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You Can’t Take The Truth
What if the only real thing left… was love?
The Truth — a powerful dystopian drug — lets you live the life you’ve always wanted. The problem is, society crumbles in the real world. People don’t want reality when their fantasies give them everything they crave.
But one girl is awake — and she knows dreams can’t save a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Florence Hopewell refuses to lose herself to the addiction that has trapped an entire generation. With Dey Wintergreen — the boy who stirs her heart in ways she never thought possible — Florence risks everything to fight back, sparking a rebellion that could change everything.
Their journey will lead them to hidden secrets — and to the truth buried deep within themselves.
You Can’t Take the Truth is a breathtaking young adult dystopian romance about first love, courage, and defiance — perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent.
The Truth — a powerful dystopian drug — lets you live the life you’ve always wanted. The problem is, society crumbles in the real world. People don’t want reality when their fantasies give them everything they crave.
But one girl is awake — and she knows dreams can’t save a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Florence Hopewell refuses to lose herself to the addiction that has trapped an entire generation. With Dey Wintergreen — the boy who stirs her heart in ways she never thought possible — Florence risks everything to fight back, sparking a rebellion that could change everything.
Their journey will lead them to hidden secrets — and to the truth buried deep within themselves.
You Can’t Take the Truth is a breathtaking young adult dystopian romance about first love, courage, and defiance — perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent.
- GenresDystopia
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2025
57 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Witterick
6 books190 followersJ.L. Witterick is the international best-selling author of the novel, My Mother’s Secret, which has been translated into 10 languages. Her books are used in schools around the world to teach courage, tolerance, and understanding. Writing is a passion for her, and she is happy to donate books to schools and book clubs. It is a joy for her to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds through her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 5, 2025
You Can’t Take the Truth is a fascinating tale of how science and innovation have the capacity to be our greatest weakness. Florence Hopewell lost both of her parents: one to cancer, and one to The Truth, a drug that promises nightly fulfillment of your every desire, but leaves you empty and broken upon awakening. Yet her wisdom is lost on a world who prefers illusion to anything that reality has to offer. Despite two years of living with an aunt and cousin who resent her, Florence is still determined to have a life of real experience, and not one enhanced by a drug. Her college boyfriend, Dey Wintergreen, stands by her in this resolve, and wants to take action against “The Man” who made the world a slave to his drug. But what are they against a Goliath like that? How can they win against a world who won’t listen? What will it take to open their eyes to what really matters?
J.L. Witterick has written an excellent novel with depth and meaning. Having come from the 90’s era of the Fear Street and Christopher Pike murder mysteries, I am impressed at how intelligent and insightful You Can’t Take the Truth is, especially to young readers. This is an excellent young adult novel that perfectly mixes science fiction, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance to guide readers to the realization of what matters most in life: love. Indeed, relationships are the most important thing, and love is a force that defies it all to draw us to the light. Likewise, the characters in this novel are well developed and relatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed You Can’t Take the Truth, and highly recommend it to young adult readers of every genre. There is truly something here for everybody!
J.L. Witterick has written an excellent novel with depth and meaning. Having come from the 90’s era of the Fear Street and Christopher Pike murder mysteries, I am impressed at how intelligent and insightful You Can’t Take the Truth is, especially to young readers. This is an excellent young adult novel that perfectly mixes science fiction, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance to guide readers to the realization of what matters most in life: love. Indeed, relationships are the most important thing, and love is a force that defies it all to draw us to the light. Likewise, the characters in this novel are well developed and relatable.
I thoroughly enjoyed You Can’t Take the Truth, and highly recommend it to young adult readers of every genre. There is truly something here for everybody!
September 7, 2025
Wow. This book completely pulled me in and didn’t let go - I couldn't put it down. The premise is both chilling and believable — a world where people willingly live inside their fantasies because reality has fallen apart. It’s one of those books that makes you stop and think… what would I choose?
Florence is such a powerful main character. She’s not fearless — she’s real, angry, scared, and determined. Her refusal to give in, even when everyone around her has surrendered, makes her easy to root for. And Dey? Let’s just say if you love a quietly brave love interest with real depth, he’s one to remember.
I loved how the story balances the action and rebellion with the emotional journey of these characters discovering who they are. There are some twists I didn’t see coming, and the world-building is layered and immersive. The whole concept of "The Truth", as both a drug and a metaphor was really clever — and honestly, kind of haunting as often with dystopian novels.
Highly recommended if you love dystopians with empathy, strong female leads, and just the right touch of romance. ❤️
Florence is such a powerful main character. She’s not fearless — she’s real, angry, scared, and determined. Her refusal to give in, even when everyone around her has surrendered, makes her easy to root for. And Dey? Let’s just say if you love a quietly brave love interest with real depth, he’s one to remember.
I loved how the story balances the action and rebellion with the emotional journey of these characters discovering who they are. There are some twists I didn’t see coming, and the world-building is layered and immersive. The whole concept of "The Truth", as both a drug and a metaphor was really clever — and honestly, kind of haunting as often with dystopian novels.
Highly recommended if you love dystopians with empathy, strong female leads, and just the right touch of romance. ❤️
September 17, 2025
This book was very propulsive. It's dialogue-driven with lots of action. I enjoyed the main character, as well. The book's tension comes both from the MC's relationships and from the external events. If you like the blend of personal and dramatic action, you will fly through this book. There are some fantastic elements, but these are narrated in a literary way.
September 17, 2025
I found so much to dislike about this book. The premise - a drug that causes people to dream their perfect lives - would have been ok in a science fiction book, but the extrapolation - that everybody is addicted to the point that society is breaking down - was not in evidence. Kids went to school and ate at restaurants and people worked and drove and gave parties as though there was no crisis. There were no descriptions of people under the influence of The Truth or suffering its consequences, so the threat did not feel at all real.
The characters were two dimensional. The ‘villain’, known as The Man, and his beefy security guards, his plastic wife and his Disney set home (Versailles) were crayola comic book. Wyatt was impossibly nice, Helena unrelievedly mean and entitled. There were no shades of grey.
The protagonist wanted to be a musician, and, what do you know, her boyfriend’s mother turns out to be a world famous singer songwriter! What are the odds? And her boyfriend … but I won’t go on.
I just didn’t buy any of it.
The writing style was terrible. Metaphors were strained. “The Man clenched his hand so hard his knuckles were like camel humps.” It was massively overwritten, in an attempt, I guess, to wring drama and significance from a damp dishrag.
