Sound of Silence

Mia Kerick and Raine O'Tierney's Sound Of Silence, is an amazing and powerful story.

At it's heart, this story is an excellent exploration of the power of silence. Renzy has selective mutism, and the authors wonderfully illustrate how he communicates with the world. It's a fascinating and thought provoking story. How often do we sit in silence? How often do we think about remaining silent?

This is the story of a boy who has always felt invisible. When he's suddenly "seen" by Morning and her brother, Seven, amazing changes begin to take place. The way they can communicate without speaking is mesmerizing. With his new friends, Renzi ends up on a journey towards reconciliation with his past.

Their story is one of pain and hurt, past abuse, and carries a very serious tone. It's so much more than I could have ever expected. There's a sad and melancholy feeling throughout, but don't let that stop you from checking out this book.

Sound of Silence is a unique, powerful, and extremely touching story. I can't possibly do it justice. I couldn't put it down, having to finish it in one sitting. Do yourself a favor and read this book when you're looking for an amazing and serious read.

Both Mia Kerick and Raine O’Tierney are new authors for me and I’m so glad to have discovered them. Sound of Silence is a completely enthralling and unforgettable tale and I am impressed with the beauty of the writing. The characters are deep and intense, and I love the mystery aspect as the story unfolds and the three teens grow, until everything comes together in a powerful ending!

After suffering through a traumatic event in his childhood, nineteen-year-old Renzy Callen has withdrawn and completely isolated himself. Renzy hasn’t spoken a word in ten years and even his interactions with his family have dwindled to almost nothing. In Renzy’s words, it’s not that he “won’t talk” it’s that he “communicates differently” - so people who don’t accept this simply cannot connect with him.

When eighteen-year-old Seven Moreau-Maddox and his seventeen-year-old sister, Morning (yes, those are their actual names), move to Renzy’s small town the three of them make a connection. Seven and Morning are cultured, gorgeous, rich, and self-absorbed and damaged in their own ways. Both are victims of their parents’ neglect and reeling from a recent assault on Morning in the past year; these two need Renzy as much as he needs them.

Every chapter alternates between Renzy and Seven so we see their relationship growing in addition to the changes each of them makes. Seven finds his worth in “fixing” others, but has to learn to accept things for what they are (including himself). Renzy finds he needs to open up and let people in if he is going to have any kind of life at all. And Morning finds healing in discovering self-confidence and taking charge of her own life. The mystery aspect of the story is fascinating and kept me on the edge of my seat.

The three young people embark on a road trip to figure out what happened to Renzy to make him stop speaking, and what they uncover is truly chilling. Through the events which unfold and their interactions with each other, they figure out how to accept their pasts and look toward the future.

I love how this story builds, and the way the alternating points-of-view between Renzy and Seven move the story forward. As details are discovered which help to explain Renzy’s damage, the other two characters learn how to heal their own lives. Sound of Silence is a beautifully written book and I’m looking forward to uncovering more tales by Mia Kerick and Raine O’Tierney.