Title: I Am Not Alone
Author: Francisco X. Stork
Book Type: Novel
Series: N/A
Series Number: N/A
Genre: Thriller, Contemporary, Realistic
Age: Young Adult
Disability: Schizophrenia
LGBTQ+: N/A
Published: 2023
Setting: USA
[ID: A book cover. The author’s name “Francisco X. Stork” is written at the top in light orange writing. Above it, in small blue caps, the phrase “Author of Disappeared”. Below it, in larger, white caps, the title “I Am Not Alone”. The background is blueish grey with a large orange circle in the centre. In the foreground, down the right side, the image of a young boy with short, curly hair and a yellow t-shirt. Behind him, in the background to the left, a young girl with long wavy hair, wearing a black rank top and brown pants. Two circles are around both figures. /end]
Content Warning:
- Racism
- Blood
- Drug Abuse
- Violence
- Addiction
- Death of A Parent
Summary:
Award-winning author Francisco X. Stork revisits some of the themes and ideas that made Marcelo in the Real World such an unforgettable novel.
Alberto’s life isn’t easy: He’s an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who lives with his sister’s abusive boyfriend—but he’d always accepted his place in the world. Until he starts hearing the voice of a man called Captain America, a voice that wants him to achieve more, no matter the cost.
Grace has it all: She has a supportive boyfriend, she’s on track to be valedictorian, and she’s sure to go to the college of her dreams. Still, nothing feels right to her any more after the divorce of her parents, and feels she needs something more.
When Alberto and Grace meet, they have an immediate and electric connection. But when Alberto is present at the scene of a terrible crime, he becomes a suspect. And with his developing schizophrenia, he’s not even sure he believes in his own innocence.
Can Grace find a way to prove Alberto’s innocence to himself and the world?
This is a page-turning thriller and a sensitive story about mental health, love, and community that will appeal to anyone who has struggled with their place in the world, from award-winning author Francisco X. Stork.
Notes:
This is Stork’s tenth novel.
A note on goodreads by the author described why the book is so special to him, with Alberto’s mental struggles being based on his own experiences. You can read it here.
There is a kindle edition.
Archivist Comments:
I keep seeing reviews for this basically saying it was a nice, quick read. I have seen a couple that have also said the “thriller” aspect falls a bit short in areas.
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