Rosie Loves Jack

I was in tears throughout this story. For once, we get the story told through the perspective of a character with down syndrome, and the struggles this community has to face. We also get taught how it is like for those who are homeless, especially for teenagers who have run away from home, and have picked up on life in the streets. Really touching and also upsetting too. To read about young girls being abused in homes, and being forced to stay there because they have nowhere else to go, or because they are not allowed to leave. Very heart-wrenching to read about.

Rosie loves Jack. She knows this, he knows this, everybody around them knows this. Jack loves Rosie. The two will get married, that they know. But no one else seems to agree. Just because Jack's brain was hurt as a baby and Rosie has Down Syndrome, no one thinks they know what's best. When Jack is sent away, Rosie knows one thing: she must find him. Brave Rose only exists with Jack.
What ensues is a heart-stopping adventure and a story full of determination and love. Rose will do whatever it takes to get her Jack back. However, she's also out to prove one more thing: she can be in-de-pen-dent. Will she be able to prove the world wrong and show her love for Jack?
This book shattered me. It was so heartwarming, yet scary. There were a few moments where my heart was pounding out of my chest and I felt the fear Rose must have also felt. I wanted to run out and help her. I wanted to help so many of the characters. I fell in love with more than Rose and Jack, I fell in love with the story. It has been over 24 hours since I finished, but I needed time to think. I needed to digest the story. It was wonderful!
I have never read a book from the point of view of someone with Down Syndrome. I can't speak for the community, but I hope it would agree in saying that Darbon did a wonderful job! I felt as though I understood so much more about Down Syndrome and also how to change my own approach so as not to be offensive or aggravating. After reading this book, I feel like my life has been enhanced and I know this story will stay with me for a long time.
The character development is spectacularly done by Darbon, as well! Even the most minor characters stuck with me throughout the story. Normally, I would forget the names of those minor characters, but I don't even think that's possible with this story. Darbon's writing and voice is so expertly done, it's hard to believe this is her debut novel. I do, however, have one complaint about the characters and that's that there's no follow up. After feeling invested and connected to them, I needed to know more. While I understand the story was for Rose and Jack, I needed to know more about the other characters. In order to prevent spoilers, I will leave it there.
Finally, this story was so, so inspiring! There's no other way to describe it. I personally struggle to do new things as they make me anxious, and reading the strength and resilience of Rose truly made me feel empowered. She was so spectacular and brave throughout the story. I was in awe during some moments. I know it sounds as thought I believe this is non-fiction (I know it's not, haha), but that's just how well Darbon's character development was. I will be recommending this book for years to come because it was that powerful. It was that beautiful. It'll be a tough one to leave behind. Seriously, the only reason it's not 5 stars is because I'm bitter about not knowing the story of the other characters (which isn't owed at all... it is Rose's story, after all).