Caitlyn, a student Page at the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries’ Napanee Branch, recently enjoyed the contemporary YA novel Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley.

“This book took me on a deep, soulful journey with broken, beautiful characters,” says Caitlyn. “Rachel left her hometown three years ago after leaving a note for her best friend, Henry, which declared her love for him, even as he was falling in love with another girl. Now, three years later, everything has changed. Rachel is back in her hometown after the death of her brother, Cal, and Henry is still there, working at his family’s secondhand bookstore and mourning the loss of his on-again, off-again girlfriend. Henry and Rachel haven’t spoken since they fell out of touch a couple years ago, and neither really feels like they’re friends anymore. Being back in the same town and having to talk to each other again dredges up old memories and new feelings for both of them as Rachel takes a job inventorying the ‘Letter Library’ at the bookstore and Henry must deal with his romantic drama and new feelings for Rachel. In the background, Henry’s eccentric younger sister George, anonymous pen pal, and new-hire Martin’s drama plays out, enhancing the story and the interconnectedness of the characters. This second plotline also contributes heavily to the final, heartbreaking climax.”

I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a soulful read which will linger in their hearts long after the last word is read.

Catilyn adds, “This story was beautiful and heartbreaking. It’s full of love and hope, but it’s also full of sorrow and broken dreams that never came true. I think it’s one of the most realistic novels on the market for teens, and will speak to those who sometimes feel that the world is bigger than themselves, or that they are more than simple molecules. This book is for teens who believe in the yawning chasms of fate and destiny. This novel forges a deep connection to the reader, speaking not to their mind, but to their heart and soul.”

“Words in Deep Blue had me utterly engrossed in its pages and my heart entwined with those of Rachel, Henry, George, Martin, and Cal,” concludes Caitlyn. “I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a soulful read which will linger in their hearts long after the last word is read.”

You can reserve Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley in print or e-book formats from your branch of the County of L&A Libraries.