Cover image for All the truth that's in meAll the Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry

Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Reference Assistant

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Suggested Age: Teens and adults

What is the book about?: At the beginning of this novel, we meet Judith, who is traveling at a young age with her family and friend Lucas to a new settlement called Roswell Station. Jump forward a few years in time, and we find that Judith has undergone significant trauma and is unable to communicate what happened to her. And rather than treating Judith with compassion, her family and the other residents of the village are frightened of Judith, ashamed of her, and treat her as an outcast. Judith’s mother can’t even call Judith by her name, instead saying “You” when she needs to talk to Judith. Interactions between the villagers are equally dysfunctional, filled with restrictive rules, harsh judgments, and undercurrents of sorrow, fear, suspicion, and even hatred.

Only Judith’s memories of her father and her friendship and love for Lucas lighten her heart. Sadly, Judith must endure another cruel blow of fate when she learns that Lucas is engaged to marry a girl from the village. How can she survive yet another loss?

Judith’s fortunes begin to change – for the worse – when the Homelanders, enemies of the citizens of Roswell Station, attack. And with that attack, the suspense builds. Can Judith do anything to help save Roswell Station? Will Lucas survive the deadly attack, only to marry Maria? What will become of Roswell Station if the Homelanders win the battle?

My review:  Judith’s story is told in the first person, with frequent flashbacks – rather like reading a diary. This makes her the story of her trauma and will to survive it even more heart wrenching. Author Julie Berry’s first Young Adult Novel is at the same time gruesome, terrifying, and exciting. The novel is a Kirkus Best Teen Read (2013) and a School Library Journal pick for Best of 2013. It’s unique and fascinating!

Rating: 5/5

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About FDL Reads

FDL ReadsWelcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.  Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available.  If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently.  We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!