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I am Stone
Seventeen-year-old Dylan Ryder has been in foster care since she was an infant, and every minute, day, and year has been a trial of survival. Especially, after being placed under the care of Harley and Francis Carlton, a couple with no children of their own and who treat Dylan more like a servant and a punching bag than a child.
For over seven years, their abuses and threats forced Dylan to remain silent. But when Dylan ends up in the hospital, her new caseworker grows suspicious of the Carltons. Dylan wants to confide in Whitney and tell her everything. She wants to be set free. But the failures and negligence of her previous caseworkers make it hard to trust anyone.
But the Carltons aren’t the only threats in Dylan’s life. Forbidden to have friends, and a lack of nice clothes that fit, Dylan is the number-one “untouchable” at school, as deemed by the school’s bully. But one particular run-in with Tracy doesn’t sit well with one of the girls from her inner circle and things at school are about to change.
While Dylan goes through the motions, just trying to survive and keep her grades up in school, Whitney devises a plot to try to learn the truth and improve Dylan’s circumstances, something her previous caseworkers never tried to do. And that difference doesn’t go unnoticed by the Carltons, and Dylan will be the one to pay.
Dylan survives the Carltons, but only just.
But Dylan will heal. She’ll learn that it’s always worth fighting for the next day. She’ll gain a family and friends. And the future has never looked brighter.
Trigger warning: This book deals with subjects that may be difficult for some people, including physical and verbal abuse of a minor, bullying, starvation, brief discussions on sexual assault of a minor, depression, and discussions on suicide.
For over seven years, their abuses and threats forced Dylan to remain silent. But when Dylan ends up in the hospital, her new caseworker grows suspicious of the Carltons. Dylan wants to confide in Whitney and tell her everything. She wants to be set free. But the failures and negligence of her previous caseworkers make it hard to trust anyone.
But the Carltons aren’t the only threats in Dylan’s life. Forbidden to have friends, and a lack of nice clothes that fit, Dylan is the number-one “untouchable” at school, as deemed by the school’s bully. But one particular run-in with Tracy doesn’t sit well with one of the girls from her inner circle and things at school are about to change.
While Dylan goes through the motions, just trying to survive and keep her grades up in school, Whitney devises a plot to try to learn the truth and improve Dylan’s circumstances, something her previous caseworkers never tried to do. And that difference doesn’t go unnoticed by the Carltons, and Dylan will be the one to pay.
Dylan survives the Carltons, but only just.
But Dylan will heal. She’ll learn that it’s always worth fighting for the next day. She’ll gain a family and friends. And the future has never looked brighter.
Trigger warning: This book deals with subjects that may be difficult for some people, including physical and verbal abuse of a minor, bullying, starvation, brief discussions on sexual assault of a minor, depression, and discussions on suicide.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2022
10 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Amy DeMeritt
36 books89 followersAmy DeMeritt is an author of Sapphic romance and an occasional poet. She is a lover of the arts, coffee and tea, a day of sitting on the beach watching the waves crashing against the shore, and good books and music to get lost in. (A good thunderstorm is one of her favorite forms of music.)
Amy takes inspiration from every experience in life and gives her imagination full reign to take a small detail and expand it into an intricate tale. Weaving experience, interests, and even pushing the boundaries of personal comfort, Amy’s stories take a reader on a journey of varying emotions and the joys and trials of love, romance, and growing as an individual, all of which are embodied in an entertaining plot with complex characters.
Amy takes inspiration from every experience in life and gives her imagination full reign to take a small detail and expand it into an intricate tale. Weaving experience, interests, and even pushing the boundaries of personal comfort, Amy’s stories take a reader on a journey of varying emotions and the joys and trials of love, romance, and growing as an individual, all of which are embodied in an entertaining plot with complex characters.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 12, 2022
I am Stone was an outstanding book and the story will „stay“ emotionally with me for a long time. Be aware of the very painful topics as starvation and abuse which are written in detail. This book is surely not for everyone.
But the story is also a testament to the strengh of humans and the power to overcome such awful circumstances. Very well written and it was clear from the beginning the the author Amy Demeritt herself had a very deep connection with the main charachter and the story. So if you‘ll read this book please have a look at the personal notes of Amy at the very end.
But the story is also a testament to the strengh of humans and the power to overcome such awful circumstances. Very well written and it was clear from the beginning the the author Amy Demeritt herself had a very deep connection with the main charachter and the story. So if you‘ll read this book please have a look at the personal notes of Amy at the very end.
April 19, 2022
Bloody hell, this hurt so damn good.
