Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Quiet Kind of Thunder summary
Brief summary
A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard is a heartwarming story about Steffi, who is selectively mute, and Rhys, who is deaf. Together, they find a way to communicate and form a deep connection that transcends words.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Quiet Kind of Thunder
Summary of key ideas
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Love
In A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard, we meet Steffi, a teenage girl who suffers from selective mutism, a condition that renders her unable to speak in certain situations. She's also dealing with anxiety, which makes her feel isolated and lonely. Despite her struggles, Steffi manages to navigate her high school life with the help of her best friend, Tem, and her supportive family.
Everything changes when Rhys, a new student who is deaf, joins her class. The school pairs Steffi with Rhys to help him settle in, and the two quickly form a strong bond. They communicate using sign language and written notes, and Steffi finds comfort in the fact that Rhys doesn't expect her to speak.
Discovering New Ways of Communication
As the story progresses, Steffi's relationship with Rhys helps her explore new ways of communicating. She becomes more confident in using sign language and discovers that she can express herself without words. Rhys, on the other hand, introduces Steffi to a world of silence, and she learns to appreciate the beauty of quietness.
Their relationship also helps Steffi overcome her anxiety, and she starts to open up to the people around her. She begins to see herself in a new light and realizes that she is more than her condition. Rhys, too, grows in confidence and starts to embrace his deafness, thanks to Steffi's support.
Challenges and Triumphs
However, their journey isn't without its challenges. Steffi's overprotective mother is initially wary of her daughter's new friendship, and Rhys faces bullying from some of their classmates. Despite these obstacles, Steffi and Rhys stand by each other, and their bond grows stronger.
When Steffi and Rhys decide to attend a music festival together, they face their biggest test yet. Steffi must navigate a crowded, noisy environment, while Rhys has to rely on her to communicate with others. Despite their fears, they manage to have a great time, and the experience only strengthens their relationship.
Embracing Their Identities
As the story reaches its climax, Steffi and Rhys both come to terms with their identities. Steffi realizes that she is more than her condition and that she can lead a fulfilling life. Rhys, too, learns to embrace his deafness and sees it as a unique aspect of his personality.
In the end, A Quiet Kind of Thunder is a heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It shows us that our differences don't define us and that true connections can transcend barriers. Steffi and Rhys's story is a testament to the power of communication, in whatever form it may take.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Quiet Kind of Thunder about?
A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard is a heartwarming and beautifully written young adult novel that explores the power of communication and connection. It tells the story of Steffi, a selective mute, and Rhys, a deaf boy, as they navigate the challenges of high school and form a deep bond through sign language. With its authentic portrayal of friendship and love, this book will leave you feeling both moved and inspired.
A Quiet Kind of Thunder Review
A Quiet Kind of Thunder (2017) follows the story of Steffi, who finds solace in communicating through sign language with Rhys, a select few who understand her. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Offers a unique perspective on communication barriers and the beauty of finding connections beyond words.
- Portrays complex characters with real struggles and emotions, making the story relatable and engaging.
- Explores themes of friendship, love, and overcoming obstacles with sincerity, capturing the reader's empathy throughout.
Who should read A Quiet Kind of Thunder?
Readers who enjoy young adult contemporary romance with a focus on mental health and communication
People interested in exploring the challenges and triumphs of living with selective mutism and deafness
Those who appreciate well-developed characters and authentic, heartfelt storytelling
Categories with A Quiet Kind of Thunder
Book summaries like A Quiet Kind of Thunder
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Quiet Kind of Thunder FAQs
What is the main message of A Quiet Kind of Thunder?
The main message of A Quiet Kind of Thunder emphasizes the power of communication and human connection.
How long does it take to read A Quiet Kind of Thunder?
Reading A Quiet Kind of Thunder takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in approximately 15 minutes.
Is A Quiet Kind of Thunder a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Quiet Kind of Thunder is a compelling read that beautifully portrays the complexities of relationships and personal growth.
Who is the author of A Quiet Kind of Thunder?
Sara Barnard is the author of A Quiet Kind of Thunder.
What to read after A Quiet Kind of Thunder?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Quiet Kind of Thunder, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright