Washington

by Thomas J. Gebhardt III

"Washington... 'Washington' is going to become synonymous with this, right here, now. Whenever someone looks down at a dollar bill or at a quarter. Whenever someone mentions the capital or the state... This... This is going to pop into their minds from now on."
--Excerpt from WASHINGTON

This multiple award winning and bestselling romantic suspense thriller is about "a love story amidst an act of violence." Two parallel narratives intertwine and unfold in this coming-of-age story that is a retrospective dive into pop culture, an overview of the high school experience, and a societal and psychological commentary.

* * *

With the sound of gunshots, the crowd erupts in crying and screams. Some of them wonder what to do, some worry, all wanting to make it out alive. Evan finds he doesn't think of himself at all but about Judith. Where could she be? Is she safe?

Before that dreaded day, Evan is a new transfer to Washington High School, where he's reunited with his best friends from childhood. He's a typical slacker who would rather sketch and daydream than pay attention in class, waiting for the bell to ring so he can go to the arcade and comic book shop after school. When he meets Judith, who aims for perfection and top honors, they slowly grow closer and closer. Evan is unsure how he feels, if he fits in or what he wants out of life. And before he can think things through, he finds out a new member of his group of friends is being bullied...

Now, Evan runs through the hallways, building to building. Where is Judith? Can he find her in time? And why does something about the shooter seem so familiar?

* * *

WASHINGTON is a former NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project and was crowdfunded through Indiegogo. It features an Asian American love interest, geek humor and easter egg references to 90s and 2000s movies, music, video games, comic books, anime and manga. A portion of all profit goes to various charities.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2022

About the author

Thomas J. Gebhardt III has been seriously writing for eleven years after long days in healthcare, doing occupational therapy in the hospital setting. He lives with his wife and two sons in his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii. SMILING FACELESS WOMAN is his third book, and he did extensive research for authenticity including talking to experts, interviewing a paranormal investigator as well as a preacher, and visiting haunted locations by himself at night with a flashlight. His work is heavily influenced by pop culture including movies, music, shows, video games, comic books, anime and manga.

Reviews

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Washington by Thomas J. Gebhardt III tells a heart-wrenching story about the aftermath of a school shooting through multiple perspectives. The story is dark yet poignant, masterfully exploring complex themes of trauma, love, and growth in the face of tragedy. While the subject matter is difficult, Gebhardt handles it with care, empathy, and nuance. Through vivid characterization and gripping storytelling, he crafts an impactful narrative that will no doubt spark important conversations.

Washington by Thomas J Gebhardt III is split between a flashback storyline set prior to the shooting, and the traumatic day of the shooting itself. The flashback chapters introduce the main characters - Evan, a new transfer student at Washington High School, and Judith, a dedicated honor student who helps Evan adjust to his new school. A key relationship that develops is between Evan and Judith. Their chemistry lab partnership introduces two opposites – Evan the chill slacker and Judith the driven overachiever. Yet their differences add spice to their developing bond, as evidenced through their subtle glances and thoughtful discussions. While the budding romance between Evan and Judith provides an endearing plotline, Gebhardt wisely avoids clichés. He portrays their attraction as more complex - two individuals connecting despite pressures to conform to stereotypes. Their blossoming relationship acts as a through line that raises compelling questions about defining oneself within high school hierarchies.

Evan, in particular, feels authentic in his ambivalence about school and wanderlust nature. As an outsider thrust into a new social environment, his reluctance to engage is understandable. Yet there is also a quiet kindness to him that emerges through small acts of empathy. Judith, meanwhile, comes across as principled and striving, yet with hidden layers of vulnerability beneath her polished exterior. The romantic spark between them, slow to ignite, feels genuine in its pacing. Their storyline injects empathy and humanity into an otherwise distressing situation.

The shooting itself is recounted through Evan's perspective as he desperately searches the school for Judith. Gebhardt spares no details in depicting the raw terror and chaos of an active shooter situation. Each gunshot sends shockwaves through the panicked crowd. Descriptions of trampled bodies and screams still ring loudly in my mind after finishing the book. It is a harrowing sequence that lays bare the true horror of such violence.

