Book cover of Sun Don't Shine

Book description

Sixteen-year-old Reece is an expert at keeping secrets. She has to be, since her father abducted her ten years ago. For as long as she can remember, she's been on the run, sneaking food out of the dumpster and sleeping in the woods. Every time she moves, the same rules…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Sun Don't Shine as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

SUN DON'T SHINE is addictingly wonderful in the most heartbreaking and poignant way. I devoured this book in one sitting, unable to tear myself away. Reece's tale, though fictional, serves as a reflection of the harsh realities many face in America. She emerges as a resilient heroine, navigating through a landscape of profound sorrow with an unwavering spirit of hope. Despite the darkness surrounding her, her resilience shines through, guiding the reader through to the end.

This book hooked me from page one. It’s technically a Young Adult novel but is so literary that it appealed to me as an adult reader, too.

The protagonist, Reece, is a fierce sixteen-year-old at that pivotal moment between being a teen and a young adult that so many of us females can identify with. The story itself is very plot-driven–Reece is living in a motel with her dad, and we get the impression they’ve been on the run.

As the story unfolds, we get a close-up look at the circumstances Reece and her dad find themselves in and the…

From Kerri's list on fierce female protagonists.

If you love Sun Don't Shine...

Book cover of Beyond the Cemetery Gate: The Secret Keeper's Daughter

Beyond the Cemetery Gate by Valerie Biel,

"A haunting YA mystery. Touching on everything from police ineptitude and community solidarity to the endless frustration of being patronized as a young person, this paranormal thriller confidently combines timely and relatable themes within a page-turning storyline." - Self-Publishing Review

"Biel's writing is fast-paced and sharp!" - author Christy Wopat…

Want books like Sun Don't Shine?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Sun Don't Shine.

Browse books like Sun Don't Shine

Book cover of Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth
Book cover of Alice the Cat
Book cover of Akmaral

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Sun Don't Shine, you might also like...

Book cover of An Heir of Realms

An Heir of Realms by Heather Ashle,

An Heir of Realms tells the tale of two young heroines—a dragon rider and a portal jumper—who fight dragon-like parasites to save their realms from extinction. 

Rhoswen is training as a Realm Rider to work with dragons and burn away the Narxon swarming into her realm. Rhoswen’s dream is to…

Book cover of Those That Wake

Those That Wake by Jesse Karp,

Mal's older brother has disappeared into thin air. Laura's parents went away for the weekend and when she gives them a call, they have no idea who she is. In pursuit of answers, the teens become entangled with two others similarly targeted by a force they don't understand and now,…

5 book lists we think you will like!