You Don't Know Me But I Know You by Rebecca Barrow

There’s a box in the back of Audrey’s closet that she rarely thinks about.

Inside is a letter, seventeen years old, from a mother she’s never met, handed to her by the woman she’s called Mom her whole life.

Being adopted, though, is just one piece in the puzzle of Audrey’s life—the picture painstakingly put together by Audrey herself, consisting not only of the greatest family ever but of a snarky, loyal, sometimes infuriating best friend, Rose; a sweet, smart musician boyfriend, Julian; and a beloved camera that turns the most fleeting moments of her day-to-day routine into precious, permanent memories.

But when Audrey realizes that she’s pregnant, she feels something—a tightly sealed box in the closet corners of her heart—crack open, spilling her dormant fears and unanswered questions all over the life she loves.

Almost two decades ago, a girl in Audrey’s situation made a choice, one that started Audrey’s entire story. Now Audrey is paralyzed by her own what-ifs and terrified by the distance she feels growing between her and Rose. Down every possible path is a different unfamiliar version of her life, and as she weighs the options in her mind, she starts to wonder—what does it even mean to be Audrey Spencer?

Rebecca Barrow’s bright, honest debut novel about chance, choice, and unconditional love is a heartfelt testament to creating the future you truly want, one puzzle piece at a time.

Goodreads Summary



I read this book on the way back from a convention (long drive) and it held my attention for hours. Audrey's character could easily have been one of my own friends (minus the pregnancy). She was kind, funny, and slightly sassy. It was fascinating to read about a girl whose mom was so easy-going about what her teen was doing. When Audrey ends up pregnant, her mom is very nice about it, but she worries when she thinks Audrey isn't around to hear. Throughout the book, Audrey goes through stages of wondering if she should keep the baby, have an abortion, or adopt the baby out. The decision is further complicated by Julian, the father, choosing to continue their strong relationship. Meanwhile, Rose, her best friend, is also making tough choices and mistakes. Rose and Audrey's normally friendly relationship becomes strained when both think the other cannot understand their situations.

I liked pretty much every character in this book. Julian was an ideal boyfriend (perhaps a little unrealistic). I was surprised he didn't flee or freak out at the idea of a pregnant girlfriend. He showed a lot of bravery standing by her side and explaining it to his parents the way he did. Audrey was shockingly mature and thoroughly thought through her decisions. A letter from her biological mom complicates her own decision process and makes her think twice. I was just as interested to read the letter her mother wrote her as she was! Rose came off as flighty and angry. I eventually understood part of her personality problem, but she came off as cruel, at times. I really enjoyed how the author related her characters to everyday people. The author has a way of writing that makes the words seem to flow off the page. I was dying to know the ending when I was only a quarter of the way through the book!

4 Stars

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