Yet Gebhardt also finds moments of light in the darkest of places. Acts of courage, compassion, and self-sacrifice emerge from unexpected places. Classmates band together to barricade doors and treat injuries. Teachers shield students with their own bodies. First responders rush into the line of fire to rescue the wounded. These small rays of hope prevent the story from being an overwhelmingly bleak portrayal of human nature. They remind us of our capacity for good even in the face of unspeakable evil.

After the immediate danger passes, the story transitions again to follow various character's processes of grieving, recovery and reckoning in the aftermath. Here Gebhardt observes trauma's long tail with nuance, avoiding reductive conclusions. Some characters lash out in anger, others retreat inward, as everyone struggles in their own ways to find meaning after losing so much. Support networks both strengthen and fray under the strain. Gebhardt resists simplifying these complex aftermath dynamics into easy resolutions.

The characters who experienced the shooting firsthand will no doubt stay with me for a long time. Their pain felt viscerally real, largely due to Gebhardt's skill at intimate characterization from the start. Even minor characters who appear only briefly, like a heroic teacher or friend in the wrong place at the wrong time, haunt the reader with their humanity. We feel keenly the injustice of so many lives cut short and so much promise destroyed.

Structuring the story across flashbacks and aftermath also effectively underscores how in an instant, terror can shattered childhood innocence and tip entire communities off their axis. It drives home how profoundly a single hate-filled act can ripple outward to change countless lives forever. In the space of a few hours, characters are forced to rapidly age beyond their years. Perspectives are altered in ways that can never be repaired.

On a technical level, Gebhardt’s prose is crisp yet lush, drawing readers in immediately with evocative description. His auditory and visual storytelling transport scenes directly into the mind’s eye. Dynamics shift seamlessly between moody introspection and pulse-pounding action due to Gebhardt’s pitch-perfect pacing. Character development feels organic rather than forced. While nonlinear in structure, Gebhardt ties plot threads together cohesively thanks to strategic foreshadowing and clues seeded from the outset.

While the subject matter is undeniably bleak, Gebhardt manages to end on a note of cautious optimism. His characters, scarred but not broken, take small steps towards rebuilding meaning out of anguish. Communities strengthen in solidarity where once they were divided. And importantly, he notes that for all the darkness that man can unleash, light, compassion, and resilience will persist in human nature against even the longest of odds. It is a hopeful sentiment, if a sobering one.

The issues Gebhardt grapples with in Washington—gun violence, trauma, healing from collective losses—take on renewed gravity given recent world events. His story felt disturbingly prescient, like a premonition of conflicts still to come. In that sense, perhaps the book serves as an artifact not just of its time but of ours as well. Generations from now, readers may look to books like this one to understand the anguished reality of living through constant fear of mass shootings as the new normal.

Washington by Thomas J Gebhardt III is a novel that has surely earned its description as a "page-turner." In weaving together a propulsive thriller and a quiet character study, Gebhardt has created something wholly unique and important. This book promises an emotionally charged, unforgettable reading experience. "Washington" is sure to appeal to fans of both contemporary YA fiction and dark psychological dramas. Gebhardt's mastery of storytelling kept me enthralled from beginning to end, in spite of the heaviness of its subject matter. His bold effort to grapple with critical social issues through fiction is deeply admirable. While the scenes of violence may rattle some, for most readers, the rewards of wrestling with such urgent themes will likely outweigh any discomforts. This book illuminates dark realities but does not leave readers in darkness. It demands we bear witness to suffering—and inspires us with humanity's capacity for resilience, even in our darkest hours. For that reason alone, it deserves wide readership and discussion.

[Khushbu Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's it really like going through something so traumatizing? That's the gut punch of a question at the heart of Thomas J. Gebhardt III's deeply impactful novel "Washington." Between its flashback scenes of ordinary teenage lives and the harrowing day-in-the-life depiction of a school shooting, this book burrows into your soul.

We meet Evan, a reluctant transfer student, and Judith, the type-A overachiever - an unlikely pair that develops a spark. Their chemistry sets the stage for the tragedy that unravels everything. With economy and care, Gebhardt renders these characters as multi-faceted humans rather than stereotypes. You feel for Evan's outsider struggles to find purpose, and Judith's polished ambition disguising inner layers waiting to be discovered. Their connection, so genuine in its pacing, makes what happens to them cut that much deeper.

