SUMMARY
Having been abandoned as a toddler, Blue Echohawk knows almost nothing of her origins or even her real age. Although she is raised by the man who found her as a baby, when he dies she is left with even more questions and a real lack of self worth and hope.
When Wilson, her sexy young history teacher, challenges his students to write the story of their lives Blue finds herself at a loss…and angry. Not only does she not know the details of her own story but she begins to realize she doesn’t even know herself. As they challenge each other in and outside of class, Blue and Wilson form a special relationship which will change both their lives and their perspectives.
MY THOUGHTS
I can’t even tell you how much I loved A Different Blue. When i started the book, I wasn’t sure I would like it. I can only handle so much angsty drama and I couldn’t relate at all to Blue, not only because of her circumstances, but also her attitude and behavior.
But what a story! Although this is partially a love story, it is really more of a personal journey of discovery for Blue. As Wilson challenges her to write her own story, she is forced to dig deep to discover who she is. Knowing so little about her own past, Blue also discovers that she has allowed others to shape her personal identity. As she starts to challenge what labels she will accept about herself, she begins to grow and change in ways that have nothing to do with names and dates and everything to do with what she believes about herself. This is a message that I think everyone can relate to as we all go through the struggle to define our own identity.
Although I started out a little resistant to Blue, as her story unfolded I found myself swamped with compassion and grief for her sake. Her transformational journey chips away the hard outer layer of rebellion and anger and uncovers strength, vulnerability and surprising kindness.
And Wilson. Oh, Wilson. From childhood nerd to a sexy, compassionate, patient teacher with a British accent to boot, he is a hero in the true sense of the word. One thing I really appreciate in a romance is the quality of restraint, because it demands self-discipline and self-sacrifice. Wilson has these qualities in spades. In many ways he rescues Blue, and it is his understanding and patience which give her the safe place she needs to grow without any pressure or expectations.
By the way, if you are worried about the teacher-student relationship between Blue and Wilson (as I was), then be assured it is written in an appropriate, tactful way.
This is my third book by author Amy Harmon and she never ceases to amaze me with her talent and skill. Each of the three books I have read by her are totally different and yet all of them are intensely gripping and emotionally impacting. I read multitudes of books and have a long list of favorite authors. Although I usually love every book by each of my preferred writers I don’t always post reviews on every one because I want to introduce you to books and authors you may not have heard of before. But I can’t help myself with Amy Harmon. Every one of her stories deserves its’ own review particularly since each of them leaves me stunned and changed in some way.
If you’ve never read a book by Amy Harmon, I’m convinced that you can’t choose a bad one, but I love A Different Blue’s message about what defines identity and allowing love to transform us. I think you will too.
Check out the author’s Pinterest page for pictures of Blue and Wilson along with other images which inspired the story.
