Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Interesting Facts About Space

Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

119 reviews

lindseyhall44's review

emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ever since reading Everyone in this Room Will Soon be Dead, I’ve known that Emily Austin is something special. The characters that she wrote connected with me on such a personal level, and I was expecting the same for this novel. I’m so happy to say that Interesting Facts about Space was even more wonderful than I could have ever predicted. As a socially awkward, anxious, lesbian who often wonders if she is a bad person, this felt tailor made for me. There is so much light in these pages.

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bisexualbookshelf's review

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challenging emotional funny fast-paced

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

3.0

Emily Austin’s "Interesting Facts About Space" introduces readers to the quirky, anxiety-ridden, and darkly humorous character of Enid. From the very first pages, Enid’s personality leaps off the page, captivating readers with her relatable fears and unique coping mechanisms. While the book grapples with complex themes like PTSD and autism, it also dives into the emotional intricacies of human relationships and personal growth.

Enid’s character is a rich tapestry of contradictions. Her anxiety and dark humor make her both relatable and compelling, while her paranoia and morally dubious choices—like having an affair with another woman’s wife—add layers of complexity. Austin’s portrayal of Enid’s struggle to navigate her various roles to appear 'normal' is particularly poignant and indicative of autistic traits, which resonates deeply with neurodivergent readers.

One of the most touching aspects of the novel is Enid's relationship with her mother. This bond provides a stabilizing force in Enid’s tumultuous life, highlighting the importance of familial support in the face of mental health challenges. The depiction of Enid’s mother’s grief and her efforts to raise a disabled, neurodivergent child on her own adds a layer of emotional depth to the story.

The narrative’s structure, however, is a bit uneven. The first third of the book feels overloaded with various subplots—Enid's half-sisters, her job, her mother, her paranoia, her self-loathing, and her dating life. This initially makes the story feel disjointed and slow to start. Yet, once the focus sharpens,

particularly around the second date with Polly when Joan appears

, the pace and tension build effectively.

While the book excels in many areas, it also stumbles in some significant ways.

The subplot involving Vin, who secretly stalks Enid under the guise of concern, is particularly problematic.

This revelation feels like an unnecessary twist that undermines the book’s earlier achievements.

Vin's actions, which include gaslighting and dismissing Enid’s fears, are deeply troubling and, for some readers, can overshadow the book’s positive aspects.

Another point of contention is the portrayal of Cognitive Reprocessing Therapy (CRT). As a trauma therapist in training, I find this therapy controversial due to its potential to retraumatize patients by forcing them to confront walled-off memories. While Austin’s representation might be accurate to her or Enid’s experience, it risks misleading readers about the general efficacy and safety of such treatments.

In summary, "Interesting Facts About Space" shines in its representation of autism and PTSD, and its exploration of Enid's inner world and relationships. The dark humor and unique quirks of Enid’s character are major strengths. However, the problematic subplot

with Vin

and the contentious depiction of therapy methods detract from the overall impact. Despite these flaws, Austin's ability to create a deeply felt, introspective narrative makes this book a worthwhile read for those interested in complex, character-driven stories.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives, Fans of dark humor and quirky characters, Admirers of psychological and emotional depth, Those interested in autism and PTSD representation, Lovers of intricate and metaphorical storytelling.

🔑 Key Themes: Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms, Familial Relationships and Support, Paranoia and Intuition, Self-Discovery and Personal Growth, Autistic and PTSD Experiences.

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ukponge's review

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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dev921's review

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emotional funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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spec_tacles's review

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challenging dark funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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ehwhateverest's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book feels personal. The rambling of a paranoid lesbian that somehow felt relatable despite not having all that much in common with this character.

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