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She Doesn't Know
Chloe Parker has just been uprooted to a tiny American compound in Saudi Arabia. You’d think after fourteen years of being an Air Force brat, she’d be used to being the new kid, but it still sucks. At least until she meets charming, charismatic Alex and falls for him hard.
But Alex is a year older and is heading off to boarding school in Switzerland. Chloe won’t see him again for nine months and it’s breaking her heart. She doesn’t even know if Alex likes her back until he gifts her his private binder of hand-written stories and song lyrics to remember him by. That has to mean something, right?
At long last the wait is over and Alex returns, but he's a haunted shell of his former self. Something bad happened while Alex was away, something that killed the light in his eyes, and Chloe is determined to help him. She has to get the old Alex back.
But Chloe doesn’t know you can’t bring someone back from a place you’ve never been. All you can do is be there when they finally decide to come home.
But Alex is a year older and is heading off to boarding school in Switzerland. Chloe won’t see him again for nine months and it’s breaking her heart. She doesn’t even know if Alex likes her back until he gifts her his private binder of hand-written stories and song lyrics to remember him by. That has to mean something, right?
At long last the wait is over and Alex returns, but he's a haunted shell of his former self. Something bad happened while Alex was away, something that killed the light in his eyes, and Chloe is determined to help him. She has to get the old Alex back.
But Chloe doesn’t know you can’t bring someone back from a place you’ve never been. All you can do is be there when they finally decide to come home.
- GenresYoung AdultContemporary
ebook
Published March 31, 2017
137 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Shane Morales
3 books14 followersAs a multi-genre author living on the fringes of society, Shane delights in questioning authority and challenging social norms. He writes true to his own teen experience and pens genuine young adult stories about first love and second chances. Featuring realistic teen behavior, his stories deal with serious topics such as underage drinking, teen sex, and mental illness.
His novels are written for mature readers who enjoy serious young adult stories.
Shane grew up during the eighties in an American compound in Saudi Arabia, and also attended a boarding school in Switzerland. Most of his stories are set at these locations.
His novels are written for mature readers who enjoy serious young adult stories.
Shane grew up during the eighties in an American compound in Saudi Arabia, and also attended a boarding school in Switzerland. Most of his stories are set at these locations.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
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May 20, 2019
She Doesn't Know
This book has brought tears, smiles, and laughs throughout reading. I found myself deeply into the book that the end came faster than I wanted it too.
This book has brought tears, smiles, and laughs throughout reading. I found myself deeply into the book that the end came faster than I wanted it too.
October 19, 2019
This book destroyed me. So much emotion in it. This is a book with so many highs and lows. Written so very well. Amanda is brilliant.
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
June 10, 2023
Thoughtful but problematic
Chloe is an Air Force kid who is used to moving around, but this time she has been dragged all the way to Taif Airbase in Saudi Arabia with her family. There, she is introduced to the small group of teens whose families also live there, and she's integrated into their group. She becomes fast friends with Anna, and she soon meets Alex, who seems somehow a bit different from the others. Soon she and Alex are seeing each other daily, and she finds herself sharing her drawings with him. He kets her see his writing, which he has never shared with anyone else, and they become close. She likes him more than she has ever liked any other boy. At the end of summer, the older kids in the group all leave for boarding school because the airbase school only goes through 9th grade, but before he leaves, Akex gives Chloe a folder with all of his writings. Throughout the school year, even while she is dating Ryan, a boy in her grade, Chloe reads and rereads Alex's writings and longs for the day when he'll return. But when the next summer comes and everyone comes back, Alex is different. Way different. He seems...dead inside. At the nightly gatherings, where all the kids gather to hang out, talk, and sometimes drink the local home brew (sadiki), Alex is quiet, drinks a lot, and does dangerous things. Chloe starts going to his house every day to wake him up and their old closeness returns...sort of...but she feels he is hiding something from her. What happened to him at school, at can she help him before he hurts himself?
*No spoilers* I only gave this book 4 stars for a couple of reasons. One was that (without revealing it) I wasn't totally satisfied with the ending--it was a little too pat, too neat, too tied up a bow. But y'all can judge that for yourselves. Another was that I wasn't happy with the lack of development or resolution of some of the other characters, particularly London and Hudson, who I found to be two of the more sympathetic people in the book. A third is that the title, frankly, sucks. That could have been done better! I knew someone who spent a couple of years in Saudi with teenagers, and I can attest that much of what the author writes is dead on. The kids had to stay in the compound and could not, for instance, wear shorts outside of it (girls had to be completely covered and be accompanied by a male), and yes, they drank illicit liquor. Her daughter was a goody-goody, but if she'd known what her son got up to she'd have stroked out! She brought them back to the states before her husband's contract was up because "it was no life for teenagers".
This book is recommended for 16+ because of "sexual situations", but kids younger than that know all about that stuff these days. I would let my high schooler or mature 13+ read it (thinking about what I read at that age!).
