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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a fine book. I read it pretty quickly and I liked the characters. Especially Luke. Like where’s my Luke? However, I feel like parts of their relationship were skipped over (mainly the negative parts and fights) and they brushed them off as if it never happened which was a little unrealistic. Also, the book was jumping ahead so much because in the middle of the chapter it would go from one moment to then a week after that moment and it got me confused.
emotional
medium-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
Boricuan Bookworms- Book Reviews
Under Rose-Tainted Skies is an #ownvoices narrative about a girl with OCD and agoraphobia falling in love with the boy next door. However, what makes this book different is that it doesn’t use love as a cure and it provides and honest look into mental illness.
What I liked:
- Norah is our protagonist and her narrative voice is really fresh and compelling. She’s humorous and sarcastic, but also very vulnerable and relatable. While I don’t have Norah’s illnesses, I could easily understand her fears and insecurities. It was interesting seeing things from her perspective, because while her thoughts were obsessive or compulsive, it was easy to put yourself in her shoes. I know the media has these misconceptions about what it’s like to have OCD or agoraphobia, but Norah’s thoughts could have easily been my own. This book does what popular media fails to do, and it’s that it normalizes mental illness. Yes, Norah has these invisible disabilities, but she’s not defined by them. She has compulsions and obsessions, but she also loves movies and books and lives a “normal” life (whatever that means), like we all do.
- The romance between Luke and Norah is great. Like I said at the beginning, this isn’t a “love cures all” type of romance. We see Luke and Norah be friends, and we see their friendship develop over time. I really enjoyed their friendship together because Luke was always very considerate of Norah and he never tried to push her boundaries. He tried his best to understand her, and when he couldn’t, he was open to listening. The romance between them is sweet and innocent, and it’s exactly the kind of romance that I love reading about.
-Norah has a great relationship with her mother. Her mom is so understanding and comprehensive. She always supported Norah and understood her better than anyone else. They had great communication and it was great to see such a strong bond between them. Norah had such a great support system at hand.
- Speaking of support, Norah sees a therapist. This book is very therapy-positive, which is always great when dealing with books about mental illness. Norah’s therapist is sweet and perfectly knows how to talk with her, in a way that never makes her feel bad or uncomfortable. This book made it clear that while therapy isn’t a cure-all, it does indeed help, and that it was absolutely necessary.
- I listened to the audio of this book, and I really loved the narrator’s voice. She put on a great performance, and really captured my attention.
What I did not like:
Honestly, the only thing I didn’t really like was the ending. I don’t want to get into many details, but basically, the book had mostly a funny romantic contemporary vibe, but the ending felt sudden. Out of nowhere, the tone shifts into almost a criminal thriller. This whole thing ends in However, the book corrects it a bit later on by making it clear that Norah isn’t magically cured, which I really appreciated.
However, the rest of the book is completely amazing. The way it talks about mental illness and makes it clear that therapy and support is needed is really great. There’s a sweet romance, and a great support system for the MC. I recommend this book, but I highly suggest you read through the content/trigger warnings before you do.
Content Warnings: Self-Harm, Panic/Anxiety Attacks, Depression
My Amazon Review.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies is an #ownvoices narrative about a girl with OCD and agoraphobia falling in love with the boy next door. However, what makes this book different is that it doesn’t use love as a cure and it provides and honest look into mental illness.
What I liked:
- Norah is our protagonist and her narrative voice is really fresh and compelling. She’s humorous and sarcastic, but also very vulnerable and relatable. While I don’t have Norah’s illnesses, I could easily understand her fears and insecurities. It was interesting seeing things from her perspective, because while her thoughts were obsessive or compulsive, it was easy to put yourself in her shoes. I know the media has these misconceptions about what it’s like to have OCD or agoraphobia, but Norah’s thoughts could have easily been my own. This book does what popular media fails to do, and it’s that it normalizes mental illness. Yes, Norah has these invisible disabilities, but she’s not defined by them. She has compulsions and obsessions, but she also loves movies and books and lives a “normal” life (whatever that means), like we all do.