Because make no mistake - the shooting scene is brutal. Gebhardt pulls no punches depicting sheer pandemonium and chaos as bullets fly. You can practically feel Evan's heart trying to break out of his chest as he searches frantically for Judith amidst the stampede. Descriptions of anguished screams and lifeless bodies scattered like ragdolls burrow beneath your skin. It is not for the faint of heart, yet Gebhardt resists glorifying violence - his priority remains bearing truthful witness to trauma.

This is where many books would conclude, basking in shock value. But Gebhardt continues unpacking trauma's repercussions with care, nuance and flashes of grace. He shows us characters shattering in their own ways - some lashing out, others retreating within, while activists channel pain into purpose. Support systems bend but don't break as communities band together. Gebhardt acknowledges light that survives even humanity's darkest moments - the good that endures when all seems lost.

There is an elegiac beauty in Gebhardt's intimate characterizations. He imbues even peripheral figures with humanity so that losing them stings. Minor teachers and students who gave their lives protecting others will linger with you as hauntingly human artifacts of a senseless tragedy. His lean yet visceral prose plunges you directly into the action and psyche of each scene. Though bleak, Gebhardt's storytelling sustains a glimmer of optimism - an ember of hope that out of anguish, humans can forge new meaning.

Indeed, what sets this novel apart is how it resonates well after the final page. Its examination of trauma spreads like an inkblot across current events - from mass shootings to natural disasters. Generations from now, readers may glimpse our era through stories mirroring anxieties of living under constant threat of violence. Gebhardt bravely explores these urgent social issues without pretending to propose easy fixes. Ultimately he suggests light and resilience can persist in us, no matter the depth of human darkness.

This is a gut-wrenching yet achingly human book that demands you bear witness, and inspires with our shared capacity for courage in turmoil. While not an uplifting beach read, Gebhardt's "Washington" burrows beneath your skin, planting seeds of thought that may bear fruit for some time. It proves that sometimes the books that hurt the most are precisely the ones we need most. In trades of storytelling, Gebhardt demonstrates how fiction can grapple with real pains in a way mere facts often cannot. I can't recommend it highly enough for those open to artistic wrestling with life's hardest questions.

[Aparna Thaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few novels capture the enduring trauma of school shootings more vividly than Thomas J. Gebhardt III’s artfully crafted yet distressing “Washington.” Through blunt lyrical prose and candid character portraits, Gebhardt illuminates the paradoxes of human nature in times of tragedy. While the subject matter proves inherently dark, glimmers of redemption occasionally peek through the gloom.

The story traces the downward spiral of Evan, an ambivalent teen thrust unwillingly into the role of hero when violent terror shatters his school. Evan’s apathy morphs to panicked purpose as gunfire erupts without warning, cutting down carefree youth in a spray of blood. Yet true to the duality of man, where there is shadow, light lingers. Students transform to selfless saviors amid the carnage, guiding classmates to safety at the risk of their own.

At the chaotic epicenter lies Evan, who sheds his trademark indifference to desperately search for Judith, a studious girl harboring hidden fragility beneath her polished veneer. Their fledgling friendship kindles tentative romance, planting seeds of adolescent affection days before barbarity blossoms. When bullets fly, Evan’s sole thought is Judith’s safety, the future they will never share starkly severed in mere seconds.

Through jarring juxtaposition, Gebhardt illuminates the innocence extinguished when terror invades the sanctuary of school walls. Early chapters brim with the lazy sunshine of cosseted youth – mischief, laughter, classrooms of exuberant energy. But clouds gather abruptly as violent thunder erupts, and the dizzying whirl of high school transforms into a chamber of horrors. Fear replaces frivolity, agony supplants joy. Gebhardt constructs these contrasts expertly, heightening the visceral shock of lives callously discarded.

