No Language But a Cry by Dr. Richard D'Ambrioso

() This is an inspirational, true story written by a psychoanalyst practicing pro bono work at a nun-run group home. He takes on the long, difficult task of trying to open up a very abused, troubled young girl. As a toddler, she was literally found by the police while her parents were cooking her alive in a frying pan. They're both in mental institutions now, but the girl, Laura, is left seemingly deaf and mute. She doesn't respond to almost any outside stimulus. She reacts to life as a vegetable.
It takes the doctor a very long time to get through to Laura, but after a lot of work and revisiting her traumatic past, Laura wakes up. She still needs continual work to open up, but she finally recognizes her existence and is willing to work towards a better one. It's almost a miracle that the doctor made such a breakthrough. The book goes on to explore her struggles growing up - for she has a TON to make up for seeing as she's in her mid-teens when she 'awakes'.
It's an inspirational story written by the doctor himself. It can be a little slow, but so is life - it's worth it.

No Right Turn by Terry Trueman

() Jordan has the sob-story of an especially troubled teen: at thirteen he found his father after he had shot himself. Now three years later, at sixteen, he's managed to lose the majority of whatever friends or interests he had; his life has become somewhat meaningless. He is void of emotion and is indifferent to everything around him. But this changes when a neighbor with a smooth, show Corvette begins going out with his mom. Before Jordan knows it, he's beginning to seek thrills in illegal ways. With the consequences of this, he discovers that looking at the past is the only way to clear a path for the future. He also realizes that no, life isn't fair, but people do love, care, and try to do their best for one another.
It's an okay read that emphasizes the impact that trauma can play in a young person's life, and the importance of trust and love.