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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
good things:
-bipolar disorder representation
-other mental illness representation
-feminism!!
-shows the importance of romantic, family, and platonic relationships
not so good things:
-the characters! i tried so hard to like them but the main character had this superiority complex (which, to her credit, she acknowledged) and the love interest was so....boring? i can't remember any of his personality traits
-the pacing. the plot moved along well but the mc kept having the same thoughts over and over so it felt like nothing important was happening? it was weird
all in all, a good message in a poorly constructed book
-bipolar disorder representation
-other mental illness representation
-feminism!!
-shows the importance of romantic, family, and platonic relationships
not so good things:
-the characters! i tried so hard to like them but the main character had this superiority complex (which, to her credit, she acknowledged) and the love interest was so....boring? i can't remember any of his personality traits
-the pacing. the plot moved along well but the mc kept having the same thoughts over and over so it felt like nothing important was happening? it was weird
all in all, a good message in a poorly constructed book
This was a really insightful look at bipolar disorder. It was thoughtful and seemed very well-researched. It was a good book, but it felt like romance saved the day again when it wasn’t even that convincing.
I read this so insanely quickly and it made me reconsider a lot about me. I really liked it and gave it 4.3/5 because some times I didn’t really like micheal, I just found him to be a bit cringe but I did like him and I loved Cathy mum and their relationship and the clinic was my favourite setting with all the characters. I like how they approached mental illness and I loved Nonny and all the Italian stuff.
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt
An amazing and accurate description of living with Bipolar Disorder, especially during those "fun" teenage years. I was really glad that Fortunati didn't advocate the "no-meds is just fine" idea that some people think is okay to spout to someone already struggling with a mental illness. My pickiness toward the portrayal of this topic was satisfied both with the portrayal, the writing, and the whole plot line.
I disagree with the specific portrayal of medication as handling any and all fluctuations. As a medicated individual I can say that my medication keeps the highs and lows from being so high and low, but it doesn't put my emotions on an even keel all the time (if they did "even keel" would probably be comatose zombie).
One thing that could/should have been included was the mood fluctuation if you miss a med dose, especially if you miss more than one back to back. Withdrawal from depression and anti-psychotics is NOT a walk in the park.
Other than those two small disagreements I LOVED this book LOVE LOVE LOVE. I think it is worth the read for anyone who is Bipolar, knows someone Bipolar, enjoys psychology, or just wants to be a more well-rounded individual. This is a need to read because people either think Bipolar is a joke or they become so terrified they won't be anywhere near you, and this book gives out knowledge in a painless and awesome story.
**Spoiler Alert**
I was very glad that Fortunati showed Catherine choosing to live when everything wasn't blissful, it showed the challenge and strength of making a choice for yourself and your future.
I disagree with the specific portrayal of medication as handling any and all fluctuations. As a medicated individual I can say that my medication keeps the highs and lows from being so high and low, but it doesn't put my emotions on an even keel all the time (if they did "even keel" would probably be comatose zombie).
One thing that could/should have been included was the mood fluctuation if you miss a med dose, especially if you miss more than one back to back. Withdrawal from depression and anti-psychotics is NOT a walk in the park.
Other than those two small disagreements I LOVED this book LOVE LOVE LOVE. I think it is worth the read for anyone who is Bipolar, knows someone Bipolar, enjoys psychology, or just wants to be a more well-rounded individual. This is a need to read because people either think Bipolar is a joke or they become so terrified they won't be anywhere near you, and this book gives out knowledge in a painless and awesome story.
**Spoiler Alert**
I was very glad that Fortunati showed Catherine choosing to live when everything wasn't blissful, it showed the challenge and strength of making a choice for yourself and your future.
Amazing story
An incredibly insightful story that made me question my own Zero. I would recommend for anyone battling mental illness or supporting someone with one.
An incredibly insightful story that made me question my own Zero. I would recommend for anyone battling mental illness or supporting someone with one.