Book Review: I Am Not Alone by Francisco X. Stork

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the I AM NOT ALONE by Francisco X. Stork Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: I AM NOT ALONE

Author: Francisco X. Stork

Pub. Date: July 18, 2023

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 242

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/I-AM-NOT-ALONE

Award-winning author Francisco X. Stork revisits some of the themes and ideas that made Marcelo in the Real World such an unforgettable novel.

Alberto’s life isn’t easy: He’s an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who lives with his sister’s abusive boyfriend―but he’d always accepted his place in the world. Until he starts hearing the voice of a man called Captain America, a voice that wants him to achieve more, no matter the cost.

Grace has it all: She has a supportive boyfriend, she’s on track to be valedictorian, and she’s sure to go to the college of her dreams. Still, nothing feels right to her any more after the divorce of her parents, and feels she needs something more.

When Alberto and Grace meet, they have an immediate and electric connection. But when Alberto is present at the scene of a terrible crime, he becomes a suspect. And with his developing schizophrenia, he’s not even sure he believes in his own innocence.

Can Grace find a way to prove Alberto’s innocence to himself and the world?

This is a page-turning thriller and a sensitive story about mental health, love, and community that will appeal to anyone who has struggled with their place in the world, from award-winning author Francisco X. Stork.

Reviews:

★ “An affecting, deeply emotional story. An important book.” — Booklist, starred review

★ “Alberto’s suspected schizophrenia makes him heartbreakingly susceptible to both the best and worst of humanity. An illuminatingly powerful story about mental illness, young love, faith, and hope.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“The narrative’s high-stakes conflicts are front and center, [but] it’s the sheer sweetness of Alberto and Grace’s love story that sets the tone of this hopeful read.” — Publishers Weekly

 

Why Should You Read This?

“I Am Not Alone” by Francisco X. Stork is an emotionally charged and gripping novel that skillfully weaves together themes of identity, mental health, and the power of human connections. Set against the backdrop of the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants, the story follows Alberto, a young man from Mexico living in the United States, and Grace, a driven high school student dealing with her parents’ divorce. When their paths unexpectedly cross, their lives are forever changed.

Alberto’s life is far from easy; he navigates the harsh realities of being an undocumented immigrant while living with his sister’s abusive boyfriend. Despite the difficulties, he has come to accept his place in the world. However, everything changes when he starts hearing the voice of a man called Captain America, a voice urging him to aspire for more, regardless of the cost. As his schizophrenia develops, Alberto questions his own innocence when he becomes a suspect in a terrible crime.

Grace, on the other hand, seemingly has it all—supportive boyfriend, academic success, and a promising future. Yet, the emotional upheaval caused by her parents’ divorce leaves her feeling unmoored and in search of something more meaningful in her life.

The author skillfully intertwines Alberto and Grace’s lives, creating an immediate and electric connection between them. Their bond becomes a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil they face individually. As Grace becomes invested in proving Alberto’s innocence, the novel delves into the complexities of mental health, love, and the strength of community support.

Francisco X. Stork crafts a page-turning thriller that maintains tension throughout the narrative. The exploration of mental health is approached with sensitivity and nuance, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals grappling with schizophrenia. The novel provides a powerful and much-needed reminder of the importance of understanding and supporting those dealing with mental health issues.

At its core, “I Am Not Alone” is a story of resilience and the quest for self-discovery. Both Alberto and Grace struggle to find their place in the world and grapple with their inner demons. Through their journeys, the book highlights the transformative power of empathy and compassion.

The novel also serves as an eye-opening portrayal of the difficulties faced by undocumented immigrants, offering a timely and poignant reflection on the importance of human rights and social justice.

In conclusion, “I Am Not Alone” is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that tackles important and relevant themes with grace and depth. Francisco X. Stork’s poignant storytelling and well-crafted characters make the book an engaging and impactful read. This sensitive exploration of mental health, love, and community will resonate with readers of all ages, leaving them with a profound appreciation for the strength of the human spirit and the significance of genuine connections.

 

About Francisco X. Stork:

Francisco X. Stork is the author of Marcelo in the Real World, winner of the Schneider Family Book Award for Teens and the Once Upon a World Award; The Last Summer of the Death Warriors, which was named to the YALSA Best Fiction for Teens list and won the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award; Irises; The Memory of Light, which received four starred reviews; and Disappeared, which also received four starred reviews and was named a Kirkus Best Book of the Year. He lives near Boston with his wife. You can find him on the web at franciscostork.com and @StorkFrancisco.

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of I AM NOT ALONE, US Only.

Ends August 1st, midnight EST.

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