Chloe is an Air Force kid who is used to moving around, but this time she has been dragged all the way to Taif Airbase in Saudi Arabia with her family. There, she is introduced to the small group of teens whose families also live there, and she's integrated into their group. She becomes fast friends with Anna, and she soon meets Alex, who seems somehow a bit different from the others. Soon she and Alex are seeing each other daily, and she finds herself sharing her drawings with him. He kets her see his writing, which he has never shared with anyone else, and they become close. She likes him more than she has ever liked any other boy. At the end of summer, the older kids in the group all leave for boarding school because the airbase school only goes through 9th grade, but before he leaves, Akex gives Chloe a folder with all of his writings. Throughout the school year, even while she is dating Ryan, a boy in her grade, Chloe reads and rereads Alex's writings and longs for the day when he'll return. But when the next summer comes and everyone comes back, Alex is different. Way different. He seems...dead inside. At the nightly gatherings, where all the kids gather to hang out, talk, and sometimes drink the local home brew (sadiki), Alex is quiet, drinks a lot, and does dangerous things. Chloe starts going to his house every day to wake him up and their old closeness returns...sort of...but she feels he is hiding something from her. What happened to him at school, at can she help him before he hurts himself?
*No spoilers* I only gave this book 4 stars for a couple of reasons. One was that (without revealing it) I wasn't totally satisfied with the ending--it was a little too pat, too neat, too tied up a bow. But y'all can judge that for yourselves. Another was that I wasn't happy with the lack of development or resolution of some of the other characters, particularly London and Hudson, who I found to be two of the more sympathetic people in the book. A third is that the title, frankly, sucks. That could have been done better! I knew someone who spent a couple of years in Saudi with teenagers, and I can attest that much of what the author writes is dead on. The kids had to stay in the compound and could not, for instance, wear shorts outside of it (girls had to be completely covered and be accompanied by a male), and yes, they drank illicit liquor. Her daughter was a goody-goody, but if she'd known what her son got up to she'd have stroked out! She brought them back to the states before her husband's contract was up because "it was no life for teenagers".
This book is recommended for 16+ because of "sexual situations", but kids younger than that know all about that stuff these days. I would let my high schooler or mature 13+ read it (thinking about what I read at that age!).
May 18, 2022
This is an emotional coming of age story about a group of teens living in Saudi Arabia ,on a small military compound.
This story is about their struggles living in a foreign country. With not much to do, they experience adventures, drinking, how they spent their time together.
Being the new girl, Chloe was always questioning the things they did, asking them wouldn't they get in trouble. Alex told her only if they get caught. They never pressured her to drink or go with them. Later, it was choices she made in her life that changed it forever.
Alex brought an excitement to her life that she never had. One year, he had a darkness inside when he returned from boarding school. Even Chloe couldn't heal his soul.
This story is full of teenage angst, self discovery, jealousy, suicide attempt, depression and teen pregnancy.
A YA story I would recommend.
Amanda Stribling narration is very emotional. she captures all the emotions and personalities of every character. very well done.I enjoyed lIstening very much.
This story is about their struggles living in a foreign country. With not much to do, they experience adventures, drinking, how they spent their time together.
Being the new girl, Chloe was always questioning the things they did, asking them wouldn't they get in trouble. Alex told her only if they get caught. They never pressured her to drink or go with them. Later, it was choices she made in her life that changed it forever.
Alex brought an excitement to her life that she never had. One year, he had a darkness inside when he returned from boarding school. Even Chloe couldn't heal his soul.
This story is full of teenage angst, self discovery, jealousy, suicide attempt, depression and teen pregnancy.
A YA story I would recommend.
Amanda Stribling narration is very emotional. she captures all the emotions and personalities of every character. very well done.I enjoyed lIstening very much.
September 1, 2018
She doesn’t know 2 half stars
Part of the reason i ppicked This Book up Was the Mention of army children children whose parents are in the army. However aside from a brief mention in the beginningIt was not really brought up againq
I also thought that the writing style was more suited to a medical grade novel. I didn’t likeqHouse sex and alcohol among young teens Was1 used so flippantly It’s also wasn’t an accurate for trail of teen pregnancy and I feel It glossed over The struggles of teen parenthoodWhile instalove does not usually bother me I don’t feel as if it worked in this storyI’m talking about I feel of the character and what were well written and I appreciated the authors deeper meaning in this novel personally I wouldn’t recommend it for younger teens
Part of the reason i ppicked This Book up Was the Mention of army children children whose parents are in the army. However aside from a brief mention in the beginningIt was not really brought up againq
I also thought that the writing style was more suited to a medical grade novel. I didn’t likeqHouse sex and alcohol among young teens Was1 used so flippantly It’s also wasn’t an accurate for trail of teen pregnancy and I feel It glossed over The struggles of teen parenthoodWhile instalove does not usually bother me I don’t feel as if it worked in this storyI’m talking about I feel of the character and what were well written and I appreciated the authors deeper meaning in this novel personally I wouldn’t recommend it for younger teens
March 17, 2019
This story was told by the perfect narrator for the age range that the story dealt with.
I struggled with finding purpose of the story. I couldn't feel a connection for the two main character's. I did feel a teenage crush but not really anything more. It went into full detail about children growing up moving around for their parents military life.
