When her father returns home from the war in Afghanistan with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, sixteen-year-old Merci’s world turns upside down. She tries everything in her power to rescue him from his nightmares and his self-destructive behavior. As she struggles to restore the loving relationship she once had with him, she longs for a normal life, a future as an artist, and to fall in love. Merci must face her deepest fears in order to rescue her dad and ultimately herself. Will she be able to pull her father out of his private hell, or will he drag her down with him? In her quest to rescue him, Merci must also learn to how to save herself.
This was an emotionally potent story. I had the privilege of hearing the story in its first edits and thought it was very good. Now as a finished product I can say it is excellent. Trish developed the relationships very well. The reader can identify with the struggles of Merci, her dad, and others. Nothing is simple, easily solved, cured or healed. But the story leads to hope. Good job Trish!