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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I found the story touching and emotional on so many levels. It also proved to me that simple writing can result in tears and heart clenches. But if I had one problem with the writing, it would be the constant shift of time between past and present; the writer kept going back and forth continuously that I found it hard to keep up. Nonetheless, I'm glad I chose it to get out of a reading slump.
This book was truly amazing. I Can't pick fault with this book at all, each character was perfect and I felt we could connect with each one.
I adored the use of font size to make a point and placement of his words.
There was one point in the book where the ink fades, I thought this was a brilliant way to show the declining memory of Matt.
Also, the first few chapters have names, each of them very distinctly titled. However as we move into the book, the chapters blend into each other, losing their names. I felt this was an excellent way to show how Matt's past become indistinguishable in his own mind.
This was an amazing piece of work that will stay with me forever
I adored the use of font size to make a point and placement of his words.
There was one point in the book where the ink fades, I thought this was a brilliant way to show the declining memory of Matt.
Also, the first few chapters have names, each of them very distinctly titled. However as we move into the book, the chapters blend into each other, losing their names. I felt this was an excellent way to show how Matt's past become indistinguishable in his own mind.
This was an amazing piece of work that will stay with me forever
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I first read this book about 10 years ago, and had some vague memories about it. Rereading it was good - the story is still strong, fascinating, and sad. 100% recommend.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A stream-of-consciousness narrative tackling dual themes of mental illness (schizophrenia, in particular) and grief, "The Shock of the Fall" follows 19-year-old Matthew Homes as he seeks to write his story, partly on his treatment program's computer and partly on the typewriter his grandmother gave him. He's grappling with the death of his older brother a decade earlier -- a tragedy he's always blamed himself for. His brother had Down's Syndrome. Matthew felt (and was often held by his parents as) responsible for Simon. Now, he's gone. Actually, he's been gone since a nighttime fall (hence, the book's title).
This book moves quickly in chapters of varying lengths, moving back and forth in the time frame. It takes a little while to adjust to the non-linear storytelling style, but the style keeps you on your toes in a way that makes the book more intriguing. You're in Matthew's head, which is a fascinating, sometimes confusing, sometimes frightening place to be. And even though it's a book about mental health that doesn't try to tie things up in a pretty bow, the ending is satisfying, not hopeless. I, personally, felt better for having read it.
This book moves quickly in chapters of varying lengths, moving back and forth in the time frame. It takes a little while to adjust to the non-linear storytelling style, but the style keeps you on your toes in a way that makes the book more intriguing. You're in Matthew's head, which is a fascinating, sometimes confusing, sometimes frightening place to be. And even though it's a book about mental health that doesn't try to tie things up in a pretty bow, the ending is satisfying, not hopeless. I, personally, felt better for having read it.
Absolutely heartbreaking but wonderful. A very accurate and upsetting portrayal of mental health that brought me to tears.
This book portrayed one of the most raw narratives about loss and mental illness I've ever read. I adored this book and read it in one sitting! Would definitely recommend.
A very touching, and emotional story, and I adore the way it is told. The way it portrays mental health is also very well done.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you like the perks of being a Wallflower, you'll like this book. It follows a man dealing with the death of his younger brother and how his mental health deteriorates over time, leading to increasingly unhinged behaviour.
I think Filer does a very good job presenting the passage of time using different fonts to signify changes in location and medium. Because it is written from the perspective of the person going through it, I think the mental illnesses are portrayed in a very good way; how they are not 'solvable' but are able to be managed, how they blend with someone's personality because they are a part of him. It's very good.
I think Filer does a very good job presenting the passage of time using different fonts to signify changes in location and medium. Because it is written from the perspective of the person going through it, I think the mental illnesses are portrayed in a very good way; how they are not 'solvable' but are able to be managed, how they blend with someone's personality because they are a part of him. It's very good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Forced institutionalization, Alcohol
Minor: Self harm