Unraveling: Silent by Sara Alva

Title: Silent

Series: N/A

Author: Sara Alva
Genre: YA LGBTQ Contemporary

Publication Date: October 27, 2013

Alex’s life as a teenager in South Central L.A. is far from perfect, but it’s his life, and he knows how to live it. He knows what role to play and what things to keep to himself. He’s got it all under control, until one lousy pair of shoes kicks him out of his world and lands him in a foster care group home.

Surrounded by strangers and trapped in a life where he could never belong, Alex turns to the only person lower on the social ladder than he is: a “special” mute boy. In Sebastian, Alex finds a safe place to store his secrets—those that sent him to foster care, and the deeper one that sets him apart from the other teenagers he knows. But Sebastian has secrets of his own, and when tragedy rips the two boys apart, Alex will stop at nothing to find the answers—even if it means dragging them both through a past full of wounds best left buried.

It might just be worth it, for the slim chance at love.

  

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My Thoughts

If I had to describe this book with one song it would be Count on Me by Bruno Mars. It just fits so perfectly. Describes Alex and Seb's relationship to a T.

As many of you know by now, I'm a character girl, and watching both Alex and Seb grow as the book went along was so enjoyable. Gave me all the warm fuzzies. Alex had a lot of growing up to do. Even though for a 15 year old he was actually quite mature about some things he was also very childish about others and watching him find that balance and reach that much closer to being an adult was a joy. 

The struggle he went through for his sister and ultimately Sebastian was hard to watch, but also satisfying. That unlike the 213#$1%&5 other YA main characters out there who think they are so smart, can't hold a candle to Alex. Because unlike them, he actually learns from his mistakes. He makes them, learns from them, owns them. He doesn't dawdle once he finally realizes what he has done and what the right thing to do is. He does it. And for a 15-16 year old that is admirable.

But of course what I loved the most was how Alex and Sebastian's relationship develops. The things these two boys have to face, about themselves, the world and the people in it, and not only coming to terms with it but finding and keeping that love for each was beautiful. Seeing how devoted Alex was to Sebastian, how he took care of him when he thought he needed it, how he backed off when it was Sebastian's turn to stand up for himself, but still being there to support him. It's not something you find very often in any YA romance. I find it ironic that these two boys have a much healthier relationship than half those couple from most YA/NA romances and they were in much harsher realities.

Silent was a truly enjoyable read and definitely worth the chance. So if you get the opportunity to read it, don't hesitate!



So...

Would I Recommend it?

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