CW: Self harm, suicidal thoughts, sexual references, child abandonment, drug use and overdose, references to school killings, schizophrenia ( )

I checked this out from the library because it had an intriguing title and an eye-catching cover. I read the inside flap and was surprised, but opened it up and read the book anyway. For some reason, I couldn't put it down. I don't read books about mental illnesses--I have one (not schizophrenia), and don't wanna read about it, no matter how well-told. If it were told from the point of view of someone who actually has it, known as Own Voices rep, maybe. This was not Own Voices rep. It's a by-the-numbers coming of age YA novel. I am going to point something out, and I want to make it abundantly clear that I do not view what the author was doing as plagiarism. I am approaching this from the view of someone who has seen the original 1970s "Carrie" movie, "Carrie 2" (hated it), the 2016 "Carrie," and I watched the musical and seriously sniffled. Not quite crying, but I needed a hug. The author uses several "Carrie" movie and musical references throughout this book to progress the plot. I got every single one and my reactions, after figuring out the reference, were of varying levels of confusion and increasing levels of discomfort. I am not interested in why the author made those choices; I wish she had taken another route. ( )

An incredible journey of a young man with a mental health disorder. Adam aspires to attend culinary school and creates masterpieces for himself and his mother.

A gentle person, Adam struggles through the changes as he is expelled from one school for violent behavior he can't control. Paul, his step-father, looms in his life as a threat between the loving relationship he has with his mother.

As Adam moves into a new school and a new treatment, he encounters all of the angst of a teenager compounded by his mental health disorder.

I was left speechless by the compassion and honesty with which the author handled the issues facing Adam. The ending was particularly poignant and hopeful. Highly recommended! ( )

Really great look at schizophrenia and the stress of living with a chronic condition for which there is no known cure. I think that’s really helpful especially since so many of the sentiments expressed here can be applied across multiple medical conditions. A lot of times in books we read that bright ending, or a magic potion at the end, but in reality, many conditions don’t currently have solutions and it’s important to have literature out there where we can see characters facing that on the page out in the open, not being swept under the rug, out of sight. A really important topic.

Adam is put into a drug trial for a new medication his doctors hope will help control the visions and voices in his head telling him to do things. He journals about his experiences. I loved the friendships and relationships of all types presented in this short novel. I thought the author did a really great job of presenting the struggles and fears, and also moments of hope.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
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Loved it ( )