I was drawn in from the very first line, and one simple word, "Drip. Drip. Drip." This book is so heart wrenchingly painful, blessedly hopeful... and every other feeling in between. I lost myself in Dylan's story and when I finally finished, I went to get a drink of water from the kitchen and my partner asked me, "are those tears on your face?" I didn't even realise they were there. It's that bloody good.
ALL of the FEELINGS! Thanks to @khi for making me aware of this book too.
I was drawn in from the very first line, and one simple word, "Drip. Drip. Drip." This book is so heart wrenchingly painful, blessedly hopeful... and every other feeling in between. I lost myself in Dylan's story and when I finally finished, I went to get a drink of water from the kitchen and my partner asked me, "are those tears on your face?" I didn't even realise they were there. It's that bloody good.
ALL of the FEELINGS! Thanks to @khi for making me aware of this book too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2022
You guys should check this book out!
Trigger warning! This book deals with some very serious topics such as abuse
Trigger warning! This book deals with some very serious topics such as abuse
July 2, 2022
I know this book is going to be something and I was right. I feel a lot of emotions reading this. Mostly I am just sad and my heart breaks thinking about every Dylan in the world.
I am sorry if you have a difficult and traumatic past like Dylan. My own past are simply plain. I didn't even realise we were actually poor. When I think back, I feel sad for myself but I never really sad back then. So I guess I had at least a good childhood. It's totally plain but at least it's nothing like whatever Dylan experienced.
This book remind me how much broken peoples affect me. One thing I know about myself is I have a very empathic heart. I wish I have an impact on someone like how Miss Sandra and Whitney on this book did.
A painful but impressive read. The rating are impressive too. If you haven't, I highly recommended this book to you. There are love interest too if you must know.
I am sorry if you have a difficult and traumatic past like Dylan. My own past are simply plain. I didn't even realise we were actually poor. When I think back, I feel sad for myself but I never really sad back then. So I guess I had at least a good childhood. It's totally plain but at least it's nothing like whatever Dylan experienced.
This book remind me how much broken peoples affect me. One thing I know about myself is I have a very empathic heart. I wish I have an impact on someone like how Miss Sandra and Whitney on this book did.
A painful but impressive read. The rating are impressive too. If you haven't, I highly recommended this book to you. There are love interest too if you must know.
April 14, 2022
Thank you
Wow, just...thank you for this. Sometimes when you move forward, it isn't enough.
This reminded me that I can be enough.
Wow, just...thank you for this. Sometimes when you move forward, it isn't enough.
This reminded me that I can be enough.
May 22, 2024
I am Stone
This was a beautiful, gut-wrenching book. I normally don't read YA books , but I was intrigued because I adore Amy DeMeritt's books. I thought I would give it a shot. I do not regret this decision.
There are so many layers to this book, and I am glad that it is sectioned off. The MC has been through hell, and we get to see her new beginning and healing start. We also watch her thrive and learn about new experiences that many people take for granted.
I couldn't put the book down. I felt the cascade of emotions and learned wisdom from a 17yo. I will continue to follow this author.
This was a beautiful, gut-wrenching book. I normally don't read YA books , but I was intrigued because I adore Amy DeMeritt's books. I thought I would give it a shot. I do not regret this decision.
There are so many layers to this book, and I am glad that it is sectioned off. The MC has been through hell, and we get to see her new beginning and healing start. We also watch her thrive and learn about new experiences that many people take for granted.
I couldn't put the book down. I felt the cascade of emotions and learned wisdom from a 17yo. I will continue to follow this author.
August 15, 2024
Wow. This book is outstanding. It is raw, honest, and painful yet has such beauty in showing that we, as humans, can be resilient.
Dylan has been through so much abuse in her short life, and yet, with the love and guidance of some very good people, she rises above it all. She is like a fledgling bird, tentatively exploring emotions she has never felt before as her life opens up to friendship and love.
The story had me in tears numerous times, not all sad tears, some were tears of happiness. In one scene the family is sitting at the dinner table meeting with solicitors and Howard's outburst made me sob tears of such happiness. Truly touching!
Make no doubt about it, it is triggering. However there is nothing gratuitous, it's all necessary to the plot. And the characters are written with such intensity and realism that you can almost reach out and touch them.
I wish everyone would read this book. It proves you never really know what's going on in someone's life. There are lessons on judgement, choices and revenge that we all need.
Thank you Amy DeMerritt for sharing such a moving and necessary story. You nailed it!
Please read it. You will struggle but I guarantee you will grow from it and it will stay with you for a long time.
