The You I've Never Known

By: Ellen Hopkins

Narrated by: Candace Thaxton, Rebekkah Ross, Kirby Heyborne

How do you live your life if your past is based on a lie? Find out in this “satisfied and moving story” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) in both verse and prose from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins.

For as long as she can remember, it’s been just Ariel and Dad. Ariel’s mom disappeared when she was a baby. Dad says home is wherever the two of them are, but Ariel is now seventeen and after years of new apartments, new schools, and new faces, all she wants is to put down some roots. Complicating things are Monica and Gabe, both of whom have stirred a different kind of desire.

Maya’s a teenager who’s run from an abusive mother right into the arms of an older man she thinks she can trust. But now she’s isolated with a baby on the way, and life’s getting more complicated than Maya ever could have imagined.

Ariel and Maya’s lives collide unexpectedly when Ariel’s mother shows up out of the blue with wild accusations: Ariel wasn’t abandoned. Her father kidnapped her fourteen years ago.

In bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’s deft hands, Ariel’s emotionally charged journey to find out the truth of who she really is balances beautifully with Maya’s story of loss and redemption. This is a memorable portrait of two young women trying to make sense of their lives and coming face to face with themselves—for both the last and the very first time.

Another great read by Ellen!

I'm biased as Ellen is my favorite author. I've enjoyed 99% of all I read and listen to of hers. I enjoyed this very much! The story flowed well and kept me wanting more.

A+++

once again, Ellen Hopkins does an amazing job. she is favorite author. highly recommend reading all her books! I know I have!

Invested start to finish.

I know the paths of Maya and Ariel had to cross somehow. The way they do catches you off guard. The reader of ariels story is such a great voice actress, she had me tear many time throughout the book from the pain she mimics from the characters.
10/10 will listen again.

Heartbreaking and wonderful

I love Ellen Hopkins and how she can pull you into the story. Such a riveting story

Dear Hating Review (the one with spoliers)

listen,
you say there was obvious plot holes, although that might be somewhat true, it still didnt qualify. we did not know how it was all gonna go down exactly. yes you could say I'm completely offended by your review, and I truly hope you come across this review and read my response.

This is in my top 3 most favorite books of Ellen Hopkins. I had no idea how this one truly meant to her until the author's note at the very end. I am not a mother myself, but just know I could really feel the pain through this book. I loved the story, I loved the plot itself, and I loved the rollercoaster of emotions I went through while listening. I actually got legit upset one day at work because I couldnt listen to this book AT ALL, mainly because I had a coworker working with me that day (I am a driver and drive alone most days.)
what an incredible book. incredible story. incredible author. I'm about to buy yet another one of your books and continue with your amazing writing.

I love you Ms. Ellen Hopkins.