The State of Grace

The best books captivate, entertain and make readers think – and Rachael Lucas’s State of Grace ticks all of these boxes. Lucas, the author of several novels for grown-ups, tells the story of 15-year-old Grace, a girl with Asperger’s who describes her brain as being like “a million shooting stars flying out in different directions”. A witty and engaging read about family, friends and first love * Daily Express *
A sweetly funny look at first love, family and faking it told from the perspective of a heroine with Asperger's and her own particular way of looking at the world. -- Sarra Manning * Red Magazine Online *
A rare example of a convincing female protagonist with autism in a compelling and well-crafted romance. * BookTrust *
Grace’s keen sense of humor and honesty are irresistible, and the book exudes positivity and warmth -- Publishers Weekly * Starred Review *
This brilliant coming of age novel for young adults is set to become a classic. * AGA Magazine *
The idea of rules for life is a recurring theme in a novel that looks at what it means to be different, and to feel as though everyone else has all the answers, but also reminds us to be conscious of – and, one hopes, question – the unspoken guidelines that govern so many social situations. * Irish Times *
If you're looking for a brilliant read about a girl dealing with Aspergers, growing up, friendships and relationships this is the book for you! * Words from a Reader Blog *
If the State of Grace can give people a glimpse into what it can be like and demystify the whole A-word thing a little bit, it will do awesome things. I urge you to read it whether you’re autistic or not because I think Rachael has written an incredibly honest, warm hearted and funny book that deserves the widest possible audience. * Live Otherwise Blog *
We need more aspie books, and more girl aspie books, and especially ones like this one where it’s not all computers and robotic behaviour. And you just can’t go wrong with a Doctor Who t-shirt. * The Book Witch Blog *
This book is just perfect and a wonderful example of everything I love about UKYA. * Overflowing Library Blog *
This is an intimate portrayal of a teenager that is enlightening, funny and romantic. * South Wales Evening Post *
This was an awesome story with a delightful and inspirational main character. I would recommend this book to everyone. * Edelwaugh Blog *
This is truly an important read for anyone who has Asperger’s, knows someone who has Asperger’s or simply wants to see what it’s like. * https://myfurrybookshelf.wordpress.com/2017/03/04/review-the-state-of-grace-rachael-lucas/ *
If you're looking for a brilliant read about a girl dealing with Aspergers, growing up, friendships and relationships this is the book for you! * Words From A Reader *
This was the perfect book for us to read after finishing the Geek Girl series by Holly Smale. Grace had the same style quirks as Harriet, and even though she wasn’t spurting facts left, right and centre, there was that same sense of frivolity and fun that Geek Girl omits. If you love that series, it’s guaranteed you’ll get on well with Grace and co. * Heart Full of Books blog *
The State of Grace is a beautifully told story that I couldn’t put down. As an Own Voices book, you really get a sense of Grace and who she is, and this will show that there is more to those with Asperger’s than the labels we put on them. Grace is a funny and sensitive narrator, and her story will reach out to everyone who reads it. * 100 Or Less Blog *
a quick, sweet and funny read that fills a much needed gap in UK YA. A must-read! * Annalise Books Blog *
A good coming-of-age story with a solid plot and sympathetic central heroine. * Claire Houston Blog *
Rachael Lucas writes beautifully and with honesty, reaching out to the reader through the words on the page. * Shift the Zine *
This is the best fiction depiction of autism I've ever read. It's wryly funny, often self-deprecating and the descriptions of what's happening inside narrator Grace's sixteen-year-old head are totally convincing. * The School Librarian *
A sensitive yet realistic into the struggle of navigating adolescence * INIS Reading Guide *
Beautifully written, The State of Grace is funny, honest and extremely readable. * Carousel Magazine *
I strongly believe this book is essential reading for everyone as we all have a duty to understand each other better and this book leaves the reader with a clearer understanding not just of Asperger’s but of humans in general. -- Anne Hammond * ThirteenFourteen *