Friday, July 20, 2012

Review: What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

What I Didn't Say
What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor
Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat.
His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.
When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.
Published in US: Apr. 30th 2012

Blkosiner's Book Blog review
    Wow, I am on a roll with good contemporaries this month. This one is really an eye opener about being grateful for what you have, especially a loving family, because no matter how bad things might be for you, there is someone else who wishes that they had your life.
    It was quite a ride to be in Jake's head. It has so be so frustrating to all of the sudden be mute, and have things you want to say, but can't. Sure he can write things down, but I honestly can't imagine.
     The dynamic between Jake and Sam was so very well written. I loved their interactions, and often wondered about Samantha's motivations, and when I found out, it was totally heartbreaking and unexpected.  As much as I can't imagine being in Jake's shoes, hers is so unthinkable. The sweetest part of the story is really watching them lift each other up, and seeing their selflessness (for the most part anyways) when it comes to the other.
     The connection with Jake and his family is really well written. I could totally see myself wanting to call his mom "mom" right along with the rest of the island. His brothers and sisters showed such support while at the same time being realistic, teasing, joking and sometimes too much in his business.
     It was also neat to read about the Island culture, small town and even more. I think that she did a good job explaining how it was different, and showing the sense of togetherness while still having it believable.
    I liked the ending, how it tied things together, and I can't really think of how I'd want their story to end any differently.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever known anyone who was mute or deaf?
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51 comments:

  1. I seen this book at NG. After reading your review, I need to get this one! Thanks for the great review Brandi! :)

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  2. I loved his family so much! I know the focus of the story was on the romantic relationship but I enjoyed every minute we got to spend with his loving and close-knit family.

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  3. I've had a few ASL classes in college, so I have an idea of how hard it is to NOT be able to talk (we weren't allowed to talk during class, only to use the signs). I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to not be able to hear or put things into words that others can understand. :/

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    1. I know! I only know the alphabet in ASL, and can't imagine having to learn a new language

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  4. I don't read a lot of contemporary, but this sounds like it is really worth the read. I think I'll add it to my TBR. Thanks for the review.

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  5. I've been reading a few reviews about this book, but yours really helped me see why this book is special. I'm going to add this to my to-read pile. Thank you!

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  6. I've read this book month or so ago and I agree! It's really nice! :) I'm glad you enjoyed it!

    Tanja @ Ja čitam, a ti?

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  7. Sounds like a really cool setting. I've never known anyone deaf or mute.

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    1. I've known someone that was deaf, but she could read lips and speak

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  8. oh you always have some books I don't know anything about. I understand I don't think I could imagine how it is... I'm so chatty. I think I need to read more contempry books.

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  9. I've been on the edge about this one and your review helped me decide that it begs to be read. Thanks.

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  10. This has recently become one of my favorites.

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  11. I'm currently reading this book right now.

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  12. I really enjoyed this too and loved how important family was in it. And that great big family was awesome, I want them to be MY family! So glad you enjoyed it too!

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  13. Beautiful review, Brandi! <3 This book sounds like such heartbreaking story. I love selfless characters, they always make me feel sad. Especially with the situation the characters in this book has to face.

    Thank you for the beautiful review! x)

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  14. I'm a new follower. Great review. I liked the book.

    If you like contemporary books please visit my blog http://bookbloggermom.blogspot.com

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  15. I've never known anyone personally who was mute or deaf, but I've heard OF people like that before and I honestly think they're the strongest people ever! I couldn't even imagine going without any of my senses, but I have a feeling I'm going to fall head over heels in love with Jake :)

    Beautiful review, Brandi! <3

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  16. I'm not usually a big contemporary fan, but lately it's been working for me too. I've heard great things about this book, in fact, all the reviews have been positive, and what you wrote about the family connections really made this sound appealing to me.
    Awesome review!

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    1. Contemp is what got me started reading, its a special place in my heart. Glad that you've found some that works for you

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  17. It seems that he still gets the girl..hopefully :) lovely.

    And no,I do not know any deaf people (if you don't count old people=

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  18. This sounds like a great contemporary read! I haven't read many reviews for it but yours is very convincing, even for someone like me who prefers fantasy or paranormal books. ;) I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

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  19. Wow -- this one sounds interesting.
    And no, I don't think I know anyone who is deaf, but I've always wanted to learn ASL signing.

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    1. Me too. I know the alphabet, but I think that it is so beautiful

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  20. This sounds like a touching tale with a powerful message..sweet review!

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  21. :) Nice review! I have a cousin who is deaf and she is pretty normal. i am always amazed at her amazing sign language. this book sounds good! fantastic review!

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  22. Wow, this really does sound like a lovely book. I love the concept. I know people who are deaf and I have learned sign language to communicate with them. It's interesting.

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    1. That is awesome of you! I've wanted to learn but never gone through with it.

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  23. I have never know anyone who was mute or deaf. Well, I think maybe when I was a little girl I might have. But being a little girl, you aren't fully capable of understanding all of the pain, heartache and emotion that comes with those situations. I can't imagine how powerful of a book this has to be. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't speak. Even though I am quite shy and not much of a jabberer, I still have the ability and even though I don't think about it, it is a huge blessing. I think simply because of the thought provoking element of this novel, I will read it. It never hurts to have a reminder of all of the small blessings that we have in this life.

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    1. That is true, we have so much to be thankful for and usually take it for granted.

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  24. I loved this one too! Very inspirational! I loved the reminder that we must be thankful for what we have and say I love you cause you never know when you won't be able to anymore. Sam and Jake wee so cute together and Jake was so sweet. I also like the small island setting. Everyone knowing your business would make things more difficult.

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  25. I received this book from Netgalley about two weeks ago I believe? o.O Definitely looking forward to it, I hear lots of great things about it! It seems to be one of those books that sort of just creeps up on you when you least expect it xD Lol. Great review Brandi.

    Neyra-

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  26. I like the fact that this one is powerful. I haven't read a good powerful contemporary since Pushing The Limits! I will definitely check this one out!

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  27. This sounds like a powerful, beautiful contemporary which I've been reading more of lately. Thanks for your thoughts! I will definitely be reading this soon!

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  28. I look forward to reading the book after several points you made in your review. I love the idea that Jake's family is really a big part of the story. Nice review!

    Yes, I've known quite a few people who are deaf. I keep saying that I need to learn ASL.

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  29. Thanks for a great review! I am really getting into reading contemporary books, and when I came across this book I knew I had to read it.

    No, I do not know a person who is deaf.

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