Words We Don't Say

September 17, 2018
In a debut filled with heart and wit, Reilly draws a memorable portrait of a teen struggling with big problems beyond his control. High school junior Joel is grieving over a loss when he signs up to work at a soup kitchen to fulfill a community service requirement. He is joined by his crush, enthusiastic do-gooder Eli, and new student Benj, an outcast rumored to have poisoned both his parents. With their disparate personalities, the three make an odd, comical trio when they meet Wednesday nights to feed the homeless, but they have two things in common: all are touched by the circumstances of the people they serve, and they become more aware of global issues through the banned books they’re reading for English class. If he can’t save the world, Joel is bent on helping one person, but assisting a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD proves to be a more dangerous endeavor than he imagined. Written in a first-person narrative and as a series of texts Joel composes but never sends, this novel traces with remarkable sensitivity how a vulnerable adolescent becomes less absorbed in his own suffering as he reaches out to others. Ages 12–up. Agent: Molly O’Neill, Waxman Leavell Literary.

October 1, 2018

Gr 8 Up-While completing a semester-long community service project at a local soup kitchen, Joel encounters a variety of homeless clients, including a homeless veteran struggling with PTSD, whose interactions with Joel lead to some potentially devastating consequences. To help him deal with his depression, Joel's guidance counselor has suggested that he keep a journal; instead, he composes hundreds of unsent text messages to his crush, Eli; best friend Andy; and the school principal. Many characters deal with profound grief and devastating loss, which is explored honestly and unflinchingly. All of the teen characters have distinct and authentic voices. Joel's relationship with his family, especially his father, is complicated, but believable and even heartwarming at times. A teacher's attitude about "trigger warnings" and "safe spaces" could be a springboard for further discussion. Contemporary issues such as PTSD, homeless veterans, and banned books are woven throughout, but never in an overly obvious or preachy manner. Although the grief felt by various characters will never fully diminish, there is growth and hope for better days at the end. VERDICT Recommended for readers who enjoy thoughtful realistic novels that cover difficult topics.-Jennifer Schultz Angoli, Fauquier County Public Library, Warrenton, VA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2018
After the death of a friend, a teenage boy struggles to move on and open himself up to others in this debut novel.High school junior Joel Higgins volunteers at a soup kitchen every Wednesday, in part to fulfill his community service requirement and in part to spend time with Eli, the girl he's loved since seventh grade. Unlike Joel, Eli believes in God--and also that she can fix anything if she tries hard enough. Instead of telling Eli or anyone else about his feelings, Joel writes--but doesn't send--text messages on his phone to Eli; his best friend, Andy, who died of leukemia last year; and their school's principal. Through his messages, Joel declares his love and struggles for solutions to the problems that weigh on him. When he meets Rooster, a homeless veteran with PTSD, Joel's obsession with helping him leads him down an irreversible path of progressively greater challenges. Written in first person interspersed with a series of text messages, Joel's distinctive voice gives personality to the narration. Reilly delves into themes of poverty, mental illness, religion, censorship, and safe spaces. More than once, while holding a gun, Joel contemplates death. Despite the tough topics, the resolution leaves room for hope and growth. Main characters are white, and the book follows a white default.A high-interest read for its exploration of complex topics without simple answers. (Fiction. 14-17)

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