A Quiet Kind of Thunder

Written by Sara Barnard

Narrated by Lauren Irwin

Perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Jandy Nelson.



Steffi doesn't talk, but she has so much to say.



Rhys can't hear, but he can listen.



Steffi has been a selective mute for most of her life. The condition's name has always felt ironic to her, because she certainly does not "select" not to speak. In fact, she would give anything to be able to speak as easily and often as everyone around her can. She suffers from crippling anxiety, and uncontrollably, in most situations simply can't open her mouth to get out the words.



Steffi's been silent for so long that she feels completely invisible. But Rhys, the new boy at school, sees her. He's deaf, and her knowledge of basic sign language means that she's assigned to help him acclimate. To Rhys, it doesn't matter that Steffi doesn't talk. As they find ways to communicate, Steffi discovers that she does have a voice, and that she's falling in love with the one person who makes her feel brave enough to use it. But as she starts to overcome a lifelong challenge, she'll soon confront questions about the nature of her own identity and the very essence of what it is to know another person.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798765090664

Sara Barnard

Sara Barnard is the author of Fragile Like Us; A Quiet Kind of Thunder; Goodbye, Perfect; and Destination Anywhere. She lives in Brighton, England, with her husband and their grumpy cat. She studied American literature with creative writing at university and never stopped reading YA. She has lived in Canada, interrailed through Europe, and once spent the night in an ice hotel. She thinks sad books are good for the soul and happy books lift the heart. She hopes to write lots of books that do both. 

Reviews for A Quiet Kind of Thunder

[sennebec · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Like the title, this story is quietly satisfying. You have two main characters who struggle with communication, but from different directions. Steffi is slowly finding her way out of selective mutism, while Rhys is deaf and trying to become more integrated with the 'normal' world. When they're thrown together after he starts at her school, it's at first terrifying for her, but the longer they're interacting, the more she comes out of her own shell. The process is painful, exhilarating at times, and accompanied by great descriptions of her panic attacks and insights.
Their budding romance is filled with pitfalls, some resulting from frustration, others from the challenges of communication between them. It's an extremely satisfying tale.

[kjc__ · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A selective mute, anxiety-ridden protagonist falls in love with a deaf boy.

I haven't read any teen romance novels before so I'm not sure whether this is good or not. A few seconds of self-reflection or critical thinking would've made them both recognize each others problems. Both want independence but have difficulty obtaining it because of their disabilities.

[reader1009-863136 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

diverse teen romance ("selective" mute 17 y.o. girl with severe anxiety meets Deaf 18 y.o. in Britain)
I can't speak personally to the severe anxiety or Deaf culture, but it seemed like the author had really done her research, and the characters felt very authentic.
parental notes: includes drinking (legal at age 18 in England), and sex (Stef and Rhys eventually lose their virginity to each other, after first making sure each other gives consent; bestie Tem also has sex with her boyfriend, who turns out to have been sleeping around and who picks another girl as his girlfriend afterwards).

[heatherlinc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a cute romance and well researched which made the story feel authentic. I liked how the author took the time to investigate British Sign Language and included some basic signs throughout the book.

The characters in "A Quiet Kind of Thunder" were varied and wonderful. Steffi and Rhys were both very relatable and readers will find themselves easily empathising with them. Rhys, in particular, was a sweetheart and I adored him. He was sensitive, caring and a genuinely good person. I also liked Steffi with her compassion and awkwardness, and I loved following her emotional journey. Despite Rhys' deafness and Steffi's selective muteness and anxiety issues, both refused to be defined by their disabilities, and their romance was super sweet.

However, I think the book's strength was in the various relationships, they were all so positive and honest - Rhys and Steffi, Steffi and her parents/step=parents, Rhys and his family, and Steph and Tem. Tem, Steffi's best friends was one of my favourite characters. She was so full of life and fiercely protective of Steffi.

Overall, despite a slow plot at times "A Quiet Kind of Thunder" was a touching read which highlighted some important social issues.