#1 in YA Dystopian Fiction
#1 in Coming of Age Fiction for Young Adults
#1 in Science Fiction & Dystopian Romance for Young Adults
A heartwarming, unforgettable journey into a world where love means to risk everything—and The Truth is the most dangerous thing of all.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Matched—this YA dystopian romance is filled with tension, tenderness, and a story that lingers long after the last page.
“Love is not a formula—not like The Truth. You feel it in your gut, your heart, your soul. It defies reason. You just know it’s there when it is.”
“Love is not a formula—not like The Truth. You feel it in your gut, your heart, your soul. It defies reason. You just know it’s there when it is.”
“The life you have may not be the one you want—but that, in of itself, is not the tragedy. The tragedy is not changing it—or waiting until it’s too late to do so.”
“When good things happen, it’s so much better with people who love you.”
“Sometimes the water is calm, others turbulent. It makes me think of life and how similar it is to the sea. Good days and bad, they come and go. Just sail on.”
“I find myself gravitating to this boy like a sparrow that flies south to survive the winter.”
“A powerful story. Readers will enjoy this well-written novel in which love, honesty, and perseverance prevail.”
“Witterick’s writing captivates from the first line to the last.”
“With strong-willed characters and heart-pounding suspense, readers will be kept on the edge of their seats from start to finish.”
J.L. Witterick writes stories for the brave, the dreamers, and the ones who believe love can change everything. With You Can’t Take the Truth, she brings a fresh voice to the dystopian world—where freedom to be yourself is rare, and love might be the one true rebellion.
Inspired by a true story, My Mother’s Secret is a captivating and ultimately uplifting tale intertwining the lives of two Jewish families in hiding from the Nazis, a fleeing German soldier, and the mother and daughter who save them all.
In 10 Languages | Recommended On School Reading Lists