I have never come across a writer who includes quotes from her own book at the end!
I will say it was well edited. I found no typos or spelling errors. So that was something.
The characters were two dimensional. The ‘villain’, known as The Man, and his beefy security guards, his plastic wife and his Disney set home (Versailles) were crayola comic book. Wyatt was impossibly nice, Helena unrelievedly mean and entitled. There were no shades of grey.
The protagonist wanted to be a musician, and, what do you know, her boyfriend’s mother turns out to be a world famous singer songwriter! What are the odds? And her boyfriend … but I won’t go on.
I just didn’t buy any of it.
The writing style was terrible. Metaphors were strained. “The Man clenched his hand so hard his knuckles were like camel humps.” It was massively overwritten, in an attempt, I guess, to wring drama and significance from a damp dishrag.
I have never come across a writer who includes quotes from her own book at the end!
I will say it was well edited. I found no typos or spelling errors. So that was something.
July 29, 2025
⭐ 5 Stars
You Can’t Take the Truth by J.L. Witterick is an absolutely stunning thriller that left my head spinning in the best way possible! From the very first page, it grabbed hold of me and refused to let go, blending emotional depth with pulse-pounding suspense in a way that’s nothing short of brilliant.
What I Loved:
✅ Unpredictable Twists: Just when I thought I had the story figured out, another revelation came out of nowhere and completely flipped everything on its head. The pacing is impeccable, making it impossible to put down.
✅ Strong, Layered Characters: The protagonist’s journey is riveting complex, flawed, and incredibly real. Each character felt purposeful and added to the tension, keeping you second guessing their motives.
✅ High Stakes & Emotional Pull: This isn’t just a thriller; it’s packed with raw emotion and gut-wrenching moments that add depth and make you truly care about the outcome. Love, betrayal, and moral dilemmas are intertwined seamlessly.
✅ Witterick’s Writing Style: Crisp, cinematic, and vivid. Every scene is described so sharply it’s easy to picture the danger and intensity, immersing you completely in the story world.
✅ A Perfect Ending: The conclusion was bold, satisfying, and tied every thread together brilliantly while still leaving me thinking about the bigger themes long after closing the book.
This is not just a read it’s an experience. It’s everything I want in a thriller: heartpounding tension, unexpected revelations, and an emotional undercurrent that lingers. If you love stories that keep you guessing until the last page while also delivering emotional weight, You Can’t Take the Truth is a must read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You Can’t Take the Truth by J.L. Witterick is an absolutely stunning thriller that left my head spinning in the best way possible! From the very first page, it grabbed hold of me and refused to let go, blending emotional depth with pulse-pounding suspense in a way that’s nothing short of brilliant.
What I Loved:
✅ Unpredictable Twists: Just when I thought I had the story figured out, another revelation came out of nowhere and completely flipped everything on its head. The pacing is impeccable, making it impossible to put down.
✅ Strong, Layered Characters: The protagonist’s journey is riveting complex, flawed, and incredibly real. Each character felt purposeful and added to the tension, keeping you second guessing their motives.
✅ High Stakes & Emotional Pull: This isn’t just a thriller; it’s packed with raw emotion and gut-wrenching moments that add depth and make you truly care about the outcome. Love, betrayal, and moral dilemmas are intertwined seamlessly.
✅ Witterick’s Writing Style: Crisp, cinematic, and vivid. Every scene is described so sharply it’s easy to picture the danger and intensity, immersing you completely in the story world.
✅ A Perfect Ending: The conclusion was bold, satisfying, and tied every thread together brilliantly while still leaving me thinking about the bigger themes long after closing the book.
This is not just a read it’s an experience. It’s everything I want in a thriller: heartpounding tension, unexpected revelations, and an emotional undercurrent that lingers. If you love stories that keep you guessing until the last page while also delivering emotional weight, You Can’t Take the Truth is a must read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the copy!
I loved the premise of the book. I think the title is very clever! The set up chapters flew by quickly and made it easy enough to catch up to speed with our main character Florence. The writing felt simple in a good way and allowed me to read through it quite fast.
However, at the same time, maybe my expectations were a bit too high going into this, but I just felt like it lacked character and emotion in every step of the way, especially in the first half of the book. As much as I liked Florence and sympathized with her struggles, my first impressions of Dey were that next to Florence he felt like a blank canvas on a sugar rush. Her aunt had more personality than her boyfriend. Though he does improve further in the book and their relationship blooms beautifully, given everything they go through. I did enjoy Wyatt a lot, he was a delightful character! And the sibling/cousin relationships were great. Helen is such a menace and I liked her presence in every scene.
Overall, the book is not bad, though it could have been better, in my opinion. Only because I felt a huge disconnect with most of the characters and their feelings at the beginning of the book. The ending does make me want to know what happens next so that goal got achieved for sure!
I loved the premise of the book. I think the title is very clever! The set up chapters flew by quickly and made it easy enough to catch up to speed with our main character Florence. The writing felt simple in a good way and allowed me to read through it quite fast.
However, at the same time, maybe my expectations were a bit too high going into this, but I just felt like it lacked character and emotion in every step of the way, especially in the first half of the book. As much as I liked Florence and sympathized with her struggles, my first impressions of Dey were that next to Florence he felt like a blank canvas on a sugar rush. Her aunt had more personality than her boyfriend. Though he does improve further in the book and their relationship blooms beautifully, given everything they go through. I did enjoy Wyatt a lot, he was a delightful character! And the sibling/cousin relationships were great. Helen is such a menace and I liked her presence in every scene.
Overall, the book is not bad, though it could have been better, in my opinion. Only because I felt a huge disconnect with most of the characters and their feelings at the beginning of the book. The ending does make me want to know what happens next so that goal got achieved for sure!
January 6, 2026
What a refreshing and heart wrenching take on the YA dystopian society genre- this book was a breath of fresh air and made for a totally immersive reading experience.
In the very beginning of the book the action, emotional intensity and having to fight against adversity is vividly portrayed through the main character of Florence (who also becomes known as Flo) has to learn to grow up fast and take quick action after the untimely and unnecessary demise of her mother due to an accidental overdose of a societal wonder drug known as the Truth pill). These Truth pills (having being marketed in the society as helping to heal the sick and stave off death and further illness are in fact doing the opposite with getting users addicted to an ideal, contentment and happy alternate reality and inadvertedly leaving their current reality in the dust).
