The Silence that Binds Us

Joanna Ho, New York Times bestselling author ofEyes 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.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

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

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

“A held-breath of a novel that finds courage amidst brokenness, and holds a candle to the dark.” —Stacey Lee,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe 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 forPatron Saints of Nothing