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sorcha's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Blood, Cancer, Drug use, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Death
readingbetweenthenotes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Suicidal thoughts
hfleur's review
It made me so sad - it's such a beautiful, well written book and I really did want to finish it but it just made me so so sad.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Child death
lousreadings's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
5.0
It's a beautiful book with a special style. It's written from a mental ill persons point of view and creative designed like notes he's writing intentionally to tell his story. Sometimes it's a little confusing, because he suddenly changes the subject or stops to write. And sometimes the presented situations change between longer time ago and just yesterday or today. But that makes it very unique and presents the main character even better. I really loved this book, as a whole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
backpackingbookworm's review
challenging
emotional
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
4.5
I first read this book nearly seven years ago and was keen to reread for my January reading challenge (book about a character with a disability). I loved it as much the second time as I did the first and found myself completely sucked into Matthew's internal thoughts, actions, and struggles.
Matthew dialogues his life in a unique way; his words come streaming out as memories surface, despite the point he is at in his story. Unable to slow down his thinking, you read the words like you're experiencing the jumbled thoughts in Matthew's brain, allowing you to stand in his shoes and begin to understand what life with schizophrenia is really like. Matthew is a complex character with impulsive tendencies that cause many other characters to feel scared, intimidated, or annoyed. Yet because you are able to see deeper into Matthew's head, you can better grasp his internal conflicts and the battles he is facing with his mind.
This book was character-driven from the start which made it easy to emotionally connect to Matt and his flaws. It helped you to better understand his story from his eyes and learn how his life evolved after the death of his brother, Simon. Although the non-linear structure was difficult to follow at times, it was an accurate portrayal of how Matthew was telling his story, in different locations, at different times, and in different mental states.
I liked how the story didn't 'end' although usually, I would find this a lazy way to finish a book. But in this case, it made Matthew's character feel more authentic as this was just an insight into his life so far. It left me hopeful that he would have a bright future.
Rating breakdown
Matthew dialogues his life in a unique way; his words come streaming out as memories surface, despite the point he is at in his story. Unable to slow down his thinking, you read the words like you're experiencing the jumbled thoughts in Matthew's brain, allowing you to stand in his shoes and begin to understand what life with schizophrenia is really like. Matthew is a complex character with impulsive tendencies that cause many other characters to feel scared, intimidated, or annoyed. Yet because you are able to see deeper into Matthew's head, you can better grasp his internal conflicts and the battles he is facing with his mind.
This book was character-driven from the start which made it easy to emotionally connect to Matt and his flaws. It helped you to better understand his story from his eyes and learn how his life evolved after the death of his brother, Simon. Although the non-linear structure was difficult to follow at times, it was an accurate portrayal of how Matthew was telling his story, in different locations, at different times, and in different mental states.
I liked how the story didn't 'end' although usually, I would find this a lazy way to finish a book. But in this case, it made Matthew's character feel more authentic as this was just an insight into his life so far. It left me hopeful that he would have a bright future.
Rating breakdown
- Plot/narrative - 4.3
- Writing style/readability - 4.3
- Characters - 4.6
- Diverse themes - 4.6
- Ending - 4.1
Overall - 4.4
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
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