The Girl Without a Voice by Casey Watson

It's not often that you read a book and are completely captivated, mesmerised and in awe of the author - who is also the narrative voice in this non-fictional book. Casey Watson is a specialist foster-carer, along with her husband Mike, who provides a home for children who have been troubled by their pasts. Prior to this she worked in her local secondary school as a behavioural manager in which she worked with students who, for whatever reason, were deemed unable to cope within mainstream classes. This classroom was where this story began.

A new girl is introduced to Casey and the unit's other children, Imogen. Upon entering Casey is told that the child has selective mutism, this causing her to be unable to speak in situations that are deemed too stressful or traumatic. Casey soon realises that there is a dark secret hidden within Imogen's silence that proves too hard to talk of vocally. However, with her love, determination and kind-hearted ways, Imogen finds her voice, and what she has to say is something that no one could have ever expected.

If that doesn't want to make you read it, then I don't know what will. I saw this on the shelf in my local Tesco and was struck by the simple image, and the questions introduced by the title. I read it within days; it was totally gripping. I could not put it down. With every word spoken by both Imogen and Casey you just fell in love over and over again. Your heart breaks for Imogen yet grows at the same time.

I cannot wait to read more in her series of books, they're truly captivating. I finished reading and thought that I wanted to do something similar. It makes you look at situations and people in a different light. It has also shown me that whilst something may look straightforward to begin with, it can be far from the truth. And just because you can't hear someone, it doesn't mean they don't have a story.

 Be sure to follow her on twitter too!