edited by Jessica Burkhart ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2018
Teens may be unlikely to seek out this collection on their own, but it is a valuable read to put in the hands of those who...
Thirty-one authors write about the impact of living with mental illness—their own or a loved one’s.
Depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, addiction, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are among the challenges addressed in essays ranging from gorgeous (particularly some stellar pieces on suicidal ideation) to mundane. Most discuss the author’s constantly evolving treatment program, including such mainstays as medication, therapy, exercise, sleeping well, mindfulness, and pragmatic acceptance of what is possible. The contributors vary in their approaches: Francisco X. Stork is adamant that his bipolar disorder doesn’t make him more creative, while other authors see a silver lining to their struggles. All, however, are anti-stigma and pro–self-care and speak to the benefits of seeking professional help. Given the different racial, cultural, and gender-based barriers around mental health, it’s deeply unfortunate that the contributors are overwhelmingly white and female. Still, the exceptions stand out even more brightly for that, including Tom Pollock on his bulimia and Cindy L. Rodriguez on the Latinx community and depression. Readers will also learn about the impact of genetics and environmental factors, curing vs. managing mental illness, and the underdiagnosis of high-achieving girls.
Teens may be unlikely to seek out this collection on their own, but it is a valuable read to put in the hands of those who need it . (Memoir/essay. 14-18)Pub Date: April 10, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4814-9464-9
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Feb. 4, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2018
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by Laura Nowlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024
A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind.
In this companion novel to 2013’s If He Had Been With Me, three characters tell their sides of the story.
Finn’s narrative starts three days before his death. He explores the progress of his unrequited love for best friend Autumn up until the day he finally expresses his feelings. Finn’s story ends with his tragic death, which leaves his close friends devastated, unmoored, and uncertain how to go on. Jack’s section follows, offering a heartbreaking look at what it’s like to live with grief. Jack works to overcome the anger he feels toward Sylvie, the girlfriend Finn was breaking up with when he died, and Autumn, the girl he was preparing to build his life around (but whom Jack believed wasn’t good enough for Finn). But when Jack sees how Autumn’s grief matches his own, it changes their understanding of one another. Autumn’s chapters trace her life without Finn as readers follow her struggles with mental health and balancing love and loss. Those who have read the earlier book will better connect with and feel for these characters, particularly since they’ll have a more well-rounded impression of Finn. The pain and anger is well written, and the novel highlights the most troublesome aspects of young adulthood: overconfidence sprinkled with heavy insecurities, fear-fueled decisions, bad communication, and brash judgments. Characters are cued white.
A heavy read about the harsh realities of tragedy and their effects on those left behind. (author’s note, content warning) (Fiction. 14-18)Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024
ISBN: 9781728276229
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024
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by Laura Nowlin
by Laura Nowlin ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 2013
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head.
The finely drawn characters capture readers’ attention in this debut.
Autumn and Phineas, nicknamed Finny, were born a week apart; their mothers are still best friends. Growing up, Autumn and Finny were like peas in a pod despite their differences: Autumn is “quirky and odd,” while Finny is “sweet and shy and everyone like[s] him.” But in eighth grade, Autumn and Finny stop being friends due to an unexpected kiss. They drift apart and find new friends, but their friendship keeps asserting itself at parties, shared holiday gatherings and random encounters. In the summer after graduation, Autumn and Finny reconnect and are finally ready to be more than friends. But on August 8, everything changes, and Autumn has to rely on all her strength to move on. Autumn’s coming-of-age is sensitively chronicled, with a wide range of experiences and events shaping her character. Even secondary characters are well-rounded, with their own histories and motivations.
There’s not much plot here, but readers will relish the opportunity to climb inside Autumn’s head. (Fiction. 14 & up)Pub Date: April 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4022-7782-5
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2013
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