Unlocked

A Love Story

By: Karen Kingsbury

Narrated by: Roxanne Hernandez

Best-selling author Karen Kingsbury reminds us that before you take a stand, you’ve got to take a chance.

Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially engaged - on the inside, in a private world all his own. But Holden is an 18-year-old with autism. Every day he is bullied at school by kids who only see that he is very different.

Ella Reynolds is part of the in-crowd. A cheerleader and star of the high-school drama production, her life seems perfect. When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him... the way he is drawn to the music. Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery - she and Holden were best friends as children. Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school, including her boyfriend, Jake.

Ella believes miracles can happen in the most unlikely places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines. But will Holden's praying mother, Ella, and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden? This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.

This contemporary, inspirational listen is a stand-alone novel. Audiobook length: approximately 80,000 words. Includes a reading group guide and a letter to listeners from the author.

©2010 Karen Kingsbury (P)2010 Zondervan

Great Book!!

This was a book chosen for our book club and it was a sad sweet story.

unblocked

I've had this book in my library for awhile. I thought I had already listening to this book. I was listening throug the Baxter's series. I enjoyed this book.

This was a simple and sweet book. Heartwarming.

At first, I was afraid this book would be full of clichés. However, after the first few chapters when everyone had been introduced, the story definitely improved. This story flows well, and progressed gradually(which I prefer). I believe this to be an easier book to follow along with as an audio book.

A story of understanding

Would you listen to Unlocked again? Why?

Yes, I would because it held a lot of information and the scenes that were wrote had lots of feelings and things that any human could relate and could identify with on a normal day to day situation.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unlocked?

I think the part where he actually performed on stage. It was the moment that the entire book lead up to...

What about Roxanne Hernandez’s performance did you like?

She put lots of feeling into her reading. She created moments where she made her voice and her dynamics fit the exact expressions of what was written. I could actually visualize the countenance on some of the characters faces just by listening and hearing the words and her intonations.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, not really because there were extreme sad moments in my opinion, where I needed to take time and move onto something else in my day. It actually took me a few weeks to finish listening to this book...

Any additional comments?

Overall this was a wonderful book. I really felt like I was in the mind of the autistic boy. I did feel however that the book was never going to come to an end. It seemed like it could have concluded a few chapters earlier then it actually did. I would recommend this book to anyone.

A story line to show how to love and live

This is the best book I have ever read. My prayer is to live with more people like Ella and Holden. Thank you for writing such a beautiful story.

Wonderfull Story

I loved everything about this book. The story, the reality, the hope and compassion, the faith, the real struggles of kids and adults, and the message of love and kindness needed for all people.

Heart filling story

The story glorified the Lord and showed that those with autism can come out. It’s a story that demonstrates bullies can also change.

Fabulous Heartwarming Story

Loved this book! Karen Kingsbury does it again! A Wonderful story of reaching into an Autistic young man. Dealing with bullying.
NGO in schooli I i

The Opening of Prison Doors the

The book held my attention.
The suicide portion was realistically presented.
Unconditional Love shown

Love in its purist form

Grab a box of Kleenex and be prepared for your heart to be forever changed!