THESE GENTLE WOUNDS
Named one of BuzzFeed’s 17 Best YA Books of 2014
and Epic Read’s 30 Books That Will Change Your View of the World
“A heartbreaking novel, this first-person narrative lets readers inside the mind of someone who has suffered abuse and is dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and survivor’s guilt. The writing is solid, with a firm grasp on the inner workings of a mind that has been ravaged by tragedy… Pair it with Ned Vizzini’s It’s Kind of a Funny Story and Stephen Chbosky’s Perks of Being a Wallflower to round out your offerings.”
Sometimes I wish I’d lost a leg or something. Everyone can understand that. They never get it when what’s been broken is inside your head.
Five years after an unspeakable tragedy that changed him forever, Gordie Allen has made a new home with his half-brother Kevin. Their arrangement works since Kevin is the only person who can protect Gordie at school and keep him focused on getting his life back on track.
But just when it seems like things are becoming normal, Gordie’s biological father comes back into the picture, demanding a place in his life. Now there’s nothing to stop Gordie from falling into a tailspin that could cost him everything—including his relationship with Sarah, the first girl he’s trusted with the truth. With his world spinning out of control, the only one who can help Gordie is himself . . . if he can find the strength to confront the past and take back his future.
