Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Review: The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy

The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy
Publisher: HMH
Pub Date: July 4, 2017
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble. Amazon. Audible

"Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if there was music in everything. If stars could sing, or shadows scraped along where they fell. Or if the wind made leaves tinkle like wind chimes."


What would happen if things you take for granted suddenly disappeared? Things like being able to dream, see the stars in the night sky, or even look at your reflection in the mirror. That is what has been happening in the small town of Sterling. Every 7 years there is a disappearance and no one knows just what is going to be taken from them next. 

Fifteen year old Aila just lost her mom and has been shipped off to the small town of Sterling where her mother grew up. She is beginning to unravel the mystery that is the disappearances all while trying to figure out who her mother truly was and why she kept her secrets. Aila is desperately trying to solve the mystery and clear her mother's name before it's too late. 

Wow. Just wow!

The story is set in the 1940s during WWII chock-full of mystery and other fantastical elements. I could not put it down! There are some eerie yet magical elements to this story. I just adored this book and it is quickly one of my favorite reads this year! The writing was beautiful, the characters felt so honest and real to me, and this unique story line is unlike anything you have ever read. 

I had the great opportunity to meet Emily and she is just the kindest person you'll ever meet. I was a part of a wonderful pre-launch party for Emily. We painted ceramics, talked about books, and ate cookies. I was able to paint Emily this plate: 

Before

After
Me and Emily with the plate and her finished book!

This was such a fun experience and I had the most amazing time with Emily and I'm still in denial about her move to St. Louis. You seriously need this book in your life. It's one of those stories you do not want to miss!


I have created a playlist for this book! Music plays a role in the book and plays an important role in my life, so I put together 7 songs that I believe fit the story well. I hope you enjoy it!

"I want to tell him, Sometimes I almost think I can hear the music again, whenever I'm with you." -Aila Quinn

20 Years by The Civil Wars 
"There's a note underneath your front door. That I wrote 20 years ago. Yellow paper and a faded picture, and a secret in an envelope...I'll be praying for redemption and your note underneath my door."
I Don't Want to Live There by The Lonely Forest
"Give to me miles of tall evergreens. And the smell of the ocean. And the cool mountain breeze won't you please?"
To Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra 
"There is a house built of stone. Wooden floors, walls, and window sills. Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust. This is a place where I don't feel alone. This is a place where I feel at home...Until it disappeared from me, from you..."
Soon We'll Be Found by Sia
"Well it's been rough but we'll be just fine...Turn around. I know we're lost but soon we'll be found."
Seven Devils by Florence + The Machine
"It's a melody. It's a battle cry. It's a symphony."
Eyes on Fire by Blue Foundation 
"I'll seek you out. Flay you alive. One more word and you won't survive. And I'm not scared of your stolen power. I see right through you any hour."
Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine
"The stars, the moon, they have all been blown out. You left me in the dark. No dawn, no day. I'm always in this twilight. In the shadow of your heart." 

2 comments on "Review: The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy"
  1. I love everything about this post and 100% agree. Everyone needs this book in their lives

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    1. Thank you!! Yes, I am still so surprised by how much I loved it!

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