Tag Archives: mental illness
Optimists Die First
Young Adult Fiction
Wendy Lamb Books
February 21, 2017
240
Award-winning author Susin Nielsen has written a laugh-out-loud and heartrending novel for fans of Robyn Schneider's Extraordinary Means and Cammie McGovern's Say What You Will. Beware: Life ahead. Sixteen-year-old Petula de Wilde is anything but wild. A former crafting fiend with a happy life, Petula shut herself off from the world after a family tragedy. She sees danger in all the ordinary things, like crossing the street, a bug bite, or a germy handshake. She knows: life is out to get you. The worst part of her week is her comically lame mandatory art therapy class with a small group of fellow misfits. Then a new boy, Jacob, appears at school and in her therapy group. He seems so normal and confident, though he has a prosthetic arm; and soon he teams up with Petula on a hilarious project, gradually inspiring her to let go of some of her fears. But as the two grow closer, a hidden truth behind why he's in the group could derail them, unless Petula takes a huge risk. . .
Review:
“Optimists Die First” was a decent enough book about anxiety and a quick read, but it was missing that something extra to push it over into good. It also seemed to resolve things way too quickly. I can’t recommend nor not recommend it. Read the description and give it a try if it piques your interest.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Underage Drinking
The Weight of Zero
Juvenile Fiction
Delacorte Press
October 11, 2016
400
Seventeen-year-old Catherine Pulaski knows Zero is coming for her. Zero, the devastating depression born of Catherine's bipolar disorder, almost triumphed once; that was her first suicide attempt. Being bipolar is forever. It never goes away. The med du jour might work right now, but Zero will be back for her. It's only a matter of time. And so, in an old ballet-shoe box, Catherine stockpiles medications, preparing to take her own life before Zero can inflict its living death on her again. Before she goes, though, she starts a short bucket list. The bucket list, the support of her family, new friends, and a new course of treatment all begin to lessen Catherine's sense of isolation. The problem is, her plan is already in place, and has been for so long that she might not be able to see a future beyond it. This is a story of loss and grief and hope, and how some of the many shapes of love--maternal, romantic, and platonic--affect a young woman's struggle with mental illness and the stigma of treatment.
Review:
“The Weight of Zero” is an accurate portrayal of what life with mental illness is like for teenagers.
Catherine, the main character, has bipolar disorder. Her struggle to accept it and find a way to live with it is the driving plot of the book. There are no miracle cures and romance won’t “cure” her. It is easily one of the most accurate portrayals of mental illness in YA literature that I have ever read. It’s also a very easy read in spite of the grit.
I recommend “The Weight of Zero” for anyone looking for a realistic portrayal of mental illness. It would be a good discussion starter between parents and their children, as well.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Suicidal Thoughts
Girl in Pieces
JUVENILE FICTION
Delacorte Press
August 30, 2016
416
As she struggles to recover and survive, seventeen-year-old homeless Charlotte "Charlie" Davis cuts herself to dull the pain of abandonment and abuse.
Review:
I’m not even going to try to properly review “Girl in Pieces” aside from saying that it is a difficult read about such topics as mental illness, cutting, horrific abuse, and homelessness. It’s all presented in a type of journal format and leaves the reader feeling unsettled – as it should. This novel would make a good jumping point for conversations between parents and teenagers.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Cutting, Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse
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