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The Weight of Water
The Weight of Water is a haunting and heartfelt young adult novel that follows Sailor Byrd, a teen grappling with overwhelming guilt and grief after the tragic drowning of her younger sister, Beth. Set against the backdrop of a coastal town, the story unpacks themes of loss, mental illness, isolation, and the often-messy journey toward healing. As Sailor navigates a world that’s suddenly foreign and full of blame—both self-inflicted and external—her dream of freedom on the ocean collides with harsh emotional realities. The novel doesn’t shy away from trauma, instead diving deep into it, portraying the complexities of familial relationships, friendship betrayals, and internal battles with raw honesty.
Deene writes with an intensity that sometimes left me breathless. Her prose, simple but emotionally sharp, feels like reading someone’s private journal, filled with real pain and confusion. I especially appreciated the contrast between Sailor’s dream of a life at sea and the suffocating weight of her grief. Every page feels soaked in sorrow, but there are glimmers of warmth and memory that keep it from drowning in darkness. The way Beth was written, her quirks, fears, and the bright yellow she clung to, is unforgettable.
The pacing slowed at times, especially during Sailor’s more introspective moments. While those sections reflect the real heaviness of grief, they sometimes felt a bit repetitive. A couple of side characters, like Mya and Sam, weren’t as deeply developed, especially in how their distance and betrayal were portrayed. But maybe that was the point. When you’re grieving, people can feel unfamiliar, even unreal. Through it all, Sailor’s voice remained strong and steady, anchoring the story in a way that kept me turning the pages, even during its heavier moments.
The Weight of Water is a powerful read. It’s not for the faint of heart—it deals openly with death, trauma, and depression—but if you’ve ever lost someone or felt like you were drowning in emotions, it hits close to home. I’d recommend it to teens and adults who don’t mind sitting with discomfort and are looking for an honest portrayal of grief. It’s painful, yes. But it’s also quietly beautiful. And healing, in its own way.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0F6Q1L2VV
Live Life on Your Own Terms
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf is the journal of a teenager’s life before a devastating diagnosis leading up to her treatment for liver cancer. Why was it important for you to share your sister’s experience with readers?
While there are many published books about cancer, there isn’t a single story about liver cancer from a teenager who did not survive the disease. My sister Adrienne always wanted to educate people about her cancer and publishing her journals, poetry, and artwork was the best way to do it. Also, all the proceeds benefit Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, a national nonprofit organization that I founded in memory of Adrienne.
Adrienne’s journal is quite gripping in its honesty. What was the most difficult part of putting her writing and artwork together for publication?
Well, Adrienne was a notoriously bad speller, so correcting her mistakes was time-consuming. But seriously, the hardest part was going through her artwork and being reminded of how talented she was. The world missed out on an amazing, funny, creative young woman. I don’t know if she would have become a professional artist because she had so many interests and gifts, but her talent is undeniable.
How has sharing your sister’s journey impacted your life?
From the moment she came to live with me, Adrienne gave my life purpose and meaning. She continues to do so beyond her death. I feel like I raised the best kid ever and I’m glad her story is helping others with the devastating disease that ended her life far too young.
What is one thing you hope readers can take away from I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf?
Live life on your own terms and enjoy every freaking minute of it.
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In her own words, this is the journal of Adrienne Wilson, a teenage artist, poet, and beloved sister. Before her death from liver cancer at the age of fifteen, Adrienne expressed her funny, bright soul in this prolific journal. Her musings on life, relationships, music, love, and the beautiful grime of her adopted hometown of Los Angeles leap off the page; her deep sensitivity and perspective are captured in full-color prints of her award-winning artwork. Steeped in late-90s nostalgia, this artistic journey through a teenage girl’s eyes is moving, often hilarious, and unforgettable.
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf: A Young Woman’s Journey With Liver Cancer
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf offers a poignant and intimate glimpse into the life of Adrienne, a naturally gifted artist with a passion for drawing, writing, and music. This personal journal, meticulously curated by her older sister, Andrea Wilson Woods, covers the period from May 2000 to September 2001, encompassing Adrienne’s pre-diagnosis life, her grappling with the devastating news of liver cancer, and her subsequent journey through treatment.
Andrea Wilson Woods has crafted this diary into a moving tribute, allowing readers to intimately experience Adrienne’s world. The diary is rich with her notes, drawings, photographs, and poems, painting a vivid picture of a vibrant teenager with a distinctive sense of humor and a strong sense of self. It’s through these personal artifacts that we come to know and appreciate Adrienne’s unique personality and her journey of self-discovery. The authenticity and honesty in Adrienne’s reflections are striking. Andrea, while forewarning readers of Adrienne’s eventual passing, ensures that this knowledge does not overshadow the narrative. Instead, it provides a lens to better understand Adrienne’s evolving perspective on life and her emotional and mental growth.
The diary is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of her experiences, from her artistic pursuits to the rigors of chemotherapy and transfusions. Her unadorned account presents life as it is, without any embellishments, making for a deeply affecting read. The structure of the book, devoid of a traditional narrative and chronological storytelling, offers a realistic and unvarnished look at Adrienne’s life. Time jumps are part of its fabric, but they do not detract from the overall cohesiveness of the content. The diary chronicles Adrienne’s continuous learning, her efforts to improve herself, and her reflections on her favorite music, alongside her struggles and triumphs. This inclusion of diverse elements, such as a poetry portfolio and short stories towards the end, further enriches the narrative.
I’d Rather Be Dead Than Deaf is not just a memoir; it’s an exploration of a life lived with intensity and introspection. This book is a compelling account that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, making it a significant read for a wide range of readers.
Pages: 442 | ASIN : B0CXLPKZJ5
LITERARY TITAN 