I loved the last few chapters but the rest of the story felt like something was missing. I wish the story would have pulled me in more so I understood the angst that was the author was trying to relay.
***audiobook obsession reviewer***
I struggled with finding purpose of the story. I couldn't feel a connection for the two main character's. I did feel a teenage crush but not really anything more. It went into full detail about children growing up moving around for their parents military life.
I loved the last few chapters but the rest of the story felt like something was missing. I wish the story would have pulled me in more so I understood the angst that was the author was trying to relay.
***audiobook obsession reviewer***
March 20, 2019
She Doesn't Know was a sweet, easy read and I enjoyed it. This YA novel was a bit emotional and heart-aching at times however it had the best ending. Its a story about young love and dealing with grief. Although suitable to a younger audience, the story held my interest until the end.
It was narrated by Amanda Stribling, whose voice was perfectly suited to the character. Her words were clear and distinct and I had no problems listening to her narration.
This was a great story and I would highly recommend it for the YA lovers who are looking for a tamer storyline with less heat.
It was narrated by Amanda Stribling, whose voice was perfectly suited to the character. Her words were clear and distinct and I had no problems listening to her narration.
This was a great story and I would highly recommend it for the YA lovers who are looking for a tamer storyline with less heat.
March 30, 2020
WOW!!
When I started this book , I thought “ooo.. I like this” and then I just fell in love with Chloe. I just love her as a character , going from a naive fourteen year old to a strong independent young woman at seventeen.
I know when I got to the “Two years later” chapters this was going to get five stars.
This book made me feel so many different emotions and I loved every single second 😍😍
When I started this book , I thought “ooo.. I like this” and then I just fell in love with Chloe. I just love her as a character , going from a naive fourteen year old to a strong independent young woman at seventeen.
I know when I got to the “Two years later” chapters this was going to get five stars.
This book made me feel so many different emotions and I loved every single second 😍😍
May 17, 2020
No. No. No. No. No. This is all SO toxic and bad. The writing isn't bad so I kept hoping that all the toxic shit would pay off a little better (i.e., leave the reader with more of an understanding of how messed up it all was) but nope. Worse and worse.
January 11, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book
The characters and their growth were well written. I loved all the separate yet intertwined friendships. I would read this again.
The characters and their growth were well written. I loved all the separate yet intertwined friendships. I would read this again.
January 20, 2018
Entertaining
I liked the book. I finished it in two days because I didn't want to stop reading. Definitely a great book.
I liked the book. I finished it in two days because I didn't want to stop reading. Definitely a great book.
March 17, 2018
The most beautiful, heartwrenching in places book I've read in a long time! I picked it up and literally couldn't put it back down. I read it in one night, it was so good.
April 3, 2018
5 stars
Great book
I loved the story the ending was amazing!
Although I almost cried when Alex did what he did to Chloe.
Great book
I loved the story the ending was amazing!
Although I almost cried when Alex did what he did to Chloe.
July 17, 2018
read this in one day, highly rate. it's an easy read which I could happily enjoy a second book of the storyline.
June 26, 2020
Okay. Not what I expected, but not bad.
September 7, 2020
Very good! I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was very interesting and i couldn't put it down once i started reading it!!
November 8, 2020
Any review helps
I really liked the plot of this book. I was surprised by all but one of the Things that happened.
I really liked the plot of this book. I was surprised by all but one of the Things that happened.
March 25, 2021
Interesting
I came across this and I loved it .. I would def re-read this! I would like to read more from this author 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I came across this and I loved it .. I would def re-read this! I would like to read more from this author 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 8, 2025
This was the first YA book I read when I was a young teen. It made me fall back into love with reading. So glad I found it again after all these years
February 26, 2020
DNF @ 35%
Very VERY boring!
Very VERY boring!
February 18, 2022
This was a good book! believable and likable characters, a dramatic plot and a sad twist near the end.
July 13, 2019
Love this book
You don't get too many books like this authors. He writes in such a great way that makes you love his stories. You should pick up this book and give it a chance
You don't get too many books like this authors. He writes in such a great way that makes you love his stories. You should pick up this book and give it a chance
April 1, 2017
Growing up in Saoudi Arabia is not as exciting as it sounds, not when you are living on a compound and only have a handful of people your age to spend a long boring summer with! Touching story about teenage boredom, love, friendship and anguish. I really enjoyed reading this!
April 1, 2017
I was sent this book in return for an honest review, I spent the last two days reading it, I have not read much from this author before. Wow this book was a real surprise, I was not sure if I would like it or not from the first few chapters, but I kept with it, and the story developed before my eyes, what an amazing and emotionally charged book, not at all what I was expecting. I would definitely recommend this well written, emotional journey of a small group of teenagers dealing with issues of adolescence, love, trauma and betrayal
December 4, 2017
Wow. This book was an emotional rollercoaster! I was sucked in immediately and this book tore me and my emotions apart. I was impressed by the writing style and the characters were thoroughly developed. I am in awe of this book. One issue I had was how young the characters are. I thought maybe one or two more years older would have made it more realistic but it still drove the author's points home.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews