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nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Remember that magical thinking you had as a child? I do. I remember truly believing that if my parents didn’t say “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite, I love you, see you tomorrow, hugs and kisses” before they left my room after tucking me in, something truly bad would happen. I was convinced of that. I probably believed it for more years than I should have, but I did eventually grow out of it. Now, imagine that you still had that sort of magical thinking as a teenager. That’s this story. Caddie fears that if she lets someone touch her, her world will fall apart. She knows it’s not a normal belief and she wants to convince herself it’s not true, but she can’t quite get there. Every day is a struggle – a struggle not to touch and a struggle to hide her illness from the people around her. Her story is compelling and heartbreaking and painfully raw and real. If you’re interested in books that focus on mental health, this is a MUST READ!
Remember that magical thinking you had as a child? I do. I remember truly believing that if my parents didn’t say “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite, I love you, see you tomorrow, hugs and kisses” before they left my room after tucking me in, something truly bad would happen. I was convinced of that. I probably believed it for more years than I should have, but I did eventually grow out of it. Now, imagine that you still had that sort of magical thinking as a teenager. That’s this story. Caddie fears that if she lets someone touch her, her world will fall apart. She knows it’s not a normal belief and she wants to convince herself it’s not true, but she can’t quite get there. Every day is a struggle – a struggle not to touch and a struggle to hide her illness from the people around her. Her story is compelling and heartbreaking and painfully raw and real. If you’re interested in books that focus on mental health, this is a MUST READ!
hiveretcafe's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Hiver et Cafe
I received an e-ARC from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This fact does not affect my opinion whatsoever, nor was I compensated for this review.
I enjoyed Caddie's character and watching her journey throughout the novel. Although there were times that I wanted to throttle her, I understood that her inability to touch people was beyond her control. Caddie suffers from OCD that manifests itself through making rules and games for herself to follow. When her dad left, her game was to not touch other people at all and the prize would be her dad coming back to their family. DON'T TOUCH is about Caddie trying to live with the rules of her game even in a time where it calls for her to touch another person.
Caddie's group of friends are interesting people. Of course they would all be a little bit weird and march to the beat of their own drum considering that they go to an art school. They're intriguing and I would love to know more about them. Peter, the love interest, is adorkable. He's so sweet and understanding to Caddie. I don't think he's swoon worthy enough to add to my book boyfriend harem, but he's still pretty adorable.
I enjoyed the comparisons that were made between Ophelia and Caddie. By playing Ophelia, Caddie must look into Ophelia's character and her potential madness. It forces Caddie to look at herself and see if she's falling into madness as well. Also, since I studied Hamlet myself in high school, I understood the references to different things in the play. I don't think it's necessary to read/study Hamlet before you read Don't Touch, but it'll certainly help you understand certain comparisons better, such as the parallels between Caddie and Ophelia.
I feel that this book is an important one to read, especially to help people understand how mental illness works. Though it's invisible, it doesn't mean that it doesn't harm just as badly. From Caddie's point of view, the reader can grasp the desperation behind Caddie's games and how it grows beyond her control. She doesn't do these things out of her own choice and rather because she is compelled to do so.
It's also easy for people to relate to Caddie. She is afraid of a lot of things that everyone is: disappointment, being hurt, etc. And just as the audience learns from DON'T TOUCH, fear is normal and it's fine. It's simply what we do even though we're afraid that matters.
DON'T TOUCH is powerful and an important read. It's a little heartbreaking and a lot inspirational. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Hiver et Cafe
I received an e-ARC from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This fact does not affect my opinion whatsoever, nor was I compensated for this review.
I enjoyed Caddie's character and watching her journey throughout the novel. Although there were times that I wanted to throttle her, I understood that her inability to touch people was beyond her control. Caddie suffers from OCD that manifests itself through making rules and games for herself to follow. When her dad left, her game was to not touch other people at all and the prize would be her dad coming back to their family. DON'T TOUCH is about Caddie trying to live with the rules of her game even in a time where it calls for her to touch another person.
Caddie's group of friends are interesting people. Of course they would all be a little bit weird and march to the beat of their own drum considering that they go to an art school. They're intriguing and I would love to know more about them. Peter, the love interest, is adorkable. He's so sweet and understanding to Caddie. I don't think he's swoon worthy enough to add to my book boyfriend harem, but he's still pretty adorable.
I enjoyed the comparisons that were made between Ophelia and Caddie. By playing Ophelia, Caddie must look into Ophelia's character and her potential madness. It forces Caddie to look at herself and see if she's falling into madness as well. Also, since I studied Hamlet myself in high school, I understood the references to different things in the play. I don't think it's necessary to read/study Hamlet before you read Don't Touch, but it'll certainly help you understand certain comparisons better, such as the parallels between Caddie and Ophelia.
I feel that this book is an important one to read, especially to help people understand how mental illness works. Though it's invisible, it doesn't mean that it doesn't harm just as badly. From Caddie's point of view, the reader can grasp the desperation behind Caddie's games and how it grows beyond her control. She doesn't do these things out of her own choice and rather because she is compelled to do so.
It's also easy for people to relate to Caddie. She is afraid of a lot of things that everyone is: disappointment, being hurt, etc. And just as the audience learns from DON'T TOUCH, fear is normal and it's fine. It's simply what we do even though we're afraid that matters.
DON'T TOUCH is powerful and an important read. It's a little heartbreaking and a lot inspirational. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone.
beastreader's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted to read this book as the premise was another one that got my interest. To be honest, I did not pick up on the book summary that this was a story about someonw with OCD. Not that it would have changed my mind in wanting to read it. I just was expecting something different from this book. What I got was Caddie was definitely OCD. To the point that it really messed with her connection with people and relationships. So this distance really made it kind of hard for me to gain a connection with Caddie. Also, it did play a part in the romantic relationship she was trying to start with Peter. Which since that was not really there, compiled with Caddie's emotional lack of distance and the slow story line, I finally gave up on this book.
kpeet's review against another edition
3.0
**I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
**3.5 Stars**
Don't Touch left me with very...mixed feelings. On one hand, I appreciate where the author is coming from and the story, but on the other hand, it felt a little too unrealistic.
The plot itself is very interesting. Caddie has some sort of obsessive or anxiety disorder and is constantly controlled by her set of rules about touching. Touch someone's skin, her parents won't get back together. Let someone touch her, her parents will fight. All this has led to Caddie wearing gloves and long-sleeves 24/7, even in summer. This presents a problem when she is cast in the school play, Hamlet. I thought that Wilson really accurately represented the emotions of having a mental illness and trying to appear "normal." I felt Caddie's anxiety and shame once everyone realized what was going on. I got hopeful her dad would pull through and then angry when he bailed yet again. The wishfulness that she would overcome this almost pushed me over the edge. However, at the same time this is where the book's faults are.
Caddie's obsession is resolved entirely too easily. She has been following her rules for a while (months? years?) and within a few weeks, she doesn't wear her gloves, is holding someone's hand, making out, etc...it all seemed very unrealistic to me. Yes, some mental illnesses are easier to get over than others but this was like night vs. day for Caddie in a very short period of time. I guess you could argue that the power of Peter's love made it easier for her? Which, if that's true, it's sort of offensive...
Caddie also joins this art school and happens to get the lead part in the school play? She leaves practice, has meltdowns, etc, and the director still doesn't replace her? Caddie's mom or brother never notice she always wears gloves and never touches anyone? Mandy or Peter or NONE of her classmates ever think that something else might be up? She has a history of mental illness, so I would think that her mom would be very perceptive with her, although she did have a lot going on in her own life.
I really liked Caddie's family and friends. They all felt very real to me. Her mom struggled with moving on in her life and salvaging her marriage to keep her kids happy. Her brother was upset about his parents' separation. Caddie's dad was an asshole who clearly liked being away from all his responsibilities. Mandy was jealous and flawed but loyal. Oscar was a drama queen because he's been on a small TV show before, but deep down he's not quite that shallow. Peter was understanding and caring, but not "perfect." The characters were all well-written.
Overall I thought this was a good book. I'm glad that the "stereotypical" mental health issues weren't presented and not in the traditional cliche fashion they always are. At the same time, there was that fairytale-this-would-never-work-out-in-real-life element that sort of bothered me. Still a nice read. :)
**3.5 Stars**
Don't Touch left me with very...mixed feelings. On one hand, I appreciate where the author is coming from and the story, but on the other hand, it felt a little too unrealistic.
The plot itself is very interesting. Caddie has some sort of obsessive or anxiety disorder and is constantly controlled by her set of rules about touching. Touch someone's skin, her parents won't get back together. Let someone touch her, her parents will fight. All this has led to Caddie wearing gloves and long-sleeves 24/7, even in summer. This presents a problem when she is cast in the school play, Hamlet. I thought that Wilson really accurately represented the emotions of having a mental illness and trying to appear "normal." I felt Caddie's anxiety and shame once everyone realized what was going on. I got hopeful her dad would pull through and then angry when he bailed yet again. The wishfulness that she would overcome this almost pushed me over the edge. However, at the same time this is where the book's faults are.
Caddie's obsession is resolved entirely too easily. She has been following her rules for a while (months? years?) and within a few weeks, she doesn't wear her gloves, is holding someone's hand, making out, etc...it all seemed very unrealistic to me. Yes, some mental illnesses are easier to get over than others but this was like night vs. day for Caddie in a very short period of time. I guess you could argue that the power of Peter's love made it easier for her? Which, if that's true, it's sort of offensive...
Caddie also joins this art school and happens to get the lead part in the school play? She leaves practice, has meltdowns, etc, and the director still doesn't replace her? Caddie's mom or brother never notice she always wears gloves and never touches anyone? Mandy or Peter or NONE of her classmates ever think that something else might be up? She has a history of mental illness, so I would think that her mom would be very perceptive with her, although she did have a lot going on in her own life.
I really liked Caddie's family and friends. They all felt very real to me. Her mom struggled with moving on in her life and salvaging her marriage to keep her kids happy. Her brother was upset about his parents' separation. Caddie's dad was an asshole who clearly liked being away from all his responsibilities. Mandy was jealous and flawed but loyal. Oscar was a drama queen because he's been on a small TV show before, but deep down he's not quite that shallow. Peter was understanding and caring, but not "perfect." The characters were all well-written.
Overall I thought this was a good book. I'm glad that the "stereotypical" mental health issues weren't presented and not in the traditional cliche fashion they always are. At the same time, there was that fairytale-this-would-never-work-out-in-real-life element that sort of bothered me. Still a nice read. :)
rachelwrites007's review against another edition
5.0
A cross between Courtney Stevens' [b:Faking Normal|15726915|Faking Normal|Courtney C. Stevens|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1372087570s/15726915.jpg|21404389] and Laurie Halse Anderson's [b:Speak|439288|Speak|Laurie Halse Anderson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1310121762s/439288.jpg|118521]. WOW. What a debut.
sidneyellwood's review against another edition
4.0
Other than the fact this brought back some bad memories of my Shakespeare course, this was a great book. I'm joking this really didn't have any impact on the book I'm just trying to be funny anyway
So I like theatre, and I like reading about mental illness (as a person with anxiety but not OCD), and Caddie is quite relatable because of this. The author has experience with OCD, so I assume it's accurate. I have to say - I really liked how the author connected Caddie's life to Ophelia's, and the rest of the play. I think the comparison is one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved seeing the play be put together. Good framing device.
The romance was nice. It was slow burn romance and at times I was like get it over with and kiss!. It wasn't exactly boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy heals girl, so that was nice (though it did feel like that sometimes). I do wish she took it a bit slower, though - overcoming her fears felt too quick to be entirely realistic, especially at the end. During the meat of the book it felt fine. Oh, and Caddie's friends! They were all so supportive which really gave me warm fuzzies.
So I like theatre, and I like reading about mental illness (as a person with anxiety but not OCD), and Caddie is quite relatable because of this. The author has experience with OCD, so I assume it's accurate. I have to say - I really liked how the author connected Caddie's life to Ophelia's, and the rest of the play. I think the comparison is one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved seeing the play be put together. Good framing device.
The romance was nice. It was slow burn romance and at times I was like get it over with and kiss!. It wasn't exactly boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy heals girl, so that was nice (though it did feel like that sometimes). I do wish she took it a bit slower, though - overcoming her fears felt too quick to be entirely realistic, especially at the end. During the meat of the book it felt fine. Oh, and Caddie's friends! They were all so supportive which really gave me warm fuzzies.
musicalbox09's review against another edition
4.0
Finished this book overnight. Being a theatre nerd with anxiety issues, I could really relate a lot to Caddie (except that I have a different condition than hers). Plus, it's such joy to read a book that is set in a place where art is celebrated and developed. The lingo, the setting, the people, the situations- all of these, perhaps, have been encountered by every theatre kid and every arts kid out there, and the fact that the author chose to set this novel in a subject area that today's society normally disregards and looks down upon in favor of the academic world is refreshing and just plain wonderful.
I may not study in an art school, but as a person who appreciates and loves the arts (like I said, I'm a theatre nerd- musical theatre, to be specific), I was able to truly feel for the characters, whether it was stage fright or forgetting one's lines or audition stress or being uncomfortable with a scene partner or simply being scared to step out into the sun, to get out of my comfort zone.
Caddie is the character I can relate to the most. Often anxious and worried and overcome by her own fears and thoughts, she often pushes her friends and family away to keep herself safe from the dangers she knows aren't real. She can't control her anxiety or her worried thoughts, nor can she stop thinking that if she touches someone and breaks her game's rules, something bad will happen. This makes it even more overwhelming for her when people start to express their curiosity on why she wears gloves, why she doesn't want to take them off, why she jerks away at the mere notion of touch. She does want to stop thinking that way, but she just can't .
And this is where Peter comes in and starts to coax her out of her fears. He's the epitome of a person who truly loves his anxious loved one with mental illness. He doesn't really push her too much(he doesn't understand her condition all too well- the exchanges between Peter and Caddie are witty and awkward and pained and real ), always walking on eggshells and keeping a wary eye on her to make sure that she is okay. He's the kind of guy that every girl would want to be with, a guy who listens, who is patient, who knows that he loves a very very flawed person and still loves her anyways, who wants to make her happy. Even though Caddie pushes him away a lot (and hurts him a lot in the process), he always gives room for her to come back. He may be hurt, but he knows that she is struggling not only with her issues but with her feelings as well. He makes sure that she does not feel alone in her experiences.
And I guess that's what we broken and messed up and "crazy" neurotic people need: a person who slows us down, a person who is patient with us. A person who understands that we ourselves are struggling and does not push. A person who seeks our consent before pushing further. A person who knows that we are fragile but does not treat us like we need to be babied. A person who simply listens, someone who wants to help us carry the load. A person who is willing to take the burden for us, even for a little while. A person who truly truly cares for us and tells us over and over again. A person who knows that deep down we love them and care for them and don't want to hurt them even though on the surface we may say otherwise. A person who knows that we are scared to be alone, that we are frightened that he would leave us and never look back, and reassures us that he won't, even without words.
I really appreciate that the author didn't gloss over the fact that it takes time for us to recover. Doesn't mean that our issues will disappear once we talk about it. It might have been a little bit too fast for me in the last few chapters (Caddie's baby steps out into the sun, I mean), but let's not ignore the fact that the author allowed Caddie to still have relapses even after she sought help, though they might have been few. Perhaps it was because the story would've been drawn out too long, but I'm okay with that. At least she showed that it takes time to be able to overcome our extraordinarily petty anxieties and fears and that being surrounded by people who care helps a lot.
All in all, this was such an awesome overnight read. I may not have been able to sleep well last night, but hey, I learned that there are people who still care and understand and that love can keep our fear at bay, even for a moment.
I may not study in an art school, but as a person who appreciates and loves the arts (like I said, I'm a theatre nerd- musical theatre, to be specific), I was able to truly feel for the characters, whether it was stage fright or forgetting one's lines or audition stress or being uncomfortable with a scene partner or simply being scared to step out into the sun, to get out of my comfort zone.
Caddie is the character I can relate to the most. Often anxious and worried and overcome by her own fears and thoughts, she often pushes her friends and family away to keep herself safe from the dangers she knows aren't real. She can't control her anxiety or her worried thoughts, nor can she stop thinking that if she touches someone and breaks her game's rules, something bad will happen. This makes it even more overwhelming for her when people start to express their curiosity on why she wears gloves, why she doesn't want to take them off, why she jerks away at the mere notion of touch. She does want to stop thinking that way, but she just can't .
And this is where Peter comes in and starts to coax her out of her fears. He's the epitome of a person who truly loves his anxious loved one with mental illness. He doesn't really push her too much(he doesn't understand her condition all too well- the exchanges between Peter and Caddie are witty and awkward and pained and real ), always walking on eggshells and keeping a wary eye on her to make sure that she is okay. He's the kind of guy that every girl would want to be with, a guy who listens, who is patient, who knows that he loves a very very flawed person and still loves her anyways, who wants to make her happy. Even though Caddie pushes him away a lot (and hurts him a lot in the process), he always gives room for her to come back. He may be hurt, but he knows that she is struggling not only with her issues but with her feelings as well. He makes sure that she does not feel alone in her experiences.