Yet where there is darkness, light lingers in glimpses. A beloved teacher shields students when bullets spray, sacrificing himself for theirfutures. Classmates band together to barricade doors and tend to the bleeding, exposing the better angels of human nature. Gebhardt finds redemption in small acts of courage and compassion amidst the madness.

In the aftermath, grief warps into myriad manifestations, exposing complexities beyond rage alone. Some survivors retreat into silent shells, while others unleash fury and vitriol on shadows. Divisions split once-close friends as trauma triggers primal instincts. Yet here too, flickers of light persist. Recovery inches forward through baby steps and fragile bonds woven anew, as the broken begin mending their splintered psyches. The path proves jagged, but hope hums in its quiet way.

Through raw candor, Gebhardt explores the messiness of mourning, avoiding the temptation to tidy trauma’s frayed edges into neat resolutions. Pain knows no rules, nor follows predictable patterns. Every character processes devastation in their own way, erratic and irrational though it may seem from outside. Judgment falls away in the face of such consummate anguish.

With spare but evocative prose, Gebhardt constructs a rich mosaic illuminating human complexity. Though redemption arrives in fitful bursts, it arrives nonetheless, reminding us of goodness even in the bleakest hours. Through nuanced storytelling and unflinching honesty, “Washington” illuminates the paradoxes of crisis while honoring the incredible strength of the human spirit.

[Prakruti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Gebhardt’s gut-wrenching novel “Washington” serves equal parts harrowing cultural exposé and poignant mediation on surviving loss. Unflinching in its examination of a school shooting’s aftermath yet infused with faltering grace notes of redemption, Gebhardt’s masterful storytelling proves he pulls no punches. Through raw stochastic details and relentless pacing, his propulsive prose places readers at ground zero of catastrophic violence then dares us to witness the long burn of its devastating aftermath.

By positioning us inside his adolescent characters’ formative worlds, Gebhardt makes their loss our own. New transfer student Evan ambles unaware toward meaning through new friendships when calamity rears its ugly head. Focused overachiever Judith extends him small kindnesses that blossom into sweet possibility, only to have their not-quite-budding romance decimated in seconds. Neither fits prescribed high school labels which adds genuine subtlety until blunt trauma reshapes their tender skeins of identity formation overnight.

The shooting itself proves harrowingly vivid in its unflinching detail. Staccato bursts echoing through linoleum halls. Piles of abandoned backpacks and scuffed sneakers scattered like artifacts of innocence lost. Students trampled and bullet-strewn in poses forever frozen from lives interrupted mid-sentence. Gebhardt etches these images sharply then dares readers to turn away. We cannot.

Through Evan’s perspective of racing desperately against time, every labored step echoes the punishing weight of lives lost too soon. By intercutting brutally rendered carnage against flashbacks of teenagers falling awkwardly in first love, Gebhardt heightens the senselessness of it all. The tenderness of their unfurling bond blooms frail against the abrupt trauma looming ahead to fracture everything, knowable only in agonizing retrospect.

But these frightening echoes of our gravest cultural demons prove merely the calm inner rings around deeper exploration of tragedy’s aftermath spilling outward. In the shooting's wake, grief explodes through myriad vessels. Fissures crack open families already straining under the dreary banalities of suburban ennui. Calls for collective culpability drown under waves of racialized recriminations until communication shuts down entirely. A once vibrant community contracts into hardened cliques now tribalized by loss, their common language replaced with distrustful silence.

A few rare souls emerge bloodied yet unbowed by descending darkness, groping toward meaning through small acts of conciliation. Judith finds channels for activistic outrage even as toxic blame corrodes her family inside out. Evan tries anchoring fractured bonds through awkward empathy yet stammers at coherence. Still they reach outward where others retreat behind barricades literal and emotional.

Make no mistake - Gebhardt offers no pandering platitudes on the human spirit’s resilience. The long moral arc he depicts bends crookedly from this tragedy’s epicenter. But the nuanced grace notes he weaves between characters clawing back from chaos still stir that most precious, embered coal at redemption’s darkened edges - hope filtered to its faintest glimmer.

