Bookanistas: ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME by Julie Berry

Plot without spoilers...Judith has endured a horrific ordeal and been returned home, after two years in captivity, unable to speak. She has lost her father, her place in the community, and any chance at being with Lucas, her beloved childhood friend. She has also returned to a Roswell Station threatened by an attack, and to the unsolved mystery of another girls death and her own return. Despite shame, pain and mutilation, she must find a way to share the truths she holds inside.

Of literary interest...The novel is written in an intense, immediate first-person that makes the mystery element unfold with unique electricity. Judith, the main character, also addresses many of her thoughts to an unhearing Lucas, whom she addresses as "you." The book is also divided into a prologue ("Before"), four parts and a final scene ("Now") that feel more natural and organic that I could have imagined. In all, a work of expert literary craftsmanship.

Finally, just gotta say...I read this book because my editor sent me an arc. And, as I always am when someone I respect sends me a novel, I was afraid that I might not like it as much as she wanted me to. But, I totally got what she loved about it. ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME is not a story for the faint of heart. It is a story for those who want to dig deeply into the meaning of words like "survival," "protector," "enemy," and "friend." It is a story for those who appreciate truly bold writing and taking an intimate journey with a truly unique protagonist. Immediate. Intense. Un-put-downable.

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