If You Find Me

By: Emily Murdoch

Narrated by: Tai Sammons

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

A deeply compelling mix of high school drama and page-turning mystery that asks profound questions about family, truth, and love

Fourteen-year-old Carey and six-year-old Jenessa have been living in the woods with their mother for as long as they can remember; the sheltering trees and a broken-down camper are all they know. But what they’ve never been told is that Carey vanished from the real world ten years ago, when their mother took her, causing an uproar in the media - and in her father’s life.

Now, abandoned by the mother they trusted, they’re often left alone for long periods of time to fend for themselves - but, in one moment, everything changes. They’re found by Carey’s father and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world, one of shopping malls, shiny appliances, new clothes, and mouth-watering food. Carey desperately wants to believe in this new reality but is held back by a deep and painful loyalty to her mentally ill mother, who gave Carey her violin and taught her how to play the soaring music that helps her survive.

And then there’s the other piece of Carey’s past that haunts her, the story of what happened to her and Jenessa on that dark night in the woods - the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Will Carey ever be able to trust her father and his family enough to fit into this new life? Will Jenessa finally break her silence and ruin the cocoon of safety that Carey’s built so carefully around them? And what will happen if the secret comes out?

©2013 Emily Murdoch (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc

Critic reviews

“Grabbed me by the heart on page one and didn’t let go till the very last word. Murdoch’s language is lovely, her storytelling gripping.” (Carol Lynch Williams, PEN Award-winning author of The Chosen One)

“Within two pages, I was so hopelessly hooked, I felt like the story had attached itself to me…Original and suspenseful, but most of all, it was Carey’s voice that had me flipping the pages…One of those books you devour.” (Jennifer Brown, author of Hate List)

“Searing…Hurt my heart and will probably haunt my dreams—a beautiful book about survival, identity, family, love, and so much more.” (Jenny Downham, author of Before I Die)

powerful

This was a story I will never forget and I will probably listen to again. It was beautifully written and I felt for every character.

We needed happy after all the horror

The story was raw and painful, but worth getting to know Carrie and Janessa. I don't feel good about the ending, though. Love and care, human concern for children, should have been able to stop what wasn't written after the book ended. Finishing has left me with a heavy sadness and disillusionment which the author could have alleviated on children's rights principles. I think she did a disservice by not protecting children from further horror. Know that going into this book - it's no fairytale.

Wow. Just WOW.

Beautifully written and beautifully read. I savored every word of this gut wrenching and beautiful story. It’s the kind of book you gift to every avid reader you know.

a Great Story told wonderfully.

I Highly recommend this book. the narrator is very talented in the story telling. worth the read

Going home

I loved the details about the woods from the child's point of view . It was a wonderful story of discovering that her father didn't hate her but he loved her after all . I was glad her mother never came back to them in the story !

I want more!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES! This is one of the best books I have listened to in a long time. It is one of those books that you think about for a long time after you've finished it. The author dealt with some very delicate issues with tact.

What other book might you compare If You Find Me to and why?

For some reason, I kept thinking of the Boxcar Children while they were living in the woods.

What does Tai Sammons bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her accent, the way she pronounced certain words...it felt like her story. Not just a narrator telling a story, but the actual person talking about their life. She was excellent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes. I was happy, sad and I got a little misty when she realized the boy was her old friend.

Any additional comments?

I wish it was longer. I wanted more! I loved every minute of this book and if there was a sequel I would get it in a minute! And I'm very picky!

Poignant and Riveting

Who was your favorite character and why?

When her world in the wild is uprooted by the father she and her mother fled, Carrie is thrust into a world she doesn't understand. She is resilient, sensitive, and utterly believable as she struggles to make sense of her past and present. I love her devotion to her sister who refuses to speak.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were numerous favorite scenes, but I loved Carrie's vulnerability and devotion to her sister when she vows to St. Joseph (also known as the patron saint of beans) that if he spares her sister a specific heartache (don't want to spoil it) that she will reveal the secret of the white star night.

Any additional comments?

I often listen to books while exercising. Several times I opted to keep walking rather than turn off the book. This is a story of hope, courage, and the power of secrets and truth.

Gripping, heart-wrenching story. Well written and performed.

For me this was an almost perfect book. The story was gripping. It tugged at the heart strings, bringing an array of strong emotional responses. Since I started using Audible, I finally reconnected with my "reading" habit, and I've listened to dozens of books in the past few months. This was the best of them. The only thing that niggled at me - and I don't think this is a spoiler, I'm not revealing anything that's not in Audible's plot summary - is that, I think in such a scenario the child would have been taken for regular counseling (and subjected to police questioning) which didn't happen here. But that discrepancy is in the interest of the storyline - artist's license I guess. I highly recommend this book and I hope Emily Murdoch brings us something new soon.

WOW

What an amazing story! Well written and beautifully performed. It had me in tears on more than one occassion!

Found me a new favorite!

This was my 1st book from this author, and I was very pleased! It hooked me and I just wanted to keep driving so that I could hear more! Excellent story & excellent delivery!