As contemporary literature engaging troubling social realities, “Washington” offers unflinching testimony stripped of realist constraints. Like the truth commissions urgently needed to reconcile our deepest communal wounds, Gebhardt airs the darkest imaginings haunting our cultural psyche. Through this daring fiction, we collectively examine the furthest boundaries of empathy and culpability in hopes of emerging wiser. Such masterful storytelling comes searingly cathartic, urgently necessary. We close its final page rattled yet resolved, together traversing the via dolorosa toward whatever awaits in the light beyond.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book Washington tells a gripping, slow-burning story of Evan, a ninth-grader navigating the chaos of high school life while a darker tragedy brews beneath the surface. It’s a novel that moves between ordinary teenage moments like awkward conversations, new friendships, and lunchtime hierarchies, and shocking violence that tears through that fragile normalcy. The shifts in time and tone build a picture of youth that feels raw and real. It’s part coming-of-age story, part psychological drama, and part social warning. Through quiet, honest scenes, the author shows how loneliness, cruelty, and silence can twist into something explosive.

Reading this book hit me hard. The writing feels unfiltered and close, like you’re sitting in Evan’s head, watching him sink and resurface with every scene. Author Thomas J. Gebhardt III's prose is simple but charged, almost cinematic. He writes with an eye for small, human details, the twitch of a hand, the blur of light across a hallway, the weight of a single choice. That’s what makes it so effective. You can almost feel the tightness in Evan’s chest, and remember what it was like to be young and lost. At times I wanted to shake the characters, to stop what I knew was coming, but the story keeps you trapped in its slow inevitability. It’s haunting. It’s frustrating. It’s heartbreakingly believable.

I found myself angry, sad, and quiet all at once after finishing it. The book doesn’t offer neat answers, and I respect that. Gebhardt doesn’t preach or dramatize; he just lays it all out and lets the horror of it unfold through real people. The tension builds so naturally that when the violence erupts, it feels both shocking and inevitable. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, not because of the event itself, but because of the way it makes you look at all the moments that led up to it like the ignored signs, and the missed chances for kindness.

Washington is not a light read, but it’s an important one. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a story that makes them feel something real and uncomfortable, especially teachers, parents, or anyone who’s ever felt out of place in their own life. It’s for readers who want truth over polish, emotion over perfection. It’s a book that reminds you that people are complicated, that pain hides in plain sight, and that silence can sometimes be the loudest sound of all.

[Lunatic Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas J. Gebhardt III's novel Washington is one heck of a coming-of-age story. It's raw, real, and guaranteed to put you through the emotional wringer.

The book follows Evan, a new kid at Washington High trying to figure out where he belongs. Things start looking up when he meets Judith, a driven overachiever who takes him under her wing. The two hit it off instantly with their undeniable chemistry and before you know it, they're head over heels.

Their young love opens Evan's eyes to new possibilities for his own life. But just when he starts gaining some direction, tragedy strikes. A school shooter attacks campus, plunging the community into chaos.

Gebhardt holds nothing back in his gut-wrenching depiction of the horrific shooting. But he also uses the tragedy to explore the complexities of grief, trauma, and healing. Through seamless flashbacks, we get insight into Evan's family struggles, friendships, and deep-seated insecurities. Gebhardt really gets into the mind of a teen boy trying desperately to find his place.

He also totally nails the social pressures and unwritten rules of high school. Every cringey interaction and small slight cuts deep for Evan, shaping his sense of self. But more than anything, this book digs into the messy aftermath of trauma. Gebhardt doesn't give any easy answers, but looks at how people somehow find strength to move forward and heal.

Washington stays with you long after the last page. Gebhardt writes with incredible emotional intelligence about loss, pain, and the resilience of the human spirit. This contemporary YA novel is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. For anyone looking for authentic teen fiction — have tissues handy, but definitely add this to your must-read list.

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for an interesting story and a way to explore the deeper aspects of teenage life, I decided to read Washington. I really enjoyed how the author presents contemporary issues, it’s nice how he manages to combine all the challenges that schools face today. The book captures the lightness of friendships and romances alongside the darker themes of bullying and school shootings. The way the characters are developed, particularly through the teenage romance and their experience as witnesses to a school shooting, creates a strong connection to Evan’s story.
What I liked most is how knowledgeable the author is about the challenges teenagers face. As a reader, I felt immersed in the story, as if I were another student, living through Evan and Judith’s struggles for academic success while navigating the emotional complexities of adolescence. The book was an emotional ride, and going back to school through this story reminded me of my own years and the challenges I faced. It also made me reflect on how we sometimes misjudge younger generations, forgetting that they are living through their own experiences. This book is a great reminder that we should approach this period of life with empathy.

[beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I did win this book on Kindle in a Goodreads giveaway*

Wow. The book grabs you from the start, with it starting out at the beginning of a school shooting. I liked how the structure of the book was alternating from the now to the past and kinda weaving the two together. I also was surprised about Derek at the end. It was like being built up to be Max and I just knew that was too obvious. I thought it might be Derek but then he helped Evan in the hallway and I was like no it can’t be him.

There were some parts that were fuzzy to me. Like when did Jude and Evan get back together? Like it was bc of the shooting but it was just kinda like oh we’re bf and gf now. I also still don’t get why Derek did it. Yeah Evan low key betrayed him, but at least they told him face to face and tried to be honest.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story

This book is the perfect key for all those who want to immerse themselves in a unique and captivating story. It is the perfect excuse to get out of the everyday and even to become an active part of the story. This thriller and suspense book presents the reader with a unique universe full of intrigue, action and romance.
Because of the above, it is impossible for the reader not to take some kind of position regarding the solution of the case. Although at first the book may seem long, time flies as one reads; its narrative is unique and different when compared to other stories of this genre that are developed under the romance of two people. The narrative allows the author to easily imagine the scenarios described therein. I consider myself a fan of suspense and action and this story lived up to my expectations.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling story
“Washington” is an enthralling novel that combines romance with action and danger. It was written by Thomas J. Gebhardt III.
The story revolves around Evan, a young boy with a tranquil life with his friends, school and family, until all of the sudden, a dreadful situation at his high school changed his life. The moment he hears the gunshots, he starts running together with his friends and other students. When Evan realises that Judith, his close friend, is lost, he starts to look after her in the middle of the chaos.
It’s a story that will leave you at the edge of your seat from the very beginning. Thanks to the author’s accurate and descriptive narrative, you’ll feel the fear, desperation and chaos of the events that occurs in the novel. It was as if I was watching a movie! I definitely recommend it!

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book

"Washington" by Thomas J Gebhardt III is a captivating romantic suspense thriller that seamlessly weaves love, suspense, and societal reflection. The narrative follows Evan's journey of self-discovery, reconnecting with old friends, and encountering Judith, a transformative figure in his life. The story skillfully navigates me to the complexities of teenage existence, blending carefree moments with harsh realities. Gebhardt's fusion of genres and themes, makes it highly recommended for readers seeking an engaging and thought-provoking experience. This book makes me remember High School feeling love and making amazing kinds of stuff. I highly recommend this book for the mix of genres in it and the societal reflection.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the growth that Evan showed

“Washington” by Gebhardt III is a book with a gripping narrative and a mix of teenage dynamics, suspense, and a tragic event. This event makes the characters get into a tense search for safety. The protagonist, Evan, evolves from a carefree slacker to a determined hero, and the exploration of friendship and romance adds a real depth to the storyline. The author mixes elements of mystery and urgency, this kept me engaged until the very end.
I personally loved the growth that Evan showed in these lines. It is amazing to see someone become responsible and take action. I can definitely recommend this book. It took me on a journey full of adventure.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good narrative

"Washington" by Thomas J Gebhardt III presents a captivating blend of romantic suspense and societal commentary. Through intertwining narratives, the novel explores themes of love, violence, and coming-of-age experiences. Gebhardt's skillful storytelling delves into the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of societal issues. The book's exploration of pop culture and high school experiences adds depth to the narrative, engaging readers on multiple levels. With its insightful commentary and gripping plot, "Washington" leaves a lasting impression, evoking contemplation long after the final page. As the excerpt suggests, it has the potential to become synonymous with its titular namesake, leaving an indelible mark on readers' minds.

