This Book Contains Mature Topics

Touch by Rebecca Miller is a powerful and compelling literary fiction for young adults that delves into the lives of two teenagers; Megan and Shawn. Megan, an artistically gifted girl, loses her passion for drawing after her mother’s sudden death, leaving her family in ruins. As they move halfway across the country to start anew, Megan finds herself drawn to Shawn, a secluded classmate who becomes her unexpected source of inspiration. However, Shawn is harboring a dark secret that threatens to consume him. Through a heart-wrenching journey, Megan peels back the layers of Shawn’s pain, leading her to certain truths about life and the importance of destiny and purpose.

Touch is a book that lingers in your mind, its story seeping into your consciousness long after you’ve turned the final page. The story’s impact is so profound that I find myself replaying scenes in my mind, trying to grasp the complexities of the characters’ lives and wishing, somehow, I could change their fate. It’s a gripping tale that combines mystery with social commentary on the harsh and cruel realities of the underbelly of our world.

The first half of the book is a captivating puzzle as readers, like Megan, try to piece together the enigma that is Shawn. His shyness and reluctance to open up leaves us questioning what lies beneath the surface. The tension the author builds is palpable, hinting at something dark and unsettling lurking in Shawn’s past. As the events unfold, the shocking truth unravels before our eyes, leaving us haunted at the revelations. Maybe it was my own naivety, but I was completely caught off guard time and time again while the story unfolded.

Miller’s storytelling is both compelling and heart-breaking. As someone who has also lost a parent, she captures the raw emotions of grief and loss perfectly. I resonated deeply with Megan’s struggle of hating birthdays and drifting aimlessly after her mother’s death. The author perfectly portrays the helplessness a young teenager feels when their whole world is turned upside down.

Also, Touch fearlessly, addresses issues like PTSD, depression, and abuse. The book does not shy away from depicting the difficulties of Shawn’s life and the emotional toll it takes on him. As Megan immerses herself in Shawn’s world, the novel emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy. Touch delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the themes of pain, resilience, and the power of connection. Miller’s ability to touch upon sensitive topics with compassion and sensitivity is flawless. Through Megan and Shawn’s journey, we learn the importance of compassion, we all carry our burdens and scars.

Touch is a book that transcends the boundaries of a teenage love story; it is a profound exploration of human tragedy. A true challenge to the famous quote, “For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.” As I turned the last page, I felt an undeniable shift within myself. Touch has the power to break you apart and rebuild you in a more compassionate light. This book challenges readers to see empathize with their peers struggles, and to find the courage to embrace their own vulnerabilities. Touch leaves an indelible mark on the heart, urging us to recognize that we are all connected by the threads of our compassion.

“The story’s impact is so profound that I find myself replaying scenes in my mind, trying to grasp the complexities of the characters’ lives and wishing, somehow, I could change their fate.”

“Touch has the power to break you apart and rebuild you in a more compassionate light.”