Title: Scars Like Wings
Author: Erin Stewart
Publisher: Delacorte
Publication date: October 3, 2019
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Summary
After a fire completely destroyed Ava Lee’s home, she’s the only thing that survived. Due to the burns she suffered, scars now cover 60% of her body. She doesn’t think she can ever get back to normal again–and does she really even want to?
However, her aunt and uncle have different plans for her. She reluctantly agrees to go back to school on a trial basis. It’s there that she meets fellow burn survivor, Piper. The two become fast friends, giving Ava hope that maybe she can return to a new normal. Despite their fast friendship, Ava knows that Piper is hiding something from her. Will their new relationship be able to survive?
Review: Scars Like Wings
I think I got this ARC in a trade, and I just got around to reading it. 😂 But, I’m so happy I did! I’ve been struggling to fit reading in lately (I just started a new job and am taking three classes), but I’ve been working to make sure that it still happens. For fun reading is the best kind of reading.
Anyway, back to the book. Right from the start, I knew this was going to be an emotional book. Not only has Ava lost her parents and her cousin, her aunt and uncle are struggling with the death of their daughter. Much of the book is about them working through this trauma and figuring out how to move forward together. Stewart does this with grace and elegance, making their overall journey feel believable.
Ava’s emotions throughout the book also feel true to life. She doesn’t know how to move forward when her parents aren’t able to. The characters overall are strong, pulling you into their story and making you root for them throughout. You want them to win.
The combination of strong emotions and full-bodied characters makes this story relatable and real. You’ll feel like these are characters you can talk to, and you almost want to be friends with them. Can’t wait to see more from this debut YA author!
4.5/5 stars