Paper Girl
Cindy R Wilson
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Publication Date: December 4, 2018
I haven’t left my house in over a year. My doctor says it’s social anxiety, but I know the only things that are safe are made of paper. My room is paper. My world is paper. Everything outside is fire. All it would take is one spark for me to burst into flames. So I stay inside. Where nothing can touch me.
Then my mom hires a tutor. Jackson. This boy I had a crush on before the world became too terrifying to live in. Jackson’s life is the complete opposite of mine, and I can tell he’s got secrets of his own. But he makes me feel things. Makes me want to try again. Makes me want to be brave. I can almost taste the outside world. But so many things could go wrong, and all it takes is one spark for everything I love to disappear…
It has been quite some time since I have indulged in a contemporary YA novel, and this one was the PERFECT choice. Paper Girls is a poignant and beautiful story, one that had me engaged and, at times, dabbing my eyes, as I read this story about Zoe and Jackson. It is amazing how a book can be so relevant yet not high handed. Paper Girls is about finding yourself, being kind to yourself, and learning who you are in the face of impossible obstacles. It is filled with hard situations, unforgiving problems, and a world that is broken. But the beauty of this story is that human nature gives each person a choice: to rise above and overcome.
Zoe was not what I was expecting. Her innocence is stunning because it is balanced by real issues. Nothing about her is contrived and who she was and the life she lead hit me right in the feels (so to speak). As someone who deals with anxiety, this story shares the realities and the fears so well. It sheds a light on the frustrations of everyone, those who struggle and those who love them. It was amazing to watch her fight for more and slide back, only to rally and take another step. Readers find themselves obligated to cheer this young girl on, knowing she is the true heroine of her story.
Jackson was not what I expected. The more his character grew, the more you want to get in the ring and fight for him. The pure tenacity of this young man is so well represented in this story. He is lively and determined, despite the hardships he has faced and continues to face. Zoe and Jackson are drawn to each other, in a way that is wholly innocent and sweet. Their desire to support one another is selfless, and the realization that they alone can overcome their problems is profound.
Cindy R Wilson, you are a genius. If all contemporary YA stories were like this, I would have new favorite genre. Paper Girls is a story that will touch your heart and leave you filled to the brim with hope, love, and perspective. This book is NOT to be missed!