[Book Review] I Have No Secrets

Title: I Have No Secrets
Author: Penny Joelson
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is an Advanced Readers Copy. That means that this is not the final version of the book. Therefore, facts and quotes are subject to change in the published book.

Release date: 09/03/2019

This book is centered around Jemma who is a paraplegic with cerebral palsy. Her perspective is one that finally gives inclusion to those with disabilities. Jemma is unable to communicate with other due to her inability to move. When she learns a terrible secret, she finds that she must figure out a way to tell those around her.

Oh No’s

I really wish the end didn’t feel so rushed but the story had to end some time. To be honest, I feel I just wanted this book to be longer. It is quite short, standing at 304 pages.

Yay’s

I loved the representation of characters with disorders. The parents are foster parents who have foster three children. Jemma is our main girl with cerebral palsy, Finn is an adorable boy with the most accurate display of autism, and Olivia is a child with behavioral issues. My mother is a crisis interventionist at a school for kids with these extra needs. Olivia is a prime example of these kids and how their behavior affects themselves and others. I loved how realistic this book was as well.

Finally,

This didn’t feel so much a thriller to me but more of a mystery from the perfect perspective. As someone unable to communicate freely with others, we feel Jemma’s frustration and that makes this book all the more real and therefore almost relatable.

My similar recommendation for this novel would be Koe No Katachi by Yoshitoki Oima.

Favorite Quote

“In this moment I feel full of love for them all: Mom, Dad, Sarah, Finn– and even Olivia. I don’t want anything to change.”

ARC

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-PM