“We Now Return to Regular Life” by Martin Wilson is a story about abduction and its aftermath.

Three years ago, Beth’s 11-year-old brother, Sam, went missing. Now, Sam is back, but he is not the same brother Beth remembers.

Three years of abuse has left Sam an anxious, somber 14-year-old, and his sister does not know how to help. Neither does an old neighbor and friend of Sam’s, Josh.

Through the points of view of Beth and Josh, the road to recovery is agonizingly confusing and terrifying for not only Sam, but for all of those around him.

The author creates a breathtakingly realistic vision of a medium-sized town where tragedy has no place of belonging, and then he takes it away.

Wilson brings out the cruel and harsh reality that no place, no matter how wonderful it seems, is ever really safe. He removes the illusion of safety that so many in the world today hide behind.

The story of Sam and his family is so terrifying and heartbreaking because it is so real and reflective of society.

Though upsetting in its horrifically truthful depiction of life, older teens, and adults, everywhere should read this book in order to better see the world around them and hopefully understand it a little more.

However, some of the content may be too mature for younger teens and children.