ARC Review: Within and Without by Deborah Maroulis

We all know how lucky we are here in NorCal to have such a plethora of authors and I’d like to welcome DEB MAROULIS to the group! Deb’s debut, Within and Without, tackles several serious mental health issues while also presenting as authentic and real. Grab it tomorrow!

Review

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 ;).