Florence goes to live with her mothers estranged sister Aunty Shelley, her uncle Edwin and their children Wyatt and Helen in Orlando as she finds herself with nowhere else to to go and soon becomes embroiled in a journey to fight against the Truth Pill and save society from eventual collapse and total annihilation.
It is on this mission that she meets a young man called Dey (with whom she falls in love with and down the track learns the truth about one of his parents- proving that in some cases people aren't always what they seem).
It is up to the four friends- Flo, Dey, Wyatt (who is Flos cousin) and Melody (the daughter of the big powerhouse of Dura who founded and produced the Truth Pill called Manchester Gurut also known as "The Man") to bring down the tyrannical regime and bring a sense of normality and new found peace and reality back to their society as a whole.
The plot flowed very well, all the characters were likable (with the exception of Giselle and Helen), the setting complimented the story well adding a sense of hopelessness and a power hungry landscape to the story and the twist at the end had my jaw to the ground- in a good way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more works by this author in the future.
Thankyou to Net galley, Lake Simcoe Publishing House and the author J .L. Witterick for an advanced copy of this fantastic story.
In the very beginning of the book the action, emotional intensity and having to fight against adversity is vividly portrayed through the main character of Florence (who also becomes known as Flo) has to learn to grow up fast and take quick action after the untimely and unnecessary demise of her mother due to an accidental overdose of a societal wonder drug known as the Truth pill). These Truth pills (having being marketed in the society as helping to heal the sick and stave off death and further illness are in fact doing the opposite with getting users addicted to an ideal, contentment and happy alternate reality and inadvertedly leaving their current reality in the dust).
Florence goes to live with her mothers estranged sister Aunty Shelley, her uncle Edwin and their children Wyatt and Helen in Orlando as she finds herself with nowhere else to to go and soon becomes embroiled in a journey to fight against the Truth Pill and save society from eventual collapse and total annihilation.
It is on this mission that she meets a young man called Dey (with whom she falls in love with and down the track learns the truth about one of his parents- proving that in some cases people aren't always what they seem).
It is up to the four friends- Flo, Dey, Wyatt (who is Flos cousin) and Melody (the daughter of the big powerhouse of Dura who founded and produced the Truth Pill called Manchester Gurut also known as "The Man") to bring down the tyrannical regime and bring a sense of normality and new found peace and reality back to their society as a whole.
The plot flowed very well, all the characters were likable (with the exception of Giselle and Helen), the setting complimented the story well adding a sense of hopelessness and a power hungry landscape to the story and the twist at the end had my jaw to the ground- in a good way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more works by this author in the future.
Thankyou to Net galley, Lake Simcoe Publishing House and the author J .L. Witterick for an advanced copy of this fantastic story.
February 27, 2026
📚You Can't Take The Truth
✍🏻J.L. Witterick
Blurb:
What if the only real thing left… was love?
The Truth — a powerful dystopian drug — lets you live the life you’ve always wanted. The problem is, society crumbles in the real world. People don’t want reality when their fantasies give them everything they crave.
But one girl is awake — and she knows dreams can’t save a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Florence Hopewell refuses to lose herself to the addiction that has trapped an entire generation. With Dey Wintergreen — the boy who stirs her heart in ways she never thought possible — Florence risks everything to fight back, sparking a rebellion that could change everything.
Their journey will lead them to hidden secrets — and to the truth buried deep within themselves.
You Can’t Take the Truth is a breathtaking young adult dystopian romance about first love, courage, and defiance — perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent.
My Thoughts:
You Can’t Take the Truth by J.L. Witterick is an absolutely stunning thriller The premise of this story captured my interest immediately. Imagine being able to take a drug that would allow you to live a rich fantasy life in your mind.It sounds like the perfect way to escape the stress of real life. But there are those who refuse to take the drug.The Truth, a drug that promises nightly fulfillment of your every desire, but leaves you empty and broken upon awakening. Yet her wisdom is lost on a world who prefers illusion to anything that reality has to offer. Despite two years of living with an aunt and cousin who resent her, Florence is still determined to have a life of real experience, and not one enhanced by a drug. Her college boyfriend, Dey Wintergreen, stands by her in this resolve, and wants to take action against “The Man” who made the world a slave to his drug. But what are they against a Goliath like that? How can they win against a world who won’t listen? What will it take to open their eyes to what really matters? This book isn't just a story; it's an experience.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Simcoe Publishing House and Author J.L, Witterick for the complimentary copy of "You Can't Take The Truth" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeSimcoePublishing
#J.L.Witterick
#YouCan'tTakeTheTruth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻J.L. Witterick
Blurb:
What if the only real thing left… was love?
The Truth — a powerful dystopian drug — lets you live the life you’ve always wanted. The problem is, society crumbles in the real world. People don’t want reality when their fantasies give them everything they crave.
But one girl is awake — and she knows dreams can’t save a dying world.
Seventeen-year-old Florence Hopewell refuses to lose herself to the addiction that has trapped an entire generation. With Dey Wintergreen — the boy who stirs her heart in ways she never thought possible — Florence risks everything to fight back, sparking a rebellion that could change everything.
Their journey will lead them to hidden secrets — and to the truth buried deep within themselves.
You Can’t Take the Truth is a breathtaking young adult dystopian romance about first love, courage, and defiance — perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent.
My Thoughts:
You Can’t Take the Truth by J.L. Witterick is an absolutely stunning thriller The premise of this story captured my interest immediately. Imagine being able to take a drug that would allow you to live a rich fantasy life in your mind.It sounds like the perfect way to escape the stress of real life. But there are those who refuse to take the drug.The Truth, a drug that promises nightly fulfillment of your every desire, but leaves you empty and broken upon awakening. Yet her wisdom is lost on a world who prefers illusion to anything that reality has to offer. Despite two years of living with an aunt and cousin who resent her, Florence is still determined to have a life of real experience, and not one enhanced by a drug. Her college boyfriend, Dey Wintergreen, stands by her in this resolve, and wants to take action against “The Man” who made the world a slave to his drug. But what are they against a Goliath like that? How can they win against a world who won’t listen? What will it take to open their eyes to what really matters? This book isn't just a story; it's an experience.
Thanks NetGalley, Lake Simcoe Publishing House and Author J.L, Witterick for the complimentary copy of "You Can't Take The Truth" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LakeSimcoePublishing
#J.L.Witterick
#YouCan'tTakeTheTruth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 8, 2025
I wish somehow I was such an influencer that someone might read this review and be impressed enough to purchase and read You Can't Take the Truth by Ms. Witterick. As an author of 10 books myself, I found myself thinking as I read it about the scene in Wayne's World..."We're not worthy!" It humbled me as I thought of my own career and my writing, but that was a good thing.
