Synopsis: I haven’t left my house in over a year. My doctor says it’s social anxiety, but I know the only things that are safe are made of paper. My room is paper. My world is paper. Everything outside is fire. All it would take is one spark for me to burst into flames. So I stay inside. Where nothing can touch me.
Then my mom hires a tutor. Jackson. This boy I had a crush on before the world became too terrifying to live in. Jackson’s life is the complete opposite of mine, and I can tell he’s got secrets of his own. But he makes me feel things. Makes me want to try again. Makes me want to be brave. I can almost taste the outside world. But so many things could go wrong, and all it takes is one spark for everything I love to disappear…
Review: This is a novel that I was really very curious to discover. Agoraphobia / Social Anxiety is a theme I’ve seen little in literature, so I was eager to discover the author’s ideas here!
Zoe has not been out of her home for over a year. It’s not that she would not like to but she can not. The panic attacks are terrifying and she has discovered that staying at home, where she is safe, is ultimately the best for her. In her room, she has created a world of paper and she does school at home and exchanges and plays chess online. However, she does not know that she knows the person she is playing with and with whom she is confiding.
Jackson was always intrigued by Zoe, so when she disappeared from school, he did not understand. But now he has a second chance when he is asked to become her tutor in physics and math. With him, Zoe will gradually regain confidence in herself and in the world even if it is far from easy. But what no one knows is that Jackson carries heavy secrets and hides his life from everyone, even from Zoe.
I had a good time with this novel. It was different from what I expected but I enjoyed discovering both characters and their families. I loved Zoe’s mother or sister who are so touching. Yes, it was a good discovery!
Lorna
This does sound intriguing! I had not heard of it before. I want to know his secrets. Thank you for putting it on my radar.
Melliane
it was well done
blodeuedd
This does sound interesting. I can not imagine having agrophobia
kindlemom1
Glad you liked and enjoyed this even though it hadn’t been what you were expecting. It’s nice when that happens.
Melliane
yes it was well done
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer
I suffer from a form of agoraphobia, so this has me curious. Adding to my wishlist!
Heidi
I am curious about this one. I usually enjoy books that explore these different types of anxiety disorders. I will add this to my list.
Anne
I don’t want to leave my house either, most of the time. I can and I do. I am worried about Jackson that his secrets will hurt her. I’m glad you thought it was really good. Anne – Books of My Heart
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Anxiety is a tough topic to read about. It is interesting to see stories about agoraphobia though – as you say, it is not something you see a lot in books.
Carole Rae
Oo! Good themes to have. Anxiety is so overlooked
herding cats
Oh I remember that cover. Yay for it turning out to be a good one 🙂