Review: If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

Expected Publication: March 26, 2013
Format: ARC provided by NetGalley
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary via Goodreads

There are some things you can’t leave behind…

A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.

Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.

My Thoughts

An amazing story of two sisters left to defend for themselves after their drug addicted mother hides them in the woods. Carey took over the mother role when it came to her sister Jenessa. She taught her life lessons and school work. When it’s revealed that her mom kidnapped her years again from her dad Carey and Jenessa must now learn to live among others and all the things we take for granted.

Carey is holding many secrets from her time in the woods. She’s afraid for them to come out, thinking of what would happen to her and more importantly to her little sister. In time Carey knows what she must do right and confesses the whole story to her father, waiting for the consequents of her actions.

This is a beautiful and haunting story of a girl who grew up way to fast. A girl who saw and dealt with way more things than anyone should, much less a young child. When I read stories like these I am reminded how lucky I am. I’m lucky to have the love and support of a great family. Sometimes we tend to forget just how good we have it. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a story you soon won’t forget.