I left her pages to sleep, eat, etc. reluctantly and with plans to return as soon as possible. The plot she laid out and the twists, especially at the end, were intriguing and satisfying. But in my mind, the construction of the characters and their deep philosophical connection for me was tantamount. I love that in the back of her book she included a number of quotations from the pages that demonstrated so many radically beautiful thoughts gleaned from them! I found one she didn't include, but I liked it; "Sometimes the water is calm, others turbulent. It reminds me of life and how similar it is to the sea. Good days and bad-they come and go. Just sail on."
It's so weird that I found myself laughing sometimes and crying at others-maybe the good days and the bad...but no, they're all good!
I recently read another powerful book (I won't mention its name here) that described our lives. We live in this realm, this physical, concrete, understandable world where we can count on everything to happen according to the laws of life as we have come to know them. But maybe the world we don't see, the shadows behind the reality (or the reality behind the shadows, more likely) we ignore at our own peril. Ms. Witterick so beautifully portrays the deepest and most unlikely nuances of our human condition in ways not so showy or mystical as much as a simple rendering of our customary and ordinary lives and their interactions with the ethereal "truth" of the dreams we harbor. All of it is who we are, who her characters are, and finding the truth in all of that isn't some mysterious dreamscape. It's our lives and not a "race to oblivion" as Flo learns, but a gift to be received gratefully.
In any case, I'm grateful for this lovely story. It was a journey, timely for me, and welcomed!
I don't know how I could endorse her book more; I enjoyed it immensely. I recommend this powerful work that will no doubt become yet another best seller for her!
I left her pages to sleep, eat, etc. reluctantly and with plans to return as soon as possible. The plot she laid out and the twists, especially at the end, were intriguing and satisfying. But in my mind, the construction of the characters and their deep philosophical connection for me was tantamount. I love that in the back of her book she included a number of quotations from the pages that demonstrated so many radically beautiful thoughts gleaned from them! I found one she didn't include, but I liked it; "Sometimes the water is calm, others turbulent. It reminds me of life and how similar it is to the sea. Good days and bad-they come and go. Just sail on."
It's so weird that I found myself laughing sometimes and crying at others-maybe the good days and the bad...but no, they're all good!
I recently read another powerful book (I won't mention its name here) that described our lives. We live in this realm, this physical, concrete, understandable world where we can count on everything to happen according to the laws of life as we have come to know them. But maybe the world we don't see, the shadows behind the reality (or the reality behind the shadows, more likely) we ignore at our own peril. Ms. Witterick so beautifully portrays the deepest and most unlikely nuances of our human condition in ways not so showy or mystical as much as a simple rendering of our customary and ordinary lives and their interactions with the ethereal "truth" of the dreams we harbor. All of it is who we are, who her characters are, and finding the truth in all of that isn't some mysterious dreamscape. It's our lives and not a "race to oblivion" as Flo learns, but a gift to be received gratefully.
In any case, I'm grateful for this lovely story. It was a journey, timely for me, and welcomed!
I don't know how I could endorse her book more; I enjoyed it immensely. I recommend this powerful work that will no doubt become yet another best seller for her!
September 22, 2025
'You Can`t Take The Truth' is captivating book that can be easily read in one long session. In the novel dialogue drives the action forward. The short sentences invoke tension and uncertainty in the reader. This technique manages to introduce some novelty to the mostly stereotypical characters.
Yes, under the hood you have the typical young adult trope set of characters. However, none of them felt cliched in a bad way. You may not have any multi-dimensional characters, but you have a clear driver for every action that is committed. Flo and Dey `s love story serves as good story locomotive and and I felt really invested in it.
My biggest issue with the story is that the dystopian setting was underdeveloped. The world which was supposedly decimated from the effects of The Truth was resembling our reality with very little changes. One would imagine that if dreams were better than reality, the world would suffer from massive shortage of labor force, bad quality goods and service, etc ( nod to Ayn Rand :) ) . None of this is seen in the reality of The Truth. I understand that this is ultimately a love story, but the premise was extremely interesting to me and the lack of focus there was disappointing.
The open ending was really promising to me, as I would like to see Flo take on Giselle`s empire from the shadows. Overall the last few chapters were really a blast and demonstrated the author`s ability to keep the reader invested in her characters. Although there was not a plot twist and the story was mostly linear, the last pages kept me on my edge. Contrary to the first half of the book, which played safe when it comes to young adult themes, the last chapters were hectic and full of tension.
Overall, a great book. I would recommend it to anyone that is inspired by a good old love story. Just don`t count on the dystopia too much. :)
Yes, under the hood you have the typical young adult trope set of characters. However, none of them felt cliched in a bad way. You may not have any multi-dimensional characters, but you have a clear driver for every action that is committed. Flo and Dey `s love story serves as good story locomotive and and I felt really invested in it.
My biggest issue with the story is that the dystopian setting was underdeveloped. The world which was supposedly decimated from the effects of The Truth was resembling our reality with very little changes. One would imagine that if dreams were better than reality, the world would suffer from massive shortage of labor force, bad quality goods and service, etc ( nod to Ayn Rand :) ) . None of this is seen in the reality of The Truth. I understand that this is ultimately a love story, but the premise was extremely interesting to me and the lack of focus there was disappointing.
The open ending was really promising to me, as I would like to see Flo take on Giselle`s empire from the shadows. Overall the last few chapters were really a blast and demonstrated the author`s ability to keep the reader invested in her characters. Although there was not a plot twist and the story was mostly linear, the last pages kept me on my edge. Contrary to the first half of the book, which played safe when it comes to young adult themes, the last chapters were hectic and full of tension.
Overall, a great book. I would recommend it to anyone that is inspired by a good old love story. Just don`t count on the dystopia too much. :)
September 10, 2025
“You Can’t Take The Truth: Love Changes Everything” by J.L. Witterick is a compelling mixture of stories like George Orwell’s “1984” and “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess, tossed in with the George Lucas movie “Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back.” Imagine a medicine, “The Truth,” a blue oral pill you take that puts all worries and inhibitions aside. It is a simple substitute for Alcohol, legally prescribed amphetamines, marijuana, illegal methamphetamines, heroin, etc. “You take a pill before you go to sleep, and your dreams become whatever you want. The best part is it feels completely real.” Or is the pill a fraud, leading users away from facing reality, afraid to act for real to cure their infirmities? Will escaping to “The Truth” pill destroy humanity?