- The romance between Luke and Norah is great. Like I said at the beginning, this isn’t a “love cures all” type of romance. We see Luke and Norah be friends, and we see their friendship develop over time. I really enjoyed their friendship together because Luke was always very considerate of Norah and he never tried to push her boundaries. He tried his best to understand her, and when he couldn’t, he was open to listening. The romance between them is sweet and innocent, and it’s exactly the kind of romance that I love reading about.
-Norah has a great relationship with her mother. Her mom is so understanding and comprehensive. She always supported Norah and understood her better than anyone else. They had great communication and it was great to see such a strong bond between them. Norah had such a great support system at hand.
- Speaking of support, Norah sees a therapist. This book is very therapy-positive, which is always great when dealing with books about mental illness. Norah’s therapist is sweet and perfectly knows how to talk with her, in a way that never makes her feel bad or uncomfortable. This book made it clear that while therapy isn’t a cure-all, it does indeed help, and that it was absolutely necessary.
- I listened to the audio of this book, and I really loved the narrator’s voice. She put on a great performance, and really captured my attention.
What I did not like:
Honestly, the only thing I didn’t really like was the ending. I don’t want to get into many details, but basically, the book had mostly a funny romantic contemporary vibe, but the ending felt sudden. Out of nowhere, the tone shifts into almost a criminal thriller. This whole thing ends in
Spoiler
Norah leaving her house in panic because someone broke in, and it didn’t sit right with me because it was almost as if it was saying “to get over your agoraphobia all you have to do is wait for someone to break into your house so you can leave in a panicked frenzy”. I’m not trying to discredit the author or their experiences, but I didn’t like the idea of a traumatic moment being the catalyst for Norah leaving her house.However, the rest of the book is completely amazing. The way it talks about mental illness and makes it clear that therapy and support is needed is really great. There’s a sweet romance, and a great support system for the MC. I recommend this book, but I highly suggest you read through the content/trigger warnings before you do.
Content Warnings: Self-Harm, Panic/Anxiety Attacks, Depression
[rating-report]
My Amazon Review.
I read 20% of this book over a few days then 80% of the book over a 2 hour drive down to the RAF Base. It was just simply amazing. I'll start with the storyline. Under Rose-Tainted Skies follow Norah who is Agoraphobic, is diagnosed with OCD and Anxiety. Basically Norah really struggles with mental health and life. When new kid Luke moves in next door Norah is thrown into a frenzy all in it's own. Paired with Norahs mum going away on a business trip, Norah really is in a new level of uncomfortable. Norah has her Doctor on her side who she attends weekly counselling sessions with and is her 'go-to' when a mental crisis comes up.
I loved Norah, like legit she is one of the strongest, most brutally honest characters I have ever read. The descriptions of Norah's mental health re so in depth, raw and open yet still so beautifully concisely written. It was such an odd experience, odd in a good way. It was great to read it without being held back, but it was still heart breaking to read Norah struggling as much as she does. I really felt for the girl, but yet I related to her in ways I never expected to. Finding myself thinking 'oh my god I do that'. Eye opening.
Luke. Luke. Luke. Luke is beaut. Literally thee most gorgeous, handsome, caring and romantic hero ever written. Move over Heathcliffe Luke's around! At first, I kind of didn't know how to place him or what to think of him. but then as you read on more and more things about him are just so damned cute. He was so brilliantly understanding and compassionate without begin written as over bearing or condescending. I loved his chemistry with Norah, and the sheer essence of the character. It gives you hope that out there, there really are those true Gentlemen, the ones we dream of, read about and see in the movies. Louise has created the ultimate book boyfriend.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies contains some of the most beautiful and stunning lines. I don't quite know how Louise has managed to write a book packed to the brim with lines that manage to make you feel things you didn't even know how to feel. You'll laugh, you might cry but you'll be ultimately satisfied after reading such a suitably enigmatic and poignant novel like Under Rose-Tainted Skies. I have been truly captivated by this story, and it'll stay with me for a long time. I am eagerly anticipating whatever Louise has next!
