Harmonic Feedback

Harmonic Feedback
By Tara Kelly
2010
278 pages

“Normal is an ideal. But it’s not reality. Reality is brutal, it’s beautiful, it’s every shade between black and white, and it’s magical. Yes, magical. Because every now and then, it turns nothing into something.”

Summary: Drea has never had a really good friend, and she’s definitely never had a boyfriend. Her Asperger syndrome pretty much makes her a social outcast. But when her mom moves her to yet another town, Drea meets people as broken and beautiful as her. Naomi is loud and vibrant and just a tad bit wild and Justin is sweet and complex and not at all what he seems. These two show Drea what it’s like to be loved and accepted, but can she trust them with her secret? And will they judge her if they know the truth?

Review: Kelly writes a beautiful story about learning to accept who you are and the messy and sometimes difficult journey it takes to do so. While there was not a lot with respect to plot development, Kelly makes up for it in well written and compelling characters. Readers will relate to Drea as she works through her insecurities and fall in love with Naomi who is brilliant and sad. Finally, readers will be drawn into the relationship between Justin and Drea as it is tender, sweet and full of acceptance. Overall, Harmonic Feedback is a well crafted story with compelling characters and a good message.

This is Tara Kelly’s debut novel

If you liked Harmonic Feedback you might also enjoy: Nothing Like you by Lauren Strasnick, Some Girls are by Courtney Summers and The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Author website: http://thetaratracks.com/

Rating: W3/4 C4/4 P2.5/4 O3/4 PP3/5 CR3/4
Grade Level: JS