2019 young adult novel by Saundra Mitchell
All the Things We Do in the Dark is a young adult psychological thriller novel by Saundra Mitchell, published October 29, 2019 by HarperTeen. The book was shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature.
Summary.
Because the story covers content that may be triggering for readers who are trauma survivors, the novel includes a trigger warning and resources. The novel follows 17-year-old Ava, who experienced a sexual assault in her childhood, after she finds a woman's corpse in the woods. Instead of reporting to the police, Ava "protect[s] and care[s] for her," enlisting the help of the victim's friend to solve the case. Most characters are Caucasian with the exception of the main character's lover being Jewish and part-Korean.
Reception.
"All the Things We Do in the Dark" received a starred review from "Publishers Weekly."
"Kirkus Reviews" referred to the novel as a "searing, fast-paced whodunit that addresses sexual assault head-on," while "Booklist" "called it an "insightful, cathartic read."" "Booklist" further highlighted how "Mitchell mixes contemporary drama—the joy of first love, the pain of breaking friendships—with psychological thriller."""
Both "Booklist" and "The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books" highlighted the Mitchell's author's note, which includes contact information for sexual assault helplines.
"School Library Journal" also provided a positive review.
"All the Things We Do in the Dark" was shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature.
References.
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