Description: What if everything you set yourself up to be was wrong?

Frances has always been a study machine with one goal, elite university. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret – not even the person she is on the inside. But when Frances meets Aled, the shy genius behind her favourite podcast, she discovers a new freedom. He unlocks the door to Real Frances and for the first time she experiences true friendship, unafraid to be herself. Then the podcast goes viral and the fragile trust between them is broken.

  Caught between who she was and who she longs to be, Frances’ dreams come crashing down. Suffocating with guilt, she knows that she has to confront her past. She has to confess why Carys disappeared.

Meanwhile at uni, Aled is alone, fighting even darker secrets. It’s only by facing up to your fears that you can overcome them. And it’s only by being your true self that you can find happiness. Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.

Review: Radio Silence is one of the very few books that depict an authentic, platonic friendship between a boy and a girl. The story also touches upon what makes friendships work while also discussing sexual identities and the universal theme of being yourself despite the several expectations placed upon you by others.
  Frances Janvier is extremely book smart and has focused everything on getting into Cambridge University. Her public persona is quiet, academic nerd, but in private, she is a spunky teen who loves creating fan art for her favorite podcast, Universe City, and pop culture in general. Frances has a hard time making friends mainly because she doesn't really know how. She is afraid of bringing her private life into focus in fear of embarrassment. She is a huge fan of Universe City, whose agender main character (who is also the show's creator) goes by the name of Radio Silence. Frances feels a powerful connection to Radio Silence and when she is contacted by the show's creator to provide graphics for the show, she can't believe it. Frances is even more dumbfounded when she discovers that the mysterious Radio Silence is, Aled Last, her reserved neighbor. Similarly, Aled can't believe that his graphic artist, Toulouse, is Frances.
  Like Francis, Aled is quiet, extremely smart and talented though he also appears socially awkward. He created Radio Silence as his creative outlet, escaping his demanding and emotionally abusive mother. He also desperately tries to shield his public and private personas as well though he is not always successful. The majority of the book is dedicated to how Francis and Aled come together as friends as they spend the majority of the summer working together on the podcast. Their closeness confuses others who can't believe there is nothing romantic between them.
 As the start of Frances's senior year in high school and Aled's first year at university approach, a revelation changes their close relationship. With their friendship in ruins and Aled miles away and spiraling into a dangerous depression, Frances must face long-buried fears and desires to find a way to save him.
  I really like how the author manages to create lifelike characters who take time to open up and reveal their vulnerabilities. All of the characters are intelligent and they all face the daunting task of navigating expectations whether their own or their parents. The writing is simple yet witty, a nice balance between angst and humor while also touching upon the significance of fandom and the various definitions of success and happiness.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language, allusions to animal abuse and emotional abuse. 

If you like this book try: How to Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford, Sweethearts by Sara Zarr