I think what I loved most about Within and Without - and Deb - is the fact that she front loads this book with a trigger warning. There’s no doubt that a story of a girl spiraling into an eating disorder could be triggering for some. Thank you, Deb, for keeping people safe.

I am here for authentic and real YA contemporary. I read these stories because I like to stay grounded in reality and have books get me to think about things. Within and Without is a book the will make you think. Deb’s writing moves you seamlessly through Wren’s story and world (the two are intertwined). She’s experienced a transition with her parent’s divorce and a move to her grandmother’s home. Wren experiences assault from someone she trusted. Deb does not shy away from the emotions, something us readers will feel deeply. I grieved with Wren.

The story is not also without happiness. I loved Wren’s granny and her developing relationship with Panayis, the farmboy you can’t help but cheer for. Overall this is a story of persevering through life’s challenges and the pathways we stumble upon.

I can’t wait to see what Deb writes next! Luckily she’s local to me so I may have to poke her and ask ;).

This review was originally posted on BookCrushin