I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m glad I picked it up randomly!

Perspective. So much of how we experience our lives is determined by our own way of thinking. This story illustrates this concept beautifully. It encourages us to hope, especially during the most trying times. ♡

This was such a touching book. Emilie has epilepsy AND she's lost her dad. Now her mom's making her go to school, so she's a bit upset. Normally, I'm not a big fan of YA or new adult because angst isn't my favorite. I couldn't help myself, though. I needed to know that Emilie was going to make it to the other side okay. She has her faithful service dog, but the questions linger: can she reconnect with her mom, make new friends, and fall in love? Great characters, flawless prose, and the references to Emily Dickinson are all icing on the cake.

More like ~ 3.8 stars.
I really enjoyed this one! I thought it was a super unique and interesting perspective and the characters were intriguingly flawed. It was a fun story and I rated it down a bit because it wrapped up a bit too perfectly, but again, it was sweet, and I had a great time reading it. And OH MY GOSH that cover. *swoons*

Everything I'd hoped for. Read the last two chapters with tears streaming. Lying gets you no where, and the consequences can be costly...just ask Emilie.

I wish someone would make THIS into a series, instead of 13 Reasons Why. Very excited for the next novel from this outstanding author!

I related to the main character of this book as she struggled to adjust to life in the real world, open up to people, trusting them to accept her with her faults and issues. It was a good story overall, and I enjoyed it. But (as my critical editorial side kicked in) there were details that were overlooked that could have been developed more. No major plot holes, just minor details. A good read, I’d definitely recommend.

I really liked the friend, boyfriend, and dog.

I don't think it was properly set up for the main character to hold onto this secret for so long and for telling the friend so quickly before telling the boyfriend. For someone who wanted her dog to be able to go to school, it didn't make sense that as soon as she started school she wanted to hide her epilepsy. I didn't understand the mom and daughter's relationship inconsistency and tension as well. The MC went back and forth with everything--telling the truth, dealing with her mom, being safe/unsafe with her epilepsy. The stakes needed to be clearer and more consistent.

Also, as a SPED teacher, I wonder if a SPED teacher/school was contacted to see if how she was enrolled and how the dog was handled was realistic in N Carolina. I suspect it's not. I would think a service dog would have to be with you all the time, and a school would sort out the rules before she could attend. Also, IEPs don't get created that quickly. I wonder how many expert readers in schools and who have epilepsy were consulted.

When I got to 75% at the football game and I saw the exact decision she'd made that was so obviously putting her in danger and would end up realizing all her greatest fears, I returned the book.

The story was unique. The setting really came to life too.

16-year-old Emilie is being forced by her mom to stop being stagnant. She has been homeschooled since her epilepsy kicked in as a child, and seems to relish in curling deeper and deeper into that protective, lonely shell. She insists everyone around her has it so much better than her, that it's best for her to just stay away. But her mom (and her therapist) disagree.
Once thrust back into public school (and a social life), she begins to see how she created her own blind spots, ones that take some work to finally help her see how making assumptions about others does more damage than good. She needs to decide whether she wants to stay in her shell or call her therapy dog by her side and get "out there," start being more open about her disability, her truth. I think a lot of teenagers will be able to relate to her struggle with this decision, and be happy they picked up this book.
The writing is lovely and descriptive.
I won an ARC of this book at a writing conference, and am glad I got to read it after hearing so many good things about the author and this novel.

This is my absolute favorite book! It has everything you could hope for in a story, a romance, a focus on a hard topic (abuse and epilepsy), an artsy friend, a cute dog, and good morals. Although the story was a bit predictable, the way it was written distracted from the fact.