Dylan has been through so much abuse in her short life, and yet, with the love and guidance of some very good people, she rises above it all. She is like a fledgling bird, tentatively exploring emotions she has never felt before as her life opens up to friendship and love.
The story had me in tears numerous times, not all sad tears, some were tears of happiness. In one scene the family is sitting at the dinner table meeting with solicitors and Howard's outburst made me sob tears of such happiness. Truly touching!
Make no doubt about it, it is triggering. However there is nothing gratuitous, it's all necessary to the plot. And the characters are written with such intensity and realism that you can almost reach out and touch them.
I wish everyone would read this book. It proves you never really know what's going on in someone's life. There are lessons on judgement, choices and revenge that we all need.
Thank you Amy DeMerritt for sharing such a moving and necessary story. You nailed it!
Please read it. You will struggle but I guarantee you will grow from it and it will stay with you for a long time.
May 16, 2022
F*#€
Yeah.
This story hits hard. Tough subject matter. Dark themes.
Totally worth the read. The MC is in foster care. She’s trapped with what seems like no way out. But she’s a survivor and all that comes with it.
I’ve never been in foster care. Nor spent much time with anyone who has lived it. My knowledge is secondhand at best, through testimonials, news articles, fictionalization and whatever else. Author DeMeritt has created a tale here that is all too chilling in its factuality. That such things aren’t just fiction, that our social services are such a convoluted mess at times, is sobering. Heartbreaking.
I love this book. Not because of the pain. But because of the journey, of the MC’s growth and the charming narrative and personality that comes out in the story.
10/10, highly recommend. Give it a read. Prepare to cry. Still worth it.
Yeah.
This story hits hard. Tough subject matter. Dark themes.
Totally worth the read. The MC is in foster care. She’s trapped with what seems like no way out. But she’s a survivor and all that comes with it.
I’ve never been in foster care. Nor spent much time with anyone who has lived it. My knowledge is secondhand at best, through testimonials, news articles, fictionalization and whatever else. Author DeMeritt has created a tale here that is all too chilling in its factuality. That such things aren’t just fiction, that our social services are such a convoluted mess at times, is sobering. Heartbreaking.
I love this book. Not because of the pain. But because of the journey, of the MC’s growth and the charming narrative and personality that comes out in the story.
10/10, highly recommend. Give it a read. Prepare to cry. Still worth it.
May 28, 2024
Touched
Wow, I am struggling to express just how impact ful this story was for me. The memories and emotions elicited relating to Dylan's character was overwhelming and rewarding. This was story was respectfully written and seeing Dylan's character's response to such traumatic events left me with hope. I recommend this book but caution you to be ready experience all the feels. Please have tissue and a support handy.
Wow, I am struggling to express just how impact ful this story was for me. The memories and emotions elicited relating to Dylan's character was overwhelming and rewarding. This was story was respectfully written and seeing Dylan's character's response to such traumatic events left me with hope. I recommend this book but caution you to be ready experience all the feels. Please have tissue and a support handy.
April 22, 2022
Wow
I'm just gonna say I'm not a violent person but if I ever got my hands on the Carltons it would be bueno. I have read all of Amy's books and I can honestly say I have loved all of them and this one is certainly no different. The strength and courage Dylan demonstrates is unbelievable. Great book but remember the tissues.
I'm just gonna say I'm not a violent person but if I ever got my hands on the Carltons it would be bueno. I have read all of Amy's books and I can honestly say I have loved all of them and this one is certainly no different. The strength and courage Dylan demonstrates is unbelievable. Great book but remember the tissues.
April 30, 2022
Amazing story
I have enjoyed this amazing heartfelt story that told very hard subject matter that showed a very strong young lady that survived a very difficult childhood.
I have enjoyed this amazing heartfelt story that told very hard subject matter that showed a very strong young lady that survived a very difficult childhood.
September 20, 2022
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would have. Best book I ever read. Captured me from page 1. I will read this book over and over.
November 1, 2022
It’s one the best book I’ve read this year. It was so hard to read that i cried every ten pages.
November 6, 2022
This is such an outstanding book that deal with very heavy topics. While this is not an easy read, the book is also full of love and hopes.
High recommend!
High recommend!
May 10, 2024
Great read
This book had me in tears I am so glad Dylan made it alive it also reminds me about a book called a child name it these books had me I couldn't to it down
This book had me in tears I am so glad Dylan made it alive it also reminds me about a book called a child name it these books had me I couldn't to it down
November 14, 2025
Absolutely superb, just go read.
February 23, 2025
violently sobbing
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews