Please Don’t Hug Me

by Kay Kerr

[helenfarch]

I’ve just finished Please Don’t Hug Me by Kay Kerr. I usually start my review posts with a quote that resonated with me. But I couldn’t pick just one from this book - it is filled with such beautiful writing. I will say, watch out for page 193 - it will break your heart. But in the spirit of no spoilers you will have to read it for yourself.

What a book. I’ve been wanting to read this since I heard Kay speak at the YA Showcase in Melbourne last December and then I was lucky to win a copy in an Instagram giveaway.

Well, I have to say it did not disappoint all my expectations in any way.

Erin is in her final year of high school and she is looking forward to Schoolies. But Erin is autistic and she is finding life a challenge to understand and navigate. As part of her therapy she is writing letters to her brother, Rudy, who left almost a year ago. In the letters, Erin pours out her confusion at life and the way people act, her heartbreak that he left, the uncertainties of life after High School.
The ultimate irony of this book is that I just want to give Erin a huge hug and let her know everything will be ok.

I’m not crying….. you’re crying!