Each character is someone we all know, or do we? From the orphaned heroine, Flo, to her first love, Dey, who she learns is a Gen-Z revolutionary. The man who invents “The Truth” becomes the wealthiest man in the world, an Al Capone-like criminal, “The Man.” Flo and Dey despise the pill and “The Man.” Flo’s stepbrother, Wyatt, and Dey become fast friends in college. An incident leads Wyatt to become a boyfriend to “The Man’s” daughter, Melody. Dey’s plot, with Wyatt's help, is to sabotage the factory where “The Truth” is manufactured, leading the reader into a world filled with characters, plot twists, and characters which are delightfully described by the author. As Flo thinks in the novel, “People are not what they seem.” This novel proves that Flo is correct.
I encourage you to read “You Can’t Take The Truth: Love Changes Everything” by J.L. Witterick. I would rate it a 5.0 on a 1 to 5 scale.
Each character is someone we all know, or do we? From the orphaned heroine, Flo, to her first love, Dey, who she learns is a Gen-Z revolutionary. The man who invents “The Truth” becomes the wealthiest man in the world, an Al Capone-like criminal, “The Man.” Flo and Dey despise the pill and “The Man.” Flo’s stepbrother, Wyatt, and Dey become fast friends in college. An incident leads Wyatt to become a boyfriend to “The Man’s” daughter, Melody. Dey’s plot, with Wyatt's help, is to sabotage the factory where “The Truth” is manufactured, leading the reader into a world filled with characters, plot twists, and characters which are delightfully described by the author. As Flo thinks in the novel, “People are not what they seem.” This novel proves that Flo is correct.
I encourage you to read “You Can’t Take The Truth: Love Changes Everything” by J.L. Witterick. I would rate it a 5.0 on a 1 to 5 scale.
December 16, 2025
You Can’t Take the Truth is a haunting and emotionally charged young adult dystopian novel that explores what happens when escapism becomes more desirable than reality.
J.L. Witterick crafts a chilling world where fantasy is chemically engineered and truth is something people willingly abandon. The concept of The Truth as a drug is both imaginative and unsettling, serving as a sharp metaphor for modern society’s addiction to curated realities and emotional avoidance. The stakes feel urgent and disturbingly plausible.
Florence Hopewell is a compelling protagonist, resilient, thoughtful, and quietly brave. Her refusal to surrender to illusion gives the story its moral backbone, while her connection with Dey Wintergreen adds a tender, aching layer of humanity. Their relationship is not just romantic; it’s a catalyst for awakening, rebellion, and hope.
What truly elevates this novel is its emotional depth. Beneath the dystopian framework lies a powerful meditation on love, courage, and the cost of facing truth in a world that would rather forget it exists. Witterick balances action, introspection, and romance with confidence, creating a story that lingers long after the final page.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent, You Can’t Take the Truth is a thought-provoking, heart-driven story that asks a timeless question: when fantasy offers everything, will you still choose what’s real?
J.L. Witterick crafts a chilling world where fantasy is chemically engineered and truth is something people willingly abandon. The concept of The Truth as a drug is both imaginative and unsettling, serving as a sharp metaphor for modern society’s addiction to curated realities and emotional avoidance. The stakes feel urgent and disturbingly plausible.
Florence Hopewell is a compelling protagonist, resilient, thoughtful, and quietly brave. Her refusal to surrender to illusion gives the story its moral backbone, while her connection with Dey Wintergreen adds a tender, aching layer of humanity. Their relationship is not just romantic; it’s a catalyst for awakening, rebellion, and hope.
What truly elevates this novel is its emotional depth. Beneath the dystopian framework lies a powerful meditation on love, courage, and the cost of facing truth in a world that would rather forget it exists. Witterick balances action, introspection, and romance with confidence, creating a story that lingers long after the final page.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Matched, and Divergent, You Can’t Take the Truth is a thought-provoking, heart-driven story that asks a timeless question: when fantasy offers everything, will you still choose what’s real?
September 4, 2025
The truth will set you free, the real truth.
This novel works as a sci-fi thriller, a fantasy love story, and a socio-psychological examination of family, politics, money, and power. It is set in the present time, so social media emerges as a character unto itself. The character development is solid, as I quickly became a fan of Flo, the main character. There are a couple of literary techniques that are important to mention. The chapters are short, reminiscent of Melville’s Moby Dick. This keeps the reader engaged and moving forward. The story is also about the pursuit of the truth through art, and is filled with literary allusions , subtle allusions to scripture and not so subtle, such as the truth shall set you free. The race to the end had some problems with a realistic timeline, but that was overcome by the emergence of the enemy drug, The Truth, which at first fools us into believing one of the later chapters as corny and overly sentimental! The Truth emerges for Flo, or was it really her own truth, her own dreams. Finally, as happy and content Flo and Dey feel at the end, The Truth, still lurks in the shadows, a template of our present world view. But Flo and Dey offer the only answer, that love never fails.
This novel works as a sci-fi thriller, a fantasy love story, and a socio-psychological examination of family, politics, money, and power. It is set in the present time, so social media emerges as a character unto itself. The character development is solid, as I quickly became a fan of Flo, the main character. There are a couple of literary techniques that are important to mention. The chapters are short, reminiscent of Melville’s Moby Dick. This keeps the reader engaged and moving forward. The story is also about the pursuit of the truth through art, and is filled with literary allusions , subtle allusions to scripture and not so subtle, such as the truth shall set you free. The race to the end had some problems with a realistic timeline, but that was overcome by the emergence of the enemy drug, The Truth, which at first fools us into believing one of the later chapters as corny and overly sentimental! The Truth emerges for Flo, or was it really her own truth, her own dreams. Finally, as happy and content Flo and Dey feel at the end, The Truth, still lurks in the shadows, a template of our present world view. But Flo and Dey offer the only answer, that love never fails.
September 17, 2025
This is a thought-provoking dystopian novel about a young woman who must navigate a world consumed by a powerful pill that allows people to live in a fantasy world. The main character, Florence Hopewell, is a woman whose life is negatively affected by this special pill called "The Truth." It allows whoever takes it to dream of their ideal world in which all of their desires and ambitions are fulfilled without any work or effort. This, in turn, makes people lazy, depressed, and even suicidal in the real world. Florence understands this firsthand. After her mother's tragic death, she vows never to take the Truth. She falls in love with a man named Dey, and the two plan to take down the world order that the man operates.
