Today I’d rather focus on Iggy Toma’s narration, and it’s impact on whether or not I enjoyed listening to a book I already loved to read. If you want a condensed version, here it is: It was awesome. If you’re curious, I put my original review in a link under the book details at the top. I gave the print book 5 stars, and I went over everything that made Carry the Ocean so spectacular.

I’ve already reviewed this book, so I don’t intend to break the plot down again, or explain why I loved these characters. Warning: Contains characters obsessed with trains and counting, positive representations of autism and mental illness, a very dark moment, and Elwood Blues. But before he can trust enough to fall head over heels, he must trust his own conviction that friendship is a healing force, and love can overcome any obstacle. When his untreated illness reaches a critical breaking point, Emmet is the white knight who rescues him and brings him along as a roommate to The Roosevelt, a quirky new assisted living facility nearby.Īs Jeremey finds his feet at The Roosevelt, Emmet slowly begins to believe he can be loved for the man he is behind the autism. He’s too busy judging himself, as are his parents, who don’t believe in things like clinical depression. The double major in math and computer science is handsome, forward, wicked smart, interested in dating Jeremey-and he’s autistic.īut Jeremey doesn’t judge him for that. Then a tornado named Emmet Washington enters his life. He only hopes there isn’t a variable in his formula he’s failed to foresee.About the Book: High school graduate Jeremey Samson is looking forward to burying his head under the covers and sleeping until it’s time to leave for college. 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. 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. With the help of Jeremey and their friends, he starts a local grassroots organization and fights every step of the way.

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.

Some prefer sensory sacks.Įmmet 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.

Shelter the Sea by Heidi Cullinan