And I guess that's what we broken and messed up and "crazy" neurotic people need: a person who slows us down, a person who is patient with us. A person who understands that we ourselves are struggling and does not push. A person who seeks our consent before pushing further. A person who knows that we are fragile but does not treat us like we need to be babied. A person who simply listens, someone who wants to help us carry the load. A person who is willing to take the burden for us, even for a little while. A person who truly truly cares for us and tells us over and over again. A person who knows that deep down we love them and care for them and don't want to hurt them even though on the surface we may say otherwise. A person who knows that we are scared to be alone, that we are frightened that he would leave us and never look back, and reassures us that he won't, even without words.
I really appreciate that the author didn't gloss over the fact that it takes time for us to recover. Doesn't mean that our issues will disappear once we talk about it. It might have been a little bit too fast for me in the last few chapters (Caddie's baby steps out into the sun, I mean), but let's not ignore the fact that the author allowed Caddie to still have relapses even after she sought help, though they might have been few. Perhaps it was because the story would've been drawn out too long, but I'm okay with that. At least she showed that it takes time to be able to overcome our extraordinarily petty anxieties and fears and that being surrounded by people who care helps a lot.
All in all, this was such an awesome overnight read. I may not have been able to sleep well last night, but hey, I learned that there are people who still care and understand and that love can keep our fear at bay, even for a moment.
dorisxdw's review against another edition
5.0
I recieved this book from the goodreads first read programm.
Don't Touch is about a 15 year old girl Caddie. She goes through the separation of her parents and she created 'Games' inside her head as a way to kind of deal with it. This game is not to touch anothers person skin so that her parents might get back together.
I had high expectations for this book because it sounded so different but it definitely lived up to my expectations.
5 Things I love about this book:
- The way Shakespeares 'Hamlet' was a part of this book.
- The similarities between Caddie and Ophelia. (Even though it was frustrating that Caddie didn't tell her friends about her issues for so long.)
- Caddies and Peters relationship. They are so cute together.
- Mandy. (Could I have a friend like her please? She is fun and so caring, idk I just really like her)
- The Authors Note, which was just amazing.
I don't think I need to say more. I really enjoyed Don't Touch and definitely recommend this to everyone who is thinking about picking it up when it is released in September - you won't regret it!
Don't Touch is about a 15 year old girl Caddie. She goes through the separation of her parents and she created 'Games' inside her head as a way to kind of deal with it. This game is not to touch anothers person skin so that her parents might get back together.
I had high expectations for this book because it sounded so different but it definitely lived up to my expectations.
5 Things I love about this book:
- The way Shakespeares 'Hamlet' was a part of this book.
- The similarities between Caddie and Ophelia. (Even though it was frustrating that Caddie didn't tell her friends about her issues for so long.)
- Caddies and Peters relationship. They are so cute together.
- Mandy. (Could I have a friend like her please? She is fun and so caring, idk I just really like her)
- The Authors Note, which was just amazing.
I don't think I need to say more. I really enjoyed Don't Touch and definitely recommend this to everyone who is thinking about picking it up when it is released in September - you won't regret it!
sc104906's review against another edition
4.0
Caddie's father recently left and her family is left to pick up the pieces. Needing a sense of control, Caddie's OCD habits begin dictating her life. She begins making internal rules. For example, if she touches anyone, her dad will disappear.
Caddie has recently begun attending an art school, where she is able to take part in a drama program. The school is presenting Hamlet and Caddie desperately wants to play Ophelia. Can she fulfill this role without falling apart?
Caddie has recently begun attending an art school, where she is able to take part in a drama program. The school is presenting Hamlet and Caddie desperately wants to play Ophelia. Can she fulfill this role without falling apart?
greengaybles's review
5.0
I loved this so much. It was thoughtful and sensitive and funny, and it had that close group friend-family dynamic I’m such a sucker for. I don’t have full-blown OCD, but I do have anxiety with obsessive-compulsive tendencies and the portrayal here felt more nuanced and realistic than it often does in fictional media.