This was an enjoyable read, but I honestly felt I wanted a bit more out of it. As I said, the concept behind it is awesome, similar to a lot of Sci Fi movies I've seen, but the execution gets a little wonky, particularly by the end. There are a couple of cool twists, but it all happens so fast that it's hard to fully process it. Plus, the ending is sort of open-ended, and I generally don't prefer that for a standalone novel. Still, it's worth reading if you're interested. It's a good metaphor for drug abuse, I think.
This was an enjoyable read, but I honestly felt I wanted a bit more out of it. As I said, the concept behind it is awesome, similar to a lot of Sci Fi movies I've seen, but the execution gets a little wonky, particularly by the end. There are a couple of cool twists, but it all happens so fast that it's hard to fully process it. Plus, the ending is sort of open-ended, and I generally don't prefer that for a standalone novel. Still, it's worth reading if you're interested. It's a good metaphor for drug abuse, I think.
September 15, 2025
This is an easy reading light romance aimed at YA market.
There is a story in there, but you have to read almost half the book before it starts. It’s not a bad story. Evil Corporation nearly gets away with it if it weren’t for those meddlesome kids (or YA). But there is so much exposition dumping and needless description to wade through making reading this a bit of a chore. It’s written in first person and tries to emulate the voice of a sort of bratty, late teen which it does manage to do. But It’s a bit like listening to a whiny teenager, it gets grating. There are whole sub stories that seem important, but aren’t. The fact that her cousin can do Jujitsu for example is laboured over and over, but at no point is it really relevant. Characters a bit one dimensional. There’s an evil aunt, and a spoiled cousin who the narrator goes and lives with after her mother dies. And there is at least two Em-dashes on every page.
TBF, I am not really the target audience for this, but I do read similar works from time to time and can appreciate arch, campy nonsense. So I guess for those that like this kind of thing it’s fine.
There is a story in there, but you have to read almost half the book before it starts. It’s not a bad story. Evil Corporation nearly gets away with it if it weren’t for those meddlesome kids (or YA). But there is so much exposition dumping and needless description to wade through making reading this a bit of a chore. It’s written in first person and tries to emulate the voice of a sort of bratty, late teen which it does manage to do. But It’s a bit like listening to a whiny teenager, it gets grating. There are whole sub stories that seem important, but aren’t. The fact that her cousin can do Jujitsu for example is laboured over and over, but at no point is it really relevant. Characters a bit one dimensional. There’s an evil aunt, and a spoiled cousin who the narrator goes and lives with after her mother dies. And there is at least two Em-dashes on every page.
TBF, I am not really the target audience for this, but I do read similar works from time to time and can appreciate arch, campy nonsense. So I guess for those that like this kind of thing it’s fine.
September 20, 2025
You Can’t Take the Truth is a dystopian story set in the very near future. It is a fast-paced, well-crafted story suitable for young adults and much older adults (like me).
The world is addicted to a drug called The Truth. The drugs enables users to create dream lives so compelling and satisfying that people prefer their dream world to their real world. That causes a lot of problems.
The drug is owned and ruthlessly controlled by The Man, who lives in a palatial estate in Orlando
The narrator and plucky heroine of the story is 16 year-old Flo. When her mom kills herself (one of The Truth’s bad side effects) Flo is sent to live with her Aunt Sherry in Orlando.
Flo leads a somewhat Cinderella-like existence with an evil stepmother and a snotty stepsister. However her stepbrother Wyatt is cool and Flo soon discovers a Prince Charming – Dey the son of her favorite high school teacher.
Dey is committed to destroying The Man and The Truth. He recruits Flo and Wyatt to this mission impossible.
Witterick is an excellent storyteller and pulls off a number of I-didn’t-see-that-coming plot twists that keeps the reader engaged right to the last page.
The world is addicted to a drug called The Truth. The drugs enables users to create dream lives so compelling and satisfying that people prefer their dream world to their real world. That causes a lot of problems.
The drug is owned and ruthlessly controlled by The Man, who lives in a palatial estate in Orlando
The narrator and plucky heroine of the story is 16 year-old Flo. When her mom kills herself (one of The Truth’s bad side effects) Flo is sent to live with her Aunt Sherry in Orlando.
Flo leads a somewhat Cinderella-like existence with an evil stepmother and a snotty stepsister. However her stepbrother Wyatt is cool and Flo soon discovers a Prince Charming – Dey the son of her favorite high school teacher.
Dey is committed to destroying The Man and The Truth. He recruits Flo and Wyatt to this mission impossible.
Witterick is an excellent storyteller and pulls off a number of I-didn’t-see-that-coming plot twists that keeps the reader engaged right to the last page.
June 1, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest evaluation of its merits.
What I liked: this was a clean YA story (no sex and 1-2 uses of profanity at the most), which is uncommon these days. The story has interesting character interactions and the idea of the only way of accessing the dream world is by taking "The Truth" pills is an intriguing dichotomy. Also, there was a clever twist at the end that I found compelling.
What was curious: For the carefully trained eye, it is obvious that the author has a British Commonwealth background (an extra "u" pops up now and again). This being the case, it was surprising to me that this story takes place in America. Yes you have some characters with British backgrounds, but placing this story in Florida was curious.
Also, the stakes in this story didn't seem high enough. Perhaps I am used to dystopia on a grander scale, but the "The world must be saved from itself and we're the only ones who can do it" hype seemed to be lacking. Again, this might be influenced by my expectations from other books.
What I liked: this was a clean YA story (no sex and 1-2 uses of profanity at the most), which is uncommon these days. The story has interesting character interactions and the idea of the only way of accessing the dream world is by taking "The Truth" pills is an intriguing dichotomy. Also, there was a clever twist at the end that I found compelling.
What was curious: For the carefully trained eye, it is obvious that the author has a British Commonwealth background (an extra "u" pops up now and again). This being the case, it was surprising to me that this story takes place in America. Yes you have some characters with British backgrounds, but placing this story in Florida was curious.
Also, the stakes in this story didn't seem high enough. Perhaps I am used to dystopia on a grander scale, but the "The world must be saved from itself and we're the only ones who can do it" hype seemed to be lacking. Again, this might be influenced by my expectations from other books.
September 6, 2025
This young adult dystopian romance has well-built, prominent characters you can imagine as real-life people you see and chat to daily. It introduces a young (but strong-willed) teenager called Florence Nightingale Hopewell, who refuses to be part of the herd that follows ‘The Truth’. Together with her boyfriend, she refuses to give in, and so the battle commences...
