The Hopeful Message of Say What You Will Abigail Bonsall 9th Grade

Is it possible to live a happy life in spite of the disabilities that plague you? Many who suffer from mental or physical illnesses would say no. However, some have recovered and found solace from their hopelessness through friends, family, and lovers. In Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern, a girl with cerebral palsy and a boy with OCD find love and help each other deal with their disabilities. The theme of this touching novel is that despite your disabilities, you are always able to make friends and live a happy life.

The setting, mood, and tone in Say What You Will set the scene for a somewhat tragic yet beautifully uplifting book. The story accomplishes this in the way that the narrator describes her seemingly bleak situation. The author states, “For most of her school life, Amy had felt a little like Rapunzel, locked in the tower her walker created when she walked down hallways. In eleven years, no one had ever called up to her window or asked for her hair. No one had tried to be her friend” (McGovern 21). This means that so many people had been intimidated or disgusted by her outward appearance that no one had even attempted to look at what was on the inside. It becomes clear early on that the theme of this book is much...