Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner

Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner

Otis is a high school swimmer with Olympic dreams. Actually, the dreams belong to Dara, who is Otis’s best friend. A few years ago, Dara lost part of her arm in a swimming accident and can no longer swim competitively. Therefore, she pushes Otis relentlessly in his pursuit of her olympic dream. Then Otis gets a message from Meg, his long-lost girlfriend, that says she is coming back to town. Meg disappeared three years ago, right after Otis’s younger brother Mason died right next door at Meg’s house. Otis is hoping to rekindle the old flame even though he knows Meg has a football player back home (Otis sort of stalks Meg’s social media). Dara warns Otis that Meg ran away for a reason, and that she’s probably bringing back more baggage than just her carry-on. This haunting novel has three characters all trying to deal with the pain of loss and the fear of moving forward in a world filled with hurt.