Say What You Will

Say What You Will is an inspiring and moving story about a disabled teenager named Amy. Amy cannot walk or talk on her own. Instead, she uses a walker and a Pathway, a device in which she would type in the things she wanted to say and it would say them for her.  She has a group of peer helpers, or as she calls them, “people getting paid to be her friend.” One of her peer helpers is named Matthew, and as the two eighteen-year-olds begin to spend time together, they become attached to each other. They become closer and closer, maybe even closer than friends are, or at least Amy hopes. “I’ve decided that it’s possible to love someone for entirely selfless reasons, for all of their flaws and weaknesses, and still not succeed in having them love you back. It’s sad, perhaps, but not tragic, unless you dwell forever in the pursuit of their elusive affections.”  Amy learns that Matthew has his own problems, just like her. She begins to help him with his OCD, giving him assignments to help him get over his fears.

 

I recommend this book if you like moving or inspirational stories. Throughout the story, there are twists and turns of sadness, laughter, and frustration that I, as the reader, felt myself. However, I was not satisfied with the ending. I felt that there was so much more to be said, and, unlike other books, the book didn’t end with a bang or any feeling of finality.

In conclusion, Say What You Will is an overall fantastic book. It taught me to let nothing stand in your way of being who you want to be, or doing what you want to do. Although Amy was disabled, she was determined to attend college and finish her education. Her inability to walk or talk only motivated her to reach out and become the independent and smart young woman she aspired to be.

 

Author: Cammie McGovern

Genre: Realistic Fiction