and laughter and suspense so I can go to bed smiling happily. But I didn't go to bed smiling that night. Instead my dad came into my room and saw my face. Needless to say he was concerned: I was sitting in my bed crying.

     This may not seem like much besides evidence of my oddness, but, to be honest, this is an astounding feat. Books often make me laugh, gasp, squeal, but never ever never cry. Julie Berry created a perfectly planned story, releasing information in small doses that help you handle the intake of the desperately tragic situation that has befallen Judith. There is no character in this book that DOESN'T develop over time, whether it's Judith herself, slowly discovering how to cope with the past, her newest friend, Maria, who was once betrothed the the man Judith loved since childhood, or even her mother, who is hostile and unworthy of her daughter, yet shows moments of compassion and pity. I honestly cannot say anything bad about this book. The syntax was excellent from beginning to end. The dialogue was everything it needed to be, and Judith was the perfect character, complex and utterly understandable, though my past is nothing like hers. I even found myself trying to say her dialogue the way she did.

     I guess all I have to say is thank you, Julie Berry, for an amazing book.

Memorable or Forgettable: This book was definitely memorable. The way it was written and who it was written to really got me. The characters are memorable as much as they are well thought out, and, as aforementioned, complex and dynamic.
Cover: The cover didn't really match the book. Yes, the typography was excellent, as was the way the problem of muteness was shown, but the girl just didn't seem right. She doesn't match the time period, and her eyes looked more dangerous than sad or observant.
Age Range: 14 through 18 and up
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 5P Everyone wants to read it
Annotation:  With abrupt chapters that will make you cry and gasp, Julie Berry will astound you through a story of fear, tragedy and confusing love.

tags: realistic fiction / contemporary / historical fiction / thriller / mystery / sociology/abuse / romance / ya lit