Unlocked
A Love Story
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4.8 • 60 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury reminds us that before you take a stand, you’ve got to take a chance.
Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden Harris is very happy and socially engaged—on the inside, in a private world all his own. But Holden is an eighteen-year-old with autism. Every day he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different.
Ella Reynolds is part of the in-crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him . . . the way he is drawn to the music. Then Ella makes a dramatic discovery—she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school. Including her boyfriend, Jake.
Ella believes miracles can happen in the most unlikely places and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden’s praying mother, Ella, and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.
This contemporary, inspirational read is a standalone novel. Book length: approximately 80,000 words. Includes a reading group guide and a letter to readers from the author.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
An average of 1 in 110 children has autism spectrum disorder, an astonishing number that also bespeaks sadness and frustration on the part of lots of parents of autistic children. Popular and prolific novelist Kingsbury (Ever After) takes on autism in the story Holden Harris, an 18-year-old high school student with autism and target for high school bullies. Popular Ella Reynolds, star of the high school's musical Beauty and the Beast, sticks up for Holden against her friends who are his tormentors. Added to the complex topics of autism and bullying is a subplot about teen-age suicide, making for far more weight than this story can bear. Her legions of fans may well find this nicey-nicey story resolution inspirational; that is the Kingsbury brand. But given the gravity of the subjects, what one finds inspirational another will likely see a na ve and unpersuasive fantasy that Walt Disney does a whole lot better, with music. Kingsbury is in over her head.
Customer Reviews
Autism is real
Once again an amazing inspirational story from Karen kingsbury!
Every time I read one of her novels, I feel inspired to help whatever the story is based on, like this one is based on autism.
Another fantastic must-read!
Karen kingsbury... Never ceases to amaze me!
wonderful story about how God works in mysterious ways
This book was truly beautiful. The plot was so perfect, like a puzzle, with peaces coming together once the corners are found and slowly putting everything in place. I cried when I finished, it was too perfect. Faith in God that has always been there and newfound faith, all of it was so powerful. Please take the time to read this. I read it in less than twenty four hours. Definitely 314 pages worth reading, and there are no spots in the book to avoid, perfectly clean and age appropriate for anyone.