The Silence That Binds Us

De: Joanna Ho

Narrado por: Raechel Wong

“A grieving teen fights Asian hate by finding her voice in this complex, timely story.” —Kirkus (starred review)

"With a layered, sensitive voice, Ho’s weighty novel delves into themes of racism, classism, loss, and healing." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Inspired by the recent rise in hate crimes against AAPI, Ho’s story of inclusion, diversity, and social action rings true. Maybelline is a multifaceted narrator whose drive to right wrongs and stand up to injustice deserves applause. Ho illuminates both activism and mental health in marginalized communities, showing that even a bright, young achiever can experience depression without anyone knowing.”—Booklist

"A powerful, hopeful YA debut. May’s journey through personal and familial grief is poignant and questions of power and privilege are explored with nuance that will spark conversation among teen readers." —School Library Journal

“This sensitive novel does an impressive balancing act, examining mental illness and its stigma among Asian Americans while weaving in themes of racism and grief. The overarching messages—listening with empathy, and seeking help—ring loud and clear.” —Horn Book

Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, has written an exquisite, heart-rending debut young adult novel that will inspire all to speak truth to power.

Maybelline Chen isn’t the Chinese Taiwanese American daughter her mother expects her to be. May prefers hoodies over dresses and wants to become a writer. When asked, her mom can’t come up with one specific reason for why she's proud of her only daughter. May’s beloved brother, Danny, on the other hand, has just been admitted to Princeton. But Danny secretly struggles with depression, and when he dies by suicide, May's world is shattered.

In the aftermath, racist accusations are hurled against May's parents for putting too much “pressure” on him. May’s father tells her to keep her head down. Instead, May challenges these ugly stereotypes through her writing. Yet the consequences of speaking out run much deeper than anyone could foresee. Who gets to tell our stories, and who gets silenced? It’s up to May to take back the narrative.

Joanna Ho masterfully explores timely themes of mental health, racism, and classism.

A Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for ages 14 and older in Family/School/Community and noted for outstanding merit (2023)

"An ornately carved window into the core of shared humanity. Read and re-read. Then read it again." —Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

"Powerful and piercing, filled with truth, love, and a heroine who takes back the narrative." —Abigail Hing Wen, New York Times bestselling author of Loveboat, Taipei

“A held-breath of a novel that finds courage amidst brokenness, and holds a candle to the dark.” —Stacey Lee, New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl

“Ho confronts racism with care and nuance, capturing the complexities of grief and growth. A poignant call to action.” —Randy Ribay, National Book Award finalist for Patron Saints of Nothing

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Joanna Ho (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Powerful storytelling

I love the way Joanna brings every feeling and smell to life. I loved, even more, how she helped me experience life through Maybelline's eyes. It's a beautifully written, heartfelt stories and will make you laugh, cry, and will inspired you to be a better version of yourself.

Incredible

What an incredible book. The story, the characters, the relationships between May, Danny, Tia and Mark, the connection felt with the characters, the reality and pain of suicide, the depth of May’s devastation at the loss of Danny, the journey to the rally and May deciding to speak - it was all just so moving and powerful. I loved this book and love how it will inspire and empower students to learn more of their own histories and tell their own stories. I also love how this book will inspire curiosity in teens and adults in to the histories and stories of those who have been silenced and whose histories have been whitewashed. I hope it leads to collective action like the Take Back the Narrative Rally. I really loved May’s journey and the transparency written in to her character as she learned about what Tia and Mark and Black students and the Black community face. I loved every single detail of the rally (from the artwork to the magazine to the students sharing their stories) and know it will inspire students to think of creative ways to do something similar. The beauty of this book is in the details - like how the encounter with the woman at the train stop helped heal May (her realization that her mother was always trying to show love by feeding her and how she could associate the train coming with relief for once). There is so much wisdom and instruction in the text about racism, whitewashed history, the importance of supporting other marginalized groups and how uniting against white supremacy is essential and will help everyone. This book is really phenomenal and I can’t wait to have my oldest two read it / I had to purchase a hard copy because I love it so much and I want my children to read it.

Beautiful Novel

Highly recommend this text for young adults and adults of all ages. This is a beautifully written novel, tackling tough subjects, relationships, and experiences with careful perspective and narration.

Opened Eyes

I am male, white, and as privileged as they come. I also have spent years working with and living among Asian groups, both in my country and in theirs. But this story opened my eyes to a world of pain and struggle I knew was there, but only saw from a distance. Thank you, Joanna Ho, for sharing an angle of the struggle and plight that so easily resonated.

shakes your inner core

This will absolutely speak to your soul. At times it will shake the core perspective of your life and you're up-bringing . It will cause you to analyze your reaction, and how you have perceived everything around you. But more specifically how you have internalized all of your trauma and burdens placed on your soul, that are heavier then you realize. It's time to break the silence.