hellobookbird 's review for:

A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard

3.0

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Little victories are everything in a world where worst-case scenarios are on an endless loop in your head.

Steffi has been a selective mute for most of her life—she's been silent for so long that she feels completely invisible. But Rhys, the new boy at school, sees her. He's deaf, and her knowledge of basic sign language means that she's assigned to look after him. To Rhys, it doesn't matter that Steffi doesn't talk, and as they find ways to communicate, Steffi finds that she does have a voice, and that she's falling in love with the one person who makes her feel brave enough to use it.

3.5 stars. This book was adorable. When I first read the synopsis, I was reminded of how I liked the interaction between the MCs of [b: Eliza and Her Monsters|31931941|Eliza and Her Monsters|Francesca Zappia|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476994065s/31931941.jpg|52586056], though this book centers a lot more on their interactions.

It's not complex, it doesn't have a lot of plot, and it doesn't move quickly but the great friendships, both wonderful sets of parents, and the dorky, adorable romance made this. There was plenty of anxiety on Steffi's part but it was well-balanced to keep the book from being a complete downer.

With lightning, you're never really sure if that's what it was; it's just a flash. Thunder, you know. You feel it."

The only thing I didn't like about the book is that Rhys had some sort of sexism problem that came out in the latter chapters to create some tension for the finish. I'm not sure how I would have handled it if I were the author but I'm not a fan of sexism, especially when the whole book Steffi is trying to break out of the expectations she and her parents have bound her in.

Recommended for those who would like a slow and sweet teen romance. (Warning: it does have some sexual situations but omgoodness it was awkward and cute. Just like first times.)