Dozens of people told me to read this book, and so I bought it. And then it sat on my shelf because I knew nothing about it and had no idea what was waiting for me.

This book was NOTHING like I was expecting and it was a million times better than I could have ever anticipated. It was powerful, heartbreaking, and raw, and I couldn’t get enough.

A book within a book, I was impressed by how much Carlino was able to fit into this novel. Our main character’s life is flipped upside down when she’s encouraged to read a bestselling debut novel from a mysterious author, only to find out the story that was written is the one about her childhood – the very memories she spends so much time trying to forget.

Forced to face her past, and the one person who knows her better than anyone else, Emiline comes face to face with some of her worst memories, alongside many of her favorite ones – all of which include Jase, her best friend from years ago who turned into the great novelist she always aspired to be.

My heart hurts for these characters. For everything they went through. For everything they’ve had to face. And for the connection they still share even years later with no contact.

If you haven’t picked up this book yet, you really need to.