Review | Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn’t know how. When she reads the definition of closure, she realizes that is what she needs. In her search for it, Caitlin discovers that not everything is black and white—the world is full of colors—messy and beautiful.

Thoughts: For Caitlin, life is complicated. She has Asperger's and she has just lost her brother who was the only person who helped her "not act so weird." Struggling with the loss of her brother, her father's crying, the counselor desire to help her make friends and her need to find closure, Caitlin and her story are developed in a simple yet impacting way that will have you wanting to read this book in one sitting.

Erskine created a young girl who I couldn't help but love and try to understand. Since it is through Caitlin's point of view, we are given an insight on what it might be like to have Asperger's and through the misunderstandings and unexpected emotions, I was able to connect with Caitlin throughout the book.

The story is so touching and heartbreaking, it will have you make you want to cry but Caitlin is such a unique and wonderful girl, that her responses and thoughts to many situations will also have you laughing out loud. It is a very sweet and beautiful story, definitely a must read.

I absolutely recommend this book to everyone, it is a great story told by a character that thinks a little different that what we are used to. Also, if you are a fan of To Kill of Mockingbird, I am sure you will enjoy the small connection between both books.

Favorite Quote: “I guess the good news is that everybody has to put up with being special because everybody is alive.”

This book was provided by Around the World Tours for review.