pickThis book is a sweet, straightforward and honest picture of people who suffer because of bad choices, or life's unfair circumstances. The way it expresses the different stories of homeless people, and tells of their pain is raw, beautiful and brilliant. It moves you so subtly and so quietly you wouldn't even notice when you start to cry. Can't recommend it enough. I grasped on to every page and every word, especially the poems of Tiny and Nola.
2017 is an even tougher year to choose. I could have picked any one of 10 books. I read 45 #loveozya novels this year. Here is something I wrote about Because of You back then: Harry‘s inclusive cast of characters carry a subtle message about judging others. The tone is warm and gentle, but the subject matter is harsh and uncomfortable. However, we aren‘t made to feel pity. Instead we‘re inspired to rise up to help others… #tenbooksonedecade #2017
Because of you, you‘ve made me eager to open my mailbox. Thank you, @BookwormAHN @Kaye @CoffeeNBooks @Kdgordon88 @JoScho for your cards, notes and bookmarks! #jb #justbecause
pickAbsolutely adored this beautifully tender novel. It is touching, poignant yet ultimately hopeful with important messages about compassion, acceptance and equality. This is an honest and much needed glimpse into the way we as society treat our most vulnerable, exploring poverty and privilege, gentrification, addiction, the cruelty of defensive architecture, mental illness, equality and the power of story-telling to both shape and change lives.
Because of You | 
