How to Say I Love You Out Loud
by Karole Cozzo
Pages: 240
Published on August 4th 2015
by Swoon Reads
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
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Also by this author: How to Keep Rolling After a Fall
When Jordyn Michaelson’s autistic brother joins her at her elite school, she’s determined not to let anyone know they're related. Even if that means closing herself off to all her closest friends, including charming football stud Alex Colby. But despite her best intentions, she just can't shake the memory of kissing Alex last summer, and the desire to do it again. Can Jordyn find the courage to tell Alex how she really feels—and the truth about her family—before he slips away forever?
2015 has been a wonderful year for YA books. It’s been a year where topics like suicide, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and now autism have been explored.
With How to Say I Love You Out Loud, Karole Cozzo introduces us to Jordyn, and how she deals with having a sibling who has autism. It’s truly eye-opening to see what Jordyn’s whole family goes through every day. To see the quick intolerance they are subjected to by people who don’t understand autism. To see the shame and fear at being caught in one of those “episodes” that are difficult to comprehend.
“Phillip’s disability can be a powerful thing, trapping not only Phillip behind its walls, but other people, too.”
Karole Cozzo navigates through all these issues almost effortlessly. She builds up a story so real and easy to follow that it was difficult to stop reading. We’re also given Jordyn’s story, and how she starts off being immature and selfish, and becomes so much more by the end of the book.
There’s also a really cute romance that’s not to predominant, but just enough to bring a smile to your face.
I really enjoyed this book, and am really glad I got the opportunity to read it. If you want to read a book that’s different, a book that’ll tug at your heart strings, that’ll make you smile, and ultimately understand just a bit more those families who have autistic children, definitely read this book.
ABOUT MARIANNE
I can’t imagine my life without books. From the very first moment I picked up Twilight, and fell in love with escaping reality for a few hours at a time, I knew that reading would be a hobby that I could never let go of. Since Twilight, I’ve discovered new genres, authors, and series, that I could never have imagined. Some of my favorite titles include: Pride and Prejudice, The Sky is Everywhere, The Book Thief, Angelfall, Peter Pan, Harry Potter, The Truth About Forever, and many more! I find a new favorite each week.
When not reading, you can find me binge-watching series on Netflix (finished Friends recently have no idea what to do with my life), fangirling on Twitter, reorganizing my bookshelves, and one-clicking on Amazon. I’m currently in college, studying Sociology. I want to become a Criminal Lawyer. Despite that, I still have a soft spot for writing, and wouldn’t mind working in a bookstore either. 😉
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About Karole Cozzo
Born in Puerto Rico, hola :), military wife for 22-years, and mother of three boys.I work full time doing something else that I love (sadly I don't get paid for reading!)
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This year has been bad for my pockets money-wise because of all the good books as well xD I honestly didn’t know this book dealt with autism before I read the description of it and makes me really curious to read how the author portrays this in the story. Glad to know you liked it, and great review! 🙂
Twitter: Shane Morgan
Ooh I still need to pick up this one. I haven’t read a story that has a character who’s autistic so I’m curious about the author’s delivery and how people handle it in the book. Nice review.
You definitely should read it. I hope you enjoy it if you do! 🙂
I really enjoyed this one too!!! It was such a powerful and real look at dealing with a sibling with autism. So glad you enjoyed it too! 🙂
Yes Liza! I thought it was a great way to present autism. The author did an amazing job.
Twitter: Bieke Paesen
This has been a great year for contemporary so far! 😀
I totally agree! 🙂
Twitter: aimeereads
I’ve been excited for this book since Swoon Reads announced they were publishing it, and it’s so nice to know that it’s an enjoyable and important read as well. I personally know a few people with autism, and hopefully this book will make me understand them more. 2015 has definitely been the best year for diverse books. 😉
Wow Aimee I’m sure this book will definitely hit closet to home with you because you have first-hand experience. I hope you e joy this book like I did (fair warning the protagonist is annoying at first :P).