Don't Let Me Go (Expanded Edition)

By: Jamila Mikhail

Narrated by: Melody Craven

On top of battling the normal teenage angst that everyone goes through, Joanie is also reeling from her parents' bitter divorce and having to cope with her mother's new boyfriend and father's new family. Alone in a new town and without friends, she turns to passing the time by indulging in her longtime hobby of making toy models of soldiers and is both amazed and shocked when one of them comes to life.

Despite her millions of unanswered questions and having to make sense of new mysteries every day, Joanie comes to find a loyal and trustworthy companion in Adler, a lieutenant in the Wehrmacht and a member of the German Resistance during World War II who must also find a way to handle living in modern times on top of being invisible to most of the population.The two of them will have to fight several battles on many fronts in both the physical world and unseen realms as they both try to comprehend Adler's new existence and piece Joanie's broken life back together.

This expanded edition of Don't Let Me Go features bonus material including the short story that originally inspired this novel as well as two interviews with the author.

©2018 Jamila Mikhail (P)2019 Jamila Mikhail

5 Stars

Jamila Mikhail’s "Don't Let Me Go" is a captivating literary gem that beautifully marries deep themes with a narrative that keeps readers both entertained and engaged. Targeting a diverse audience of teens and adults alike, this book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the universal values it can convey.

At the heart of "Don't Let Me Go" lies a powerful story that expertly navigates the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and the quest for identity. Mikhail’s characters are richly developed, each resonating with authenticity that allows readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. The central character’s journey is a poignant exploration of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. Through a series of emotional trials, Mikhail skillfully illustrates the necessity of hope and the impact of community support, making it particularly relevant for today’s youth.

One of the standout elements of this novel is its ability to balance serious themes with a lighthearted and fun tone. Mikhail's writing is imbued with humor and wit, ensuring that while the characters are grappling with significant life challenges, readers can still find moments of joy and laughter. This balance makes the narrative not only relatable but also enjoyable, making it an ideal read for those seeking both entertainment and depth.

The strong values woven throughout the narrative, such as empathy, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself, resonate powerfully. Mikhail’s storytelling encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and the values they hold, which is particularly impactful for a younger audience. It fosters important conversations about personal growth and the importance of supporting one another.

Visually, the book is well-designed, with an appealing cover that captures the essence of the story within. The pacing is excellent; Mikhail maintains a balance between plot development and character introspection, holding the reader's interest from start to finish.

In conclusion, Jamila Mikhail’s "Don't Let Me Go" is a remarkable read that stands out in the contemporary young adult genre. It is a book that is not only entertaining but also rich with lessons and insights, making it a great choice for both teens and adults. With its engaging narrative, relatable characters, and strong values, this novel deserves a place on every reader's bookshelf. Whether you’re looking for a poignant story that resonates or simply a fun escape, “Don’t Let Me Go” is a book that should not be missed.

Exceptional!

This is, by far, one of the most extraordinary, interesting, and exceptionally well-written life stories to which I have ever had the pleasure of listening. The story is spellbinding, and it is full of intrigue, excitement, and history. It delves into the horrible atrocities of nazism during WWII and the detestable evils of domestic violence in the present world - with valuable lessons learned portrayed from both eras. In addition, the narrator’s stellar performance is spot on superb! I was held spellbound with her intonation of the characters’ voices, both male and female, in particular the voice of the German soldier, Adler. The narrator’s highly professional, articulate presentation throughout the audiobook serves to underscore the brilliance of the author’s terrific storyline. I strongly recommend this audiobook for teens as well as for grownups! Well-deserved kudos to the author, Jamila Mikhail and the narrator, Melody Craven!

It´s a hit for me

This book has been fascinating and inspiring to me. The storyline is borderline bizarre in parts and yet so relatable, as it is communicated from the perspective of a young teenage girl experiencing a lot of normal teenage girl "stuff". The narration is excellent and captures the voice of the girl so precisely, and even the radically different voices of her German "keeper", her parents and her peers. Audio books are usually hit or miss for me, depending as much on the voice of the narrator as on the content, and this one is a hit. The plot keeps taking unexpected turns, and although sometimes it drags a bit for me in the deep conversational parts between Joanie and Adler, even the parts that are not "exciting" are still engaging, mostly because of the voices and the innocently sweet relationship that they have the powerful wisdom messages it carries. I think this book would appeal to teen girls as well as to adults and has some great life wisdom.