Because you'll never meet me

By: Leah Thomas
Location: FIC  THO
Genre:  Contemporary YA

In a stunning literary debut, two boys on opposite ends of the world begin an unlikely friendship that will change their lives forever.

Because You'll Never Meet Me is a story about two adolescent boys living in different parts of the world, yet going through equally troubling situations. Ollie is a 14-year old that has spent a majority of his life living in an isolated cabin in the middle of the woods with his mother. He is allergic to electricity--he has never been to a town or seen a crowd of people. He can't use a phone or even watch a movie. And still, somehow, he is experiencing the pain of first love. Moritz is a 16-year old full of sarcasm and pessimism living in Germany. He was unfortunate enough to be born with no eyes--instead, he sees the world with his ears, sort of like a bat. He also has a pacemaker helping him stay alive, making it impossible for the two teens to ever meet. But even with this impossibility looming over them, they manage to start a beautiful friendship through pen pal letters. They tell each other everything, from their happiest memories, to the darkest times of their lives. They encourage each other and help each other grow to become stronger and happier people. It is really such a cute and unique story--the premise alone is fascinating, but I absolutely fell in love with both of these characters. It's kind of heartbreaking, but also extremely uplifting in so many ways.

A story of impossible friendship and hope under strange circumstances, this debut is powerful, dark and humorous in equal measure. These extraordinary voices bring readers into the hearts and minds of two special boys who, like many teens, are just waiting for their moment to shine.