This book was sent to me months ago. I'll be honest. It kept getting shuffled to the bottom of my reading pile. Why? The cover. Something about it just didn't intrigue me. So a week or so ago, I made myself pick it up. It was sent to me with glowing recommendations by someone whose opinion I greatly respect as a reader. I read the flap copy:

"Joey Willis is used to being left out of conversations. Though she's been deaf since the age of six, her mother has never allowed her to learn sign language. Everything changes when Joey meets Dr. Charles Mansell and his baby chimpanzee, Sukari. Her new friends use sign language to communicate, and Joey secretly begins to learn to sign. Spending time with Charlie and Sukari, she has never been happier. But as Joey's world blooms with possibilities, Charlie's and Sukari's choices begin to narrow - until Sukari's very survival is in doubt.

Inspired by the true story of a chimpanzee raised as a human child, HURT GO HAPPY is he unforgettable story of one girl's determination to save the life of a fellow creature - one who shares 98% of our DNA, and who has the ability to communicate with us."

That doesn't even begin to show the emotional pull of this story. This is not just a story about a girl, a man, and a chimp. This is a story about determination. This is a story about a young teen realizing that her mother is not perfect after all and loving her just the same. This is a story about a mother learning to let her daughter be independent. This is a story about following through with your responsibilities, even though it may mean doing things you've never done before and going places you've never been. Even though you may be hurt in the process.

HURT GO HAPPY will leave you changed. You'll never think about testing on animals the same. Every time you see an animal in a movie or commercial, you'll wonder about their fate. You'll find yourself wanting to sign up for an ASL class. You will cry as you read. You will rejoice. You will hope and plot and pray with Joey as she struggles to save Sukari. And in the end, you will be satisfied in knowing that Joey did not take the easy way out. She didn't quit. She persevered in her fight against her mother as well as social apathy until she found the best solution for Sukari.

This book touched my soul. It reconnected me with my 13 year old self. The one that couldn't get enough Helen Keller books. I'm saddened that I passed over this amazing book so many times just because it didn't have a flashy cover. This is not a flashy book. This book is real. Read it. It will leave you feeling empowered. Incredible read. Thank you, Ginny Rorby.