This story was so powerful that I can’t get over it even now, after I’m done reading it for the second time. It’s not only powerful, it’s inspiring. I don’t have any disability but I could relate to Gina so much. She didn’t grow on me from the start — I thought she was too arrogant and self-focused. Sure, she was hurt, her life as she knew it was basically over, but it wasn’t the reason to treat everyone else the way she did. She was rude, hysterical, she was a real jerk. But then I realized that I was the selfish one, exactly because I never had to live through what she did. When I feel badly, my family’s meddling bothers me because I want to mope around in silence and have time for myself to figure things out. Gina was the same, only her tragedy was much bigger. She was misunderstood, but at the same time, she was so very strong psychologically. From the moment she found people who accepted her, she started to change, and that’s where I fell in love with her. She was vibrant, she worked hard on getting better, she made sacrifices for other people and she even tried to subdue her love for Adrian because she thought it would be harmful for him. I loved her for being who she was, a flawed and traumatized girl who did everything in her power to get better and fight for the life she wants.
All other characters also made a huge impression on me. Each was written so carefully, I felt like I knew them for ages. They were very well developed. I loved Carly most, though her story broke my heart completely. I understand why she did what she did to her family but it’s still painful. I loved Adrian with his quiet love and determination, with his devotion for his patients and for Gina in particular. But naturally Gina remains my favorite because we learned most about her. She might not have lived through what most others did, her problems seemed less complicated in comparison, but she also felt more lively and more real to me. Maybe it was her young age but after a while, after overcoming my initial doubts, I saw myself in her. It’s impossible not to, the author touches your soul and manages to create a connection between you and Gina that just can’t be shaken. I’m so curious what other works this writer has written because this one was amazing.