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sleepysadpoet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
And this book meant a lot to me in high school because of my own personal struggles. As someone studying clinical psychology though, I will admit I'm a bit frustrated with misinformation within.
Granted it came out when everyone was being diagnosed as bipolar, during the late 2000s. Since then, the dsm-V has come out, and the over diagnosis ended, mostly.
And here's the thing.
Vanessa, a character I hold close to my heart, is diagnosed as bipolar because back then everyone who was unstable got that diagnosis. But, as someone with both bipolar II and bpd--her story reads more like BPD. Especially the self harm aspect. Mania is also described incorrectly, as if it lasts hours instead of days to weeks. BPD mood cycles can last hours however. Bipolar is also referred to as BPD in this a couple times which is incredibly incorrect. However, because this came out during the dsm-iv time period, I am able to let that go.
I in many ways relate to Vanessa. Because of my BPD and struggles with self harm. I also have been hospitalized twice, and for the most part Aspen springs reminds me of that. That being said, I didn't have the challenge at the end and I'm so glad I didn't because that's straight up terrifying. I also understand Ellen isn't a psychologist so any misinformation isn't entirely her fault.
Despite those errors, I still adore this book. Because when I read it the first time, I was in a horrible place with untreated bpd. I've read this a few times, as it is one of my favorite books by Ellen Hopkins.
A lot of people call this story unrealistic, but it really isn't, because there are many Tonys, Conners and Vanessas in the world. Along with Dahlia, who's story sort of is like mine, I'm not going into details.
Back when I read this the first time, I felt hope. This could give a lot of other people like me hope too.
Hate that I noticed the misinformation and got a lil upset though, because if I weren't going into the field I probably wouldn't have known it was misinfo lol.
Graphic: Mental illness, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Abortion
em_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Murder
brookey8888's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is honestly really depressing, but important. Check content warnings because this is dark and it talks about a lot of things. I changed it from a full five to a 4.4 because I felt like some of the things said were a little problematic. For example a character said the only thing that could save her was being in love and as this is YA I just am not fully comfortable with that. Other then a few some things it still holds up and I love that it’s written in verse.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
gracefulbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
shakiral's review
A guy who thinks he's gay realizing he's straight in a mental institution and falling for this bitch, no thanks. I've read worse, but I just don't like it.
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Biphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Dementia, and Grief
First time I go "This book was writen by a white straight woman" and what do you know a I was right.