[Lina Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

Washington is a story between two completely opposite characters that little by little are getting closer; on one side is Evan who is a lazy and a dreamer, that the only thing that interests him is drawing and comics, and on the other side is Judith, excellent student, good grades, etc.
Beyond the story of these two characters, the interesting thing about this book is the way it is written. It hooks the reader. I didn't want to stop reading the book until it finished.
It handles several themes such as violence, love, friendship, etc. that give it a touch of realism. Plus, it is written in a way that makes you move to the time of high school in college. It is a very pleasant book to read.

[Carlos Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on a podcast recommendation, and it is something worth reading. Books about redemption, friendship, challenging stories, and popular culture are some of the types of books I like to read. This book approaches one topic that is very sensible, school shootings, however, it shows a different narrative, focusing on romantic love, how the main characters face the teenage years’ challenges, and how they overcome tragedy.
The way Gebhardt writes these stories helps you feel as if you were on the story and creates a sense of time and place of what they are experiencing. This book is an exploration of trauma, loss, and human experience and shows how the power of love and friendship can help to confront adversity.

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't regret reading this book.

If you are looking for a captivating thriller that mixes romance and suspense, this is the book that you need to read. ''Washington'' written by Thomas J. Gebhardt III develops the story of Evan, an adolescent with not too much interest in the school until he meets Judith, the smartest girl in Washington High School, but their life changes when a shooting breaks their life. This story is a reflection of what is happening now in society. The pace of the novel is fast but with some emotional introspections and moments of suspense. This novel has everything to hook you from the first page, romance, trauma, and complex emotions. You won't regret reading this book.

[Gianfranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thriller from another world

This book has a very engaging story but also a wealth of lessons; reflections tied to bullying and the problems that modern youth are going through.
I believe the author touches on points and issues that are very difficult to address, but does so through an entertaining story, with which the reader easily feels trapped and identified. That is why the book becomes suitable for everyone, because it makes us return to what we were as teenagers but also to understand what young people go through today and how difficult it can be. It creates an atmosphere of empathy for the character and really leaves you thinking about where we are going as a society.
Excellent story, highly recommended.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic books are my weakness, but this one in particular became one of my favorites. It's a book that mixes romance with a touch of suspense and mysteries, that I really loved because it made me live it all as if it was happening to me, going from love to fear in seconds. I will continue researching about the author because I really loved his way of writing, it is completely entertaining and interesting. He builds a plot that keeps you attentive to every movement or change that may occur and this clearly achieved that in one day, I finished the whole book. I think she also does an impeccable job in the construction of her characters, all of them have personality and contribute to the development of the story.

[Caro Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

great novel!

This was such a roller coaster!
Author Thomas J Gebhart has created an awesome thriller that has romance, suspense and emotion. I really enjoyed the way the author has created each character and has given them all such a unique personality. The author's writing style is fast-paced and always allows the leader to envision more.
This book also allows for somewhat nostalgic field for those of us who were born before or during the 90s.
I highly recommend this book as it is witty and very well written. The character development and the vivid details and descriptions make this book wonderful and worth reading.

[Yolanda Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I highly recommend it if you want to have a good time, relax and just let yourself be carried away by a unique and suspenseful plot. I also consider that besides being a book of romance and intrigue, it is a book that shows a very harsh reality that is lived in the United States, the shootings in public places. It is a very interesting book, with unique and complete characters, with an involving narrative and quite entertaining. I also liked all the musical references that I found in the book, it makes you connect more and put musicality to the moments described. It is a book that you must read; I loved how the story unfolds and the unexpected ending.

[Renae Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Wow. This book was a roller coaster and it wasn’t until the end when I learned who the real antagonist was. Good characters and you were invested but especially the main two characters. The subject matter is hard but it is happening and books like these can give you a window into how these things can happen. I recommend for sure.

[Andrea Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely need a content warning on this one, but it grabs you from the beginning. The story begins with a school shooting, but the look back on the characters' history and the love story is what makes this a great book. This held my attention all the way through, and I really enjoyed it.

[Ash · Rating 1 out of 5]

The word smirk has lost all meaning.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. The perspective chosen by the author is interesting. The friends' thoughts about what happened reveal one of the least understood aspects of this type of incident: motive.