If You Find Me

What an utterly gorgeous and heartbreaking story. Apparently If You Find Me is a debut novel, but I'll tell you now that it doesn't read like one. Emily Murdoch writes like a seasoned professional. This story broke me, and put me back together in an entirely different configuration. Pure love is all I have for this book.

Carey was such a strongly written character. A girl who has aged well beyond her years. She's wounded, to be sure, but what really broke me was how solidly she stood despite everything. She didn't fall apart. However, Carey's need to nurture her sister also kept her from becoming stone hearted. This is a girl who isn't broken, but isn't hardened either. She's the perfect balance between the two, and it's beautiful thing.

In fact, all the characters had such depth that I felt like I was a part of their lives. This is the story of a family who is slowly starting to piece itself together. Of a girl who has to battle between the life she knew, and the new one she is handed. Of love so wide, and so deep, that it knows no bounds. Everything about this story spoke to me. It took my heart in its vice grip, and I let it. Watching Carey's defenses slowly melt away, watching as she realized her worth, it took my breath away.

I could gush for ages about the simple, yet almost poetic writing. About the way that this book is an effortless read, despite the content. I could, but it's better to let you experience it for yourself though. This book broke my heart in the best way possible. I love stories that do that. I love this one. Read If You Find Me.