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.

3.5 STARS

I was immediately drawn to this story because the heroine has epilepsy. The romance was predictable and a little unemotional for me. I enjoyed the friendship aspect more than anything else. Overall, it was a cute read, but it lacked the depth I had anticipated.

I applaud the author for the realistic and accurate portrayal of epilepsy. Thanks to Cole and Steph for being my reading buddy on this one!

Read in one sitting

What a great story about the general goodness of people and the importance of friendship. I loved this book so much!

it definitely was not my favorite book by any means, but it was alright. the writing itself was nice, but i found the plot to be a little boring.

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book. It wasn't amazing, but it was different and enjoyable. Seeing the world through the eyes of a disabled teen--especially one who is not visibly disabled--is a not-common-enough theme in YA literature. The intersections of mourning, grief, and balancing life with epilepsy where a refreshing change in the ridiculously sad-saturated world of teen novels. Yay for bright glimmers of hope, golden retrievers, and protagonists realizing that other people are flawed too.

The romance was a little annoying at times, but it was bearable even for me, a vehemently anti teen romance curmudgeon.

A sweet YA read about a high school girl with epilepsy. Since receiving her diagnosis at the age of 7, Emilie has been homeschooled. Then her dad dies when she's 13, leaving just her and her mom in their beachside cottage. Three years pass and her mom is worried she's becoming a recluse. In an effort to get her to start living her life like other teenagers her age, her mom insists she start going to public school. Emilie is resistant, as she is afraid people will make fun of her for her disability. She may be surprised, though. Yes, kids can be cruel. But she'll never know what she's missing if she doesn't take the chance. The supporting cast of characters she meets are all great, especially Chatham, the cutest boy in school. I have to say, my favorite character of all is her support dog, Hitch. This was an innocent and heartwarming story for anyone who loves coming of age love stories that deal with sensitive subject matter.