What a book and what a plot! J.L. Witterick’s mind has gone into a different ‘thought mode’ to have written a book with twists and surprises each time you turn over a page. Her thought process is amazing to have written a story which can be exciting but also a little disturbing when weighing up the ‘what-ifs’.
When you consider humans and all of their traits, the most frightening thought of all is that this could actually happen... a great talk-provoking and thought-provoking book, full of twists, turns and incorrect assumptions.
Definitely a book not to be missed! One for the YA’s (young adults) and also the OA’s (older adults- like me!)
What a book and what a plot! J.L. Witterick’s mind has gone into a different ‘thought mode’ to have written a book with twists and surprises each time you turn over a page. Her thought process is amazing to have written a story which can be exciting but also a little disturbing when weighing up the ‘what-ifs’.
When you consider humans and all of their traits, the most frightening thought of all is that this could actually happen... a great talk-provoking and thought-provoking book, full of twists, turns and incorrect assumptions.
Definitely a book not to be missed! One for the YA’s (young adults) and also the OA’s (older adults- like me!)
September 8, 2025
I was asked to review this book on the Book Review Exchange program, and bought a copy. I have not been paid for this review.
You can't take the Truth by J.L. WITTERICK is a book for young adults and not something I would normally read. It is the story of Florence Hopewell and is told from her perspective. J.L. WITTERICK’s writing is fast paced and book is easy to read. Her characters are well drawn, especially those the reader is not suppose to like, for example, Aunt Sherry and Helen. There is a great deal of introspection from the main protagonist and therefore would be most suited to a young female audience. The writing is crisp although at times I found that there was a tendency to turn many descriptions into metaphors. Also, because of the introspection, we find that Florence turns everything into a question for the reader. While at the start I did not mind this I soon found this quite tiresome. However, there will be a lot of people who will enjoy Florence’s and Dey’s journey as they fight to against the Dura Corporation and the drug, The Truth.
You can't take the Truth by J.L. WITTERICK is a book for young adults and not something I would normally read. It is the story of Florence Hopewell and is told from her perspective. J.L. WITTERICK’s writing is fast paced and book is easy to read. Her characters are well drawn, especially those the reader is not suppose to like, for example, Aunt Sherry and Helen. There is a great deal of introspection from the main protagonist and therefore would be most suited to a young female audience. The writing is crisp although at times I found that there was a tendency to turn many descriptions into metaphors. Also, because of the introspection, we find that Florence turns everything into a question for the reader. While at the start I did not mind this I soon found this quite tiresome. However, there will be a lot of people who will enjoy Florence’s and Dey’s journey as they fight to against the Dura Corporation and the drug, The Truth.
May 16, 2025
I had no idea what this book would be about going into it. I knew there would be love, but I couldn’t tell what “the truth” would be about. Quickly into the book, it makes sense. How would you like to live the life you always wanted to live by taking “The Truth”.
The premise was so unique and it pulled me in right away. I really loved Flo, I think she experienced so much grief and loss in her life and still let herself love and be loved by Dey… DEY he made me swoon. He was just genuine and you could tell he loved Flo so much.
The story was easy to follow and fast paced. There was a point at the end where I was like “ehh I’m not liking this ending” and I was bamboozled!! It was wonderful, I love how the story unfolded and I loved how it ended. The quote that will always be true for me personally “life only makes sense with love”. Romantic, platonic, familial; love makes life worth living.
I plan on reading any other books by J.L. Witterick.
Thanks for a really beautiful story!
The premise was so unique and it pulled me in right away. I really loved Flo, I think she experienced so much grief and loss in her life and still let herself love and be loved by Dey… DEY he made me swoon. He was just genuine and you could tell he loved Flo so much.
The story was easy to follow and fast paced. There was a point at the end where I was like “ehh I’m not liking this ending” and I was bamboozled!! It was wonderful, I love how the story unfolded and I loved how it ended. The quote that will always be true for me personally “life only makes sense with love”. Romantic, platonic, familial; love makes life worth living.
I plan on reading any other books by J.L. Witterick.
Thanks for a really beautiful story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
This novel provides a fascinating exploration of the complex nature of truth and how people can be manipulated to shift their gaze on reality. Witterick’s prose is compelling, drawing me into Florence’s world of secrets and moral dilemmas. “You can’t stop the truth,” seems to be a recurrent theme in the book, one that is skillfully developed. The characters are multidimensional, and their choices reflect real human conflicts. The suspense builds beautifully, especially as Florence grapples with her loyalty. I appreciated how the story highlights that “Love is stronger than The Truth,” forcing us to examine what we’re willing to sacrifice. The narrative’s emotional depth and moral questions lingered in my mind long after I closed the book. It’s a thought-provoking story that asks: Is honesty always the best path? Highly recommended for those who love stories about morality and human frailty.
September 5, 2025
An intriguing story, starting with the title: “You Can’t Take The Truth,” draws one in from the very first. The writing is exquisite, the characters endearing and the story compelling, I couldn’t help but keep reading, immersed in the intrigue of this storyline… but, it’s so much more than that. This book is an experience in introspection for the reader as well.
Witterick invites us to look at truth in a different way, to not take hearsay, popular opinion, group pressure and mistake it for honest evaluation, whether it be a product, people/person, or circumstance. But to trust oneself for honest answers for one’s own life.
The epic love story, not only of Flo and Dey’s relationship, but of life with itself. The courage and honesty needed to really live and love flows thought the entire story with each character facing themselves and choosing what their integrity means.
I loved reading this book and highly recommend it without reservation. Thank you.
Witterick invites us to look at truth in a different way, to not take hearsay, popular opinion, group pressure and mistake it for honest evaluation, whether it be a product, people/person, or circumstance. But to trust oneself for honest answers for one’s own life.
The epic love story, not only of Flo and Dey’s relationship, but of life with itself. The courage and honesty needed to really live and love flows thought the entire story with each character facing themselves and choosing what their integrity means.
I loved reading this book and highly recommend it without reservation. Thank you.
September 6, 2025
You Can’t Take The Truth – well, the title isn’t what it may seem. In this story, The Truth is a drug that gives its users such vivid dreams that it seems like reality. They get to live out their wildest dreams and fantasies. Sounds perfect. Our heroine, Florence, however, doesn’t see it that way.
Begrudgingly taken in by her aunt after her parents’ deaths, Florence has a different perspective on life – seeing what most others clearly can’t. She discovers that her favourite teacher is of the same mind-set, and ultimately she takes up with his son, Dey, who had ideas to proactively shut the manufacture of The Truth down. When Florence, Dey and Florence’s cousin, Wyatt, are caught in their attempted sabotage, things don’t turn out quite the way they expect.
