By Abigail Johnson
Coming Soon on December 5, 2023
(4 / 5)
Every Time You Go Away is a young adult story that follows two teens, Rebecca and Ethan, as they both work through some difficult traumas they have been through. The story alternates between Rebecca and Ethan’s points of view and also has some flashbacks to the past.
I enjoyed reading this book and liked the main characters. They were both flawed but it made them feel real. Both characters had to deal with issues with their moms and learn to stand up for themselves. It was great to see the growth of these characters as they had to make life-changing decisions.
Rebecca is in a wheelchair, and the author writes from her personal experience as a wheelchair user. I appreciate the perspective it gave since it highlighted challenges for Rebecca but also showed Rebecca as a strong, independent person who could still do many things that others do, just a little differently. But it also showed that it’s important to take her needs into consideration and communicate effectively. Rebecca’s boss was also a wheelchair user, so it gave even more perspective of an adult mother and business owner who has adapted to life in a wheelchair.
Overall, this book was a good read that delves into some difficult topics: abuse, addiction, survivor’s guilt, parent-child relationships, and figuring out who you want to be.
I received a free ARC copy of this book through NetGalley. My review is voluntary and completely my own opinions.
