What Light

Praise

“What Light…harks back to a simpler time of young adult storytelling with its linear first-person narrative and classic themes of forgiveness, hope, and the power of true love…there’s something beautiful about a novel done the old way, particularly when there’s enough heart to make you weep.” 
—New York Times Book Review

“Asher’s gift for prose that packs an emotional wallop was apparent in his 2007 novel, the monster best-seller Thirteen Reasons Why…. Asher infuses his storytelling with a compelling sweetness and innocence; What Light casts the same warm glow as a room strung with twinkly Christmas-tree lights.”
—Entertainment Weekly

“From the author of Thirteen Reasons Why, What Light is one you won’t want to miss.”
—Buzzfeed
 
“What Light is a love story that make you want to turn on those Christmas carols early.”
—Bustle

“Asher has done it again. He gets into the heart of what is important in relationships, whether friendship or romance, and his characters are realistic and well developed. Teens will see themselves in these characters, and relate to them.”
—Voice of Youth Advocates
 
“Certain to please readers seeking an escapist, feel-good holiday read. Asher’s follow-up to his best-selling debut is destined for lots of attention.”
—Booklist 

“This is a sweet, light romance, perfect for holiday reading.”
—School Library Journal

“Charming and sweet, Sierra and Caleb’s budding relationship should suit readers looking for a wintertime romance that’s as cozy (and familiar) as candy canes and gingerbread during the holidays.” 
—Publishers Weekly

“Asher is a dab hand at capturing everyday situations and conversations; Sierra and her friends tease and quip in ways that are witty but not overly so, and Sierra’s frank talks with her parents have the tone of a mature, beloved only child who is used to being heard even as her parents set the rules.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“What Light is a sweet, aching tale of first love and forgiveness. It’s about second chances and learning to see others for who they really are. Sierra is only passing through town, as she and her family do every year, trying not to get too close to anyone, while Caleb needs to forgive himself for a single horrible act. As he says, everyone is allowed a bad day. But it’s not until meeting Sierra that he truly believes it. I laughed, I cheered, I cried, and oh did I fall in love with Sierra, Caleb, and this exquisitely lovely story.”
—Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places