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Praise for Holding on to You by Ash Parsons
“The story moves quickly, its dark intensity crafted from raw emotion delivered in lyrical prose and staccato sentences. The novel includes a biting critique of celebrity culture and a hint of mystery, but the heart of the story is an exploration of grief, depression, and suicide. . . With a shrewd and sympathetic narrator and multiple elements of interest-music, celebrity, grief, mental health-this novel is a recommended first purchase.” — School Library Journal
“The frenetic whirl of Joshua’s life, the social media excess, the scary fan frenzy, and the suspense and discovery surrounding what really happens to Joshua will hook readers.” — Booklist
“Any reader familiar with popular culture will appreciate this story about the dark side of celebrity. The story from the perspective of Roxanne is especially effective in explaining the human side of fame and the struggles famous personalities face.” — VOYA

A gripping and romantic story of true love, grief, and human connection, previously published as The Falling Between Us.

Roxanne “Rox” Stewart has always loved Joshua “Shu” Blackbird–before the world loved him too.

Eight months ago, Rox and Shu were stuck in their tiny middle-of-nowhere hometown with no prospects of leaving. But after Joshua posts a performance of an original song on YouTube, he becomes an overnight sensation. Suddenly, the boy Rox loves is a massive celebrity on a whirlwind national tour, catapulting to dizzying heights of fame.

The new life is glamorous and exciting for both of them–but it’s not long before the stress and complication of being in the public eye begins weighing them down. With the constant hunger of managers, diehard fans called “Birdies,” record execs, paparazzi, and family all leeching onto Joshua–it seems impossible for Shu to survive the gauntlet of fame, and stay the person she always knew.

Then one day, Joshua Blackbird disappears. Was it an accident? Was it intentional? Rox will stop at nothing to find out the truth, even if no one else believes there’s something to find. She won’t let go of her love–the boy she knows is still out there.

Recognition

A Junior Library Guild Selection