Review: These Things Hidden

These Things Hidden

by Heather Gudenkauf

Quote: "No, she never talks about it, I wish she would, though. At least with her doctor. Keeping things bottled up inside doesn't do anyone any good. I'll tell her you called, Allison. Take care of yourself, okay?" - Grandma pg.276

Started: April 17, 2012

Finished: April 19, 2012

hardcover, large print

481 pages

From the cover:

Allison Glenn tried to hide what happened that night...and failed. The consequence? A prison sentence. Now she's free. But secrets have a way of keeping you locked up.

  When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult in her downfall. Her sister, Brynn, faces whispered rumors every day in the hallways of their small Iowa high school. It's Brynn-shy, quiet Brynn-who carries the burden of what really happened that night.

 All she wants is to forget Allison and the past that haunts her.

 But then Allison is released to a halfway house, and is more determined than ever to speak with her estranged sister.

 Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. and if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.

My Review:

What a great book. Very well written. I enjoyed the chapters being divided by characters. it made a good mystery easier to follow.

This story reminds us that our decisions, actions and mistakes help shape who we are. What we become and what becomes of the others we affect. We react out of fear, confusion, pain. Allison is feeling all of these things when she and many around her make one decision after another. Did they realize who it would affect? Could she have chosen any other choice? Who is responsible for the decisions a teenager makes? What will they do for someone they love?

This book is a story for any audience with a heart. Anyone who can relate on any level of how naivete and immaturity play such a huge part in any teens life.

I'm so glad that I grab books based on the cover. This is definitely a book I will remember reading! 5 stars!