Revelations of the Unseen Self

If your past is based on a lie, how do you live your life? This is the central question explored in a new novel in both verse and prose from number-one New York Times best-selling author Ellen Hopkins.

For as long as she can remember, it's been just Ariel and her father. Ariel's mother disappeared when she was just a baby, and her father has always told her that home is wherever the two of them are. But now, at 17 years old, Ariel yearns to put down some roots. Complicating matters are her burgeoning feelings for her friends Monica and Gabe, both of whom have stirred a different kind of desire within her.

Meanwhile, Maya's story unfolds in parallel. A teenager who has run away from an abusive mother, Maya finds herself isolated and pregnant, having sought refuge in the arms of an older man she thought she could trust. As Maya's life becomes increasingly complicated, the paths of Ariel and Maya unexpectedly collide.

When Ariel's mother suddenly reappears, she makes a startling accusation: Ariel wasn't abandoned, but rather, was kidnapped by her father 14 years ago. Ariel is left reeling, unsure of who to believe. Can it be possible that her entire history has been woven into a tapestry of lies? How can she choose between the mother she's been taught to mistrust and the father who has cared for her all these years?

In the deft hands of best-selling author Ellen Hopkins, Ariel's emotionally charged journey to uncover the truth of her identity is beautifully balanced with Maya's story of loss and redemption. This is a memorable portrait of two young women grappling with the complexities of their lives, coming face to face with themselves in ways they never could have imagined.

As Ariel and Maya navigate the uncharted waters of their respective situations, they are forced to confront the very foundations of their existence. Who are they, really? Can they trust the people they've been taught to love and rely upon? And ultimately, can they find the strength to forge their own paths, even in the face of overwhelming uncertainty?

Through lyrical prose and verse, Hopkins masterfully weaves together these two compelling narratives, inviting readers to embark on a deeply immersive and thought-provoking exploration of identity, family, and the power of truth. This is a story that will linger long after the last page is turned, challenging readers to examine their own preconceptions and to consider the profound impact that the past can have on the present and the future.

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