I’m not going to spoil the ending here, you need to read this book. J.L Witterick’s writing is beautifully crafted, and the storyline keeps you turning those pages.
Begrudgingly taken in by her aunt after her parents’ deaths, Florence has a different perspective on life – seeing what most others clearly can’t. She discovers that her favourite teacher is of the same mind-set, and ultimately she takes up with his son, Dey, who had ideas to proactively shut the manufacture of The Truth down. When Florence, Dey and Florence’s cousin, Wyatt, are caught in their attempted sabotage, things don’t turn out quite the way they expect.
I’m not going to spoil the ending here, you need to read this book. J.L Witterick’s writing is beautifully crafted, and the storyline keeps you turning those pages.
September 6, 2025
The Truth will set you free. Will it though? I was drawn straight into this dystopian world with the easy to read writing style. From the beginning I was inside Flo’s head and felt her fear, outrage, distrust, and even sad acceptance of life’s brutal reality. Fortunately, she is a survivor and that made me love her even more. The characters are well developed. I swear I can hear Aunt Sherry's shrill tones, and see Helen's pouty lips. Dey is adorable, as are his parents. This is a book where you care for, and really want good things to happen to decent people. I remember my first love and the author nails these feelings perfectly. It’s endearing to watch Flo open up to people as her heart heals. There are lessons in not assuming things are are you think. A good reminder for us all. And, there are plenty of twists to keep you on your toes and turning the pages to find out exactly what happens next.
July 21, 2025
You Can’t Take the Truth is a powerful novel that haunted me long after I finished reading it. Florence’s voice is authentic, and her journey through loss, love, and moral landscapes fraught with deception is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The author weaves insightful passages into the narrative, putting the grim reality of existence side by side with sparkling insights and beautiful prose. The suspense is relentless, and the plot twists reveal the extent to which people are willing to sacrifice to protect their loved ones. Witterick’s storytelling is vivid, and her characters are richly developed. I found myself rooting for Florence, despite her flaws. This story made me think about how fragile our moral compass can be in the face of adversity. A truly unforgettable read that challenges your perceptions of honesty and loyalty.
July 21, 2025
Witterick’s novel is a riveting tale of honesty, loyalty, and the devastating power of manipulation. I couldn’t help but feel a connection to Florence as she navigated her perilous world. She refuses to fall for the addiction of her time, and while embracing love, she comes to the startling realization that “Love can overcome threats to humanity.” I enjoyed how this author explores the psyche of her characters and their humanity. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the suspense kept me glued to the pages. Witterick paints her characters with such realism that I felt their pain and hope. The story questions whether “the truth” is always worth revealing, and I found myself pondering that long after I finished. It’s a beautifully written, emotionally charged story that challenges the reader to consider what moral compromises we’re willing to make for those we love.
August 5, 2025
You cant take the truth by J.L. Witterick is a dystopian novel that makes you think.
Florence is the main character, and one day when her mother deams her old enough, she is told about The Truth.
The Truth is a pill of sorts, that you take before you go to sleep and it allows you to dream about whatever you want, vividly. It allows you to live however you want in your dreams while society crumbles around you in real life.
Florence, at 17 seems to be the only one that sees The Truth as a problem. She refuses to get sucked into being addicted to The Truth that has taken a whole generation. Together with Dey, a boy that makes her heart beat faster, they start a rebellion that could change everything.
I really enjoyed this book and I think Divergent fans will like it too. I received am advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
Florence is the main character, and one day when her mother deams her old enough, she is told about The Truth.
The Truth is a pill of sorts, that you take before you go to sleep and it allows you to dream about whatever you want, vividly. It allows you to live however you want in your dreams while society crumbles around you in real life.
Florence, at 17 seems to be the only one that sees The Truth as a problem. She refuses to get sucked into being addicted to The Truth that has taken a whole generation. Together with Dey, a boy that makes her heart beat faster, they start a rebellion that could change everything.
I really enjoyed this book and I think Divergent fans will like it too. I received am advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
September 6, 2025
This is a Teen/Young Adult dystopian novel that stresses the kinds of things teens may need to hear, including: the terrible danger of addiction; standing up for what’s right; the potential for misjudging other people; and the importance of love in our lives. Like many successful YA novels, teen characters are the ones fighting against evil. The story includes some nice twists and turns as Flo and her cohorts struggle to save the world from societal collapse. Told in the first person, the narrative often sounds like a teenager wrote it, complete with some misspellings editors should have caught – “verses” rather than “versus,” and malapropisms, like “all for not” rather than “all for naught.” But it works. Judging by the abrupt ending, I can’t help but wonder if a sequel is in the works. All in all, a book I think teen readers would enjoy.
September 13, 2025
Imagine a drug that enables you to live out your dreams. This premise is precisely what unfolds in You Can't Take The Truth. J.L. Witterick's imagination and creativity weave a narrative rich with themes of loss, abuse, found family, rebellion, and love. The characters were captivating, the plot remained intriguing, and the journey was filled with surprising twists. A touching love story developed between Dey and Flo. There was a palpable sense of respect and fear surrounding The Man, the founder of The Truth. The story included several unnecessary details that distracted from the main narrative and could have been omitted. Additionally, some elements felt overly coincidental, but these did not diminish the overall impact of the story. I highly recommend the book to fans of dystopian fiction.
September 20, 2025
The premise of this story captured my interest immediately. Imagine being able to take a drug that would allow you to live a rich fantasy life in your mind. It sounds like the perfect way to escape the stress of real life. But there are those who refuse to take the drug. Flo and her friends believe that living in an imaginary world would have a negative impact on their lives and they are determined to stop production of the drug.
This story is not only entertaining, it’s thought provoking. The Truth Drug could be a metaphor for alcohol and other drugs. The story deals with the themes of addiction and tenacity. It’s also a coming-of-age story. It’s written for young adults, but is a must-read for all ages.
The author has a beautiful voice and her characters are real, flawed people that pulled me in and kept me reading. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
This story is not only entertaining, it’s thought provoking. The Truth Drug could be a metaphor for alcohol and other drugs. The story deals with the themes of addiction and tenacity. It’s also a coming-of-age story. It’s written for young adults, but is a must-read for all ages.
The author has a beautiful voice and her characters are real, flawed people that pulled me in and kept me reading. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
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