I loved Norah, like legit she is one of the strongest, most brutally honest characters I have ever read. The descriptions of Norah's mental health re so in depth, raw and open yet still so beautifully concisely written. It was such an odd experience, odd in a good way. It was great to read it without being held back, but it was still heart breaking to read Norah struggling as much as she does. I really felt for the girl, but yet I related to her in ways I never expected to. Finding myself thinking 'oh my god I do that'. Eye opening.
Luke. Luke. Luke. Luke is beaut. Literally thee most gorgeous, handsome, caring and romantic hero ever written. Move over Heathcliffe Luke's around! At first, I kind of didn't know how to place him or what to think of him. but then as you read on more and more things about him are just so damned cute. He was so brilliantly understanding and compassionate without begin written as over bearing or condescending. I loved his chemistry with Norah, and the sheer essence of the character. It gives you hope that out there, there really are those true Gentlemen, the ones we dream of, read about and see in the movies. Louise has created the ultimate book boyfriend.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies contains some of the most beautiful and stunning lines. I don't quite know how Louise has managed to write a book packed to the brim with lines that manage to make you feel things you didn't even know how to feel. You'll laugh, you might cry but you'll be ultimately satisfied after reading such a suitably enigmatic and poignant novel like Under Rose-Tainted Skies. I have been truly captivated by this story, and it'll stay with me for a long time. I am eagerly anticipating whatever Louise has next!
Under Rose-Tainted Skies quickly went to my fave list
Norah has Agoraphobia and OCD. Only leaving her house to go to therapist appointments and not being able to leave a book crooked in fear that if she does something horrible will happen.
When her mum goes out of town and the new boy next door sees her trying to drag the groceries in from the porch with a broom (and failing) he passes them to her and they meet. Norah and Luke's friendship is awkward and weird, its strange and stunted, it's perfectly them. Not all books have to have a completely swoon worthy and charming guy to save the day, guys can be just as awkward and strange as girls. This story isn't about some whirlwind of love and fun that ends with Norah being able to go to the prom and just "face her fears" and in all honesty I would have thrown the book (although not really because I had an ebook and I'm not throwing my ipad) if this had been the case.
Under Rose Tainted Skies is now my favourite book written on this subject, Norah's journey felt real and the ending stayed true. So many books romanticise mental illness in YA with the protagonist either being overly quirky and cool or being magically cured by getting a boyfriend and some "confidence" not Rose Tainted Skies. Norah is uniquely herself, her struggles, her wants, her actions they all felt so real there is no way I wasn't able to instantly connect with her.
“But something doesn't feel right. My mind is attempting sabotage, refusing to find the beauty, the fun, the exciting in watching what are essentially pretty explosives.”
The ending is perfect
This story features Agoraphobia, OCD, Anxiety, Self Harm, and Depression. If you'd like to read how any of these come into the story but not be spoiled for the plot it's self I have included them in spoiler sections in case anyone would like a warning before going into a book that deals with heavy subjects.
Agoraphobia
OCD
Selfharm:
Depression
Norah has Agoraphobia and OCD. Only leaving her house to go to therapist appointments and not being able to leave a book crooked in fear that if she does something horrible will happen.
When her mum goes out of town and the new boy next door sees her trying to drag the groceries in from the porch with a broom (and failing) he passes them to her and they meet. Norah and Luke's friendship is awkward and weird, its strange and stunted, it's perfectly them. Not all books have to have a completely swoon worthy and charming guy to save the day, guys can be just as awkward and strange as girls. This story isn't about some whirlwind of love and fun that ends with Norah being able to go to the prom and just "face her fears" and in all honesty I would have thrown the book (although not really because I had an ebook and I'm not throwing my ipad) if this had been the case.
