flower boy was everything that he ever wanted. [lowercase intended!]

Where The Light Doesn't Reach is a raw and unflinching young adult contemporary novel that explores the lingering effects of trauma, mental illness, and the desperate search for connection. Carter has spent years perfecting the art of disappearing-hiding behind oversized hoodies, avoiding touch, and keeping people at arm's length. But when Gray, a persistent and enigmatic classmate, forces his way into Carter's life, the walls Carter has spent years building begin to crack. As the two navigate an unexpected friendship, Carter is confronted with the past he's tried so hard to bury. But survival comes at a cost, and facing the darkness means risking everything. Told in a gripping first-person narrative, Where The Light Doesn't Reach is about resilience, found family, and the struggle to believe in a future when the past won't let go. Content warnings: S/A, neglect, suicidal thoughts, loss/grief, self-harm, homophobia, slurs, physical violence, physical abuse, mental abuse, mental illness, recovery

Madeline Winters. When people hear that name whispered in the halls of McGregor high school, they think one of two things: a quiet and somewhat awkward girl to pick on, or nothing at all. What no one realizes is that they're tearing her down with each hurtful remark. Cue Asher King moving into the school, acting as his surname immediately upon entering. With his tattoos, cigarettes and rough attitude, he's anyone but someone you would want to befriend. However, he also takes an interest in her that no one else ever has from the first glimpse into her empty eyes. What he doesn't realize is just how much of a shell she's become. *deals with eating disorders #1 on mental illness - 1/26/20, 7/8/20, 12/21/21 #1 on boy - 2/12/20, 1/4/23 #2 on bully - 4/1/20 #1 on high school - 7/6/20 #1 on sad - 8/16/20 #2 on sad - 11/5/21 #1 on funny - 8/18/20, 1/25/23 #1 on ed - 11/30/20, 12/19/20, 3/25/21 #2 on girl - 12/22/20, 11/30/22 #2 on acceptance - 1/7/21 #1 on abuse - 4/11/21 #2 on teen - 5/21/22 Completed November 1, 2021