The Reality of Everything (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798998903236)

Elgin Murray isn't exactly a dreamer. It's hard to dream when you're constantly being stepped on. Bullied at school, ridiculed at home, and feeling completely alienated from the world, the only thing that brings him light is writing songs and performing in his garage with his pop-punk band. That, and the idea of winning at Fall Fest, the biggest musical competition in the state.

Everything about Mariah Campbell's life is a part of a well-crafted lie. Despite being head cheerleader, one of the most popular students at school, and one-half of an It couple, no one knows how much Mariah struggles to maintain her "perfect" image. What her mother, her friends, or even her boyfriend doesn't know is that Mariah is sinking. The pressure to keep up this façade and hide her mental scars and bruises has Mariah drained.

When Elgin and Mariah meet it's a head-on collision. Elgin instantly sees through Mariah's mask. And Mariah is blown away when she hears the boy with the somber eyes sing and play guitar. What begins as an unlikely friendship burns into more the closer the two get beyond the surface. Hopeless but hoping, Elgin finds himself dreaming of winning the contest and the girl.