Sunday, April 23, 2017

Book of the Week: Shelter the Sea by Heidi Cullinan #Review







Author: Heidi Cullinan
Book: Shelter the Sea
Series: The Roosevelt #2
Self-published
Publication date: April 18, 2017
Length: 190 pages
Synopsis
Some heroes wear capes. Some prefer sensory sacks.
Emmet Washington has never let the world define him, even though he, his boyfriend, Jeremey, and his friends aren’t considered “real” adults because of their disabilities. When the State of Iowa restructures its mental health system and puts the independent living facility where they live in jeopardy, Emmet refuses to be forced into substandard, privatized corporate care. With the help of Jeremey and their friends, he starts a local grassroots organization and fights every step of the way.
In addition to navigating his boyfriend’s increased depression and anxiety, Emmet has to make his autistic tics acceptable to politicians and donors, and he wonders if they’re raising awareness or putting their disabilities on display. When their campaign attracts the attention of the opposition’s powerful corporate lobbyist, Emmet relies on his skill with calculations and predictions and trusts he can save the day—for himself, his friends, and everyone with disabilities.
He only hopes there isn't a variable in his formula he’s failed to foresee.


Review


I thought about this book for a long time after reading it. Just like with Carry the Ocean it left me breathless. When I read Shelter the Sea, like with the first book, I couldn't help how impacting it was.

My son is autistic but he also suffers from severe anxiety and Executive Function Disorder. That means his memory isn't good at all. There's a lot to say about it but that's not why I'm mentioning it in my review. I'm mentioning it because every day I see the struggles he faces and I see how hard he fights and prevails and watching him grow has been an honor. So, to read Shelter the Sea and watch the evolution of Emmet and Jeremey was like watching my son.

Jeremey's depression is bad when this book starts and he's struggling and Emmet hates seeing the man he loves in pain and so he must find a way to make it better for Jeremey, so he does. The Roosevelt is in trouble, Darren is miserable in Icarus House and needs saving, there's money woes, and evil doers trying to stand in the Roosevelt Blues Brothers' way... and then there's Emmet. He shows incredible strength. He's so brilliant and he became my hero in this story, hell, in fiction!!!

I tried not to cry reading this but then there was the scene at the restaurant, with the mother, and the video Emmet made and... you'll know the scene when you get there. That did me in. I was all sobs and hiccups from there!

This is a tremendously wonderful series that grips you and pulls at you and when you walk away from it you're informed. You're connected to these amazing guys who are but fictitious characters speaking for the real deals out there. The ones who face what Emmet, Jeremey, Darren, and David face every day. In RJ King we see the enemy and the fighting that can never end so the RJ's can be defeated.

This is an amazing book that will touch your heart and soul and fill you with a deep understanding of true love and perseverance.








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