First published 2016
Nina Faye carries her mother's words like a wound. At fourteen, she learned that unconditional love does not exist. Now sixteen, Nina has spent two years proving her worth to her boyfriend, doing anything he asks. When he breaks up with her, Nina's world collapses. She no longer knows who she is without him. Nina volunteers at an animal shelter where dogs face death daily. She watches as only the young, beautiful, and quiet ones find homes. The others wait in cages or die. Nina remembers the trip to Italy where her mother showed her statues of saints. These holy women endured torture and mutilation for their faith. They suffered because they loved God without question. Nina begins to see patterns everywhere. Love demands payment. Love requires proof. Love punishes those who cannot measure up. As Nina moves between the dying dogs and the martyred saints, she searches for answers. What makes someone worthy of love? What happens when you fail to earn it?
Genres: fiction, coming-of-age, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, self-discovery
Setting: Italy
Hardcover · Carolrhoda Books
Content warnings: abuse, emotional-abuse, toxic-relationship