Reviews

How to Disappear by Sharon Huss Roat

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jenmangler's review

3.0

This is an interesting look at social anxiety and depression, how often it is misunderstood, and how important it is to have someone who really sees you.

nikolinaza's review

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5.0

A bit too utopic for me, but overall heartwarming.

This was the most emotional book I have every read. It broke my heart then mended back together in the span of like 30 pages. Unbelievable. This book was amazing that’s the only I can describe. I do feel how ever if you don’t relate to any of these characters in the slightest way possible you won’t understand the book as much as those who do. This book reminds me of when I was in a dark place and didn’t have anyone (Jenna) but how when I did get threw I found someone (still Jenna) I just love this book. When I found out what happened to Jenna my heart shattered. I read that part on the bus too so I didn’t have much to time to comprehend what had just happened. So much happens in high school. So many people leave and so many people change. Which makes me nervous for the years to come.

audrey2909's review

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emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

emily554's review against another edition

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4.0

This book is definitely aimed at more of a younger audience, but I think it is a must-read for parents, teachers, and anyone who needs to understand social anxiety better. As someone who struggles with much of what Vicky, the MC of the story, deals with it was nice to see such an accurate representation of what social anxiety can look like. I think it is great for people who have a hard time understanding or for people who think that just being nervous once in a while means they have anxiety. I think this is also a great story about the effects of social media and the influence we have on others. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

lattelibrarian's review

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5.0

For some reason, I was hesitant about reading this book. Maybe it had to do with photoshopping yourself into other people's photos, or maybe it had to do with the use of social media as a major plot point. I'm not sure, but I"m glad that I finally read it. What I got was an honest depiction of anxiety, of FOMO, of being a teenager in this highly social age.

I found myself laughing along with Vicky and Lipton, despairing over Jenna, and wanting to follow Vicurious. This book made me react so obviously on public transportation, that at times I felt like Vicky, wanting to hide behind my hair and crumple into a ball. I mean, what else are you supposed to do besides react loudly upon reading one of your favorite memes? Roat certainly knows just how to connect with people my age, and I'm honestly surprised I haven't seen this more publicized within my circles. Either way, I Have no problem being the one to shout from the rooftops that I love this novel. It's spunky, creative, and honest. The subplots are fantastic, and this book ultimately filled me with joy and empathy at the prospect of reliving some of my harder times.

Review cross-listed here!

marlyng2's review

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4.0

Great book for mother daughter book club. Sparked discussion between the girls and the moms.

hitbooksnotgirlz's review

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5.0

I was a bit bothered by the way Vicky’s mother handled her struggles. She was insulting and insensitive, belittling Vicky and making her feel like her problems were not real. It was pretty clear her mental health needed to be addressed, and therapy or medication likely would have been more beneficial than trying to force her to do things that made her extremely uncomfortable. But she does eventually correct her poor behaviour, and the story was really great. It was so uplifting, and included some really important themes.