Under Rose Tainted Skies is now my favourite book written on this subject, Norah's journey felt real and the ending stayed true. So many books romanticise mental illness in YA with the protagonist either being overly quirky and cool or being magically cured by getting a boyfriend and some "confidence" not Rose Tainted Skies. Norah is uniquely herself, her struggles, her wants, her actions they all felt so real there is no way I wasn't able to instantly connect with her.
“But something doesn't feel right. My mind is attempting sabotage, refusing to find the beauty, the fun, the exciting in watching what are essentially pretty explosives.”
The ending is perfect
Spoiler
there is no big look I can go to the Mall or the Movies, but there is Norah and Luke going together to her therapist's appointment and it was so heartwarming to see Norah let another person in I was all smilesThis story features Agoraphobia, OCD, Anxiety, Self Harm, and Depression. If you'd like to read how any of these come into the story but not be spoiled for the plot it's self I have included them in spoiler sections in case anyone would like a warning before going into a book that deals with heavy subjects.
Agoraphobia
Spoiler
Norah's agoraphobia started when she was 14 and she is now 17 it causes her to think dangerous things will happen and that she is only really safe in the house.OCD
Spoiler
Norah has OCD and likes even numbers, clean and organised spaces, and dislikes being touched or making any physical contact with people she didn't see wash their hands and isn't comfortable with. She also has tics when she's trying to control herself and not fix something.Selfharm:
Spoiler
Norah self harms to get in control of herself during anxiety/panic attacks. Norah doesn't try to kill herself but she does pick at her fingers until they bleed, scratch her skin in small places until they bleed and scab, and also during one of her bad days cuts her thigh with nail scissors in 4 small cuts.Depression
Spoiler
Depression is in our MC Norah, she can go for days just laying in bed and forgetting to eat when things get bad. There is also Depression shown in Luke's dad. Luke talks about his dads extreme lows when he has to be in a routine and isn't traveling. I picked up on some hints that he may have had bi polar disorder but this was never explored well enough to make any real conclusions
emotional
inspiring
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
Mixed feelings here. I do find this enjoyable (I really do appreciate how realistic OCD and agoraphobia was portrayed here) but somehow the romance was just not for me (Luke is a great guy. But I just couldn't understand his sudden attraction towards Norah. I do love that he was really accepting and understanding of Norah's condition. But romance doesn't cure mental illness. It doesn't magically make it better for someone).
Though I love how loving the mother is but this book lacked a lot of character development. Majority of the book is talking about Norah's struggle with her fear and OCD. Some character came into the picture but was brushed off quickly. For example, her mother (it feels like she conveniently got into a car crash so Norah can be left alone at home and figuring out how to survive while her mother is away), her grandmother, Queen Amy (she was the girl that has a crush on Luke but of course Luke doesn't like her back. I don't even know what is the purpose for this. LOL), Luke's parent and so on. We never get to explore more of them.
When Norah's therapist was introduced, I was excited to read about their sessions. However, nothing really important happened there. I think the stress ball was the only coping strategies taught to Norah to control her anxiety.
Besides, I wasn't a big fan of the writing style. Something seems off. And the ending was a little unexpecting and rushed too. It just feels like the author doesn't know how to end it and so she uses this way. A bad decision.
Overall, I like the accurate portrayed of OCD and agoraphobia. I will still recommend it but only if you want to get some insight into the conditions.
Quotes that I like:
"When people say weird, what they really mean is different. And difference has never been a bad thing."
"Beauty comes from how you treat people and how you behave. But if a little lipsticks makes you smile, then you should wear it and forget what anyone else thinks."
"Your mind adapts to what worse is. Suddenly, that thing that seemed so terrifying at first is dwarfed by the next challenge that comes your way. But you adapt again and again and again, until you find yourself fearless."
Though I love how loving the mother is but this book lacked a lot of character development. Majority of the book is talking about Norah's struggle with her fear and OCD. Some character came into the picture but was brushed off quickly. For example, her mother (it feels like she conveniently got into a car crash so Norah can be left alone at home and figuring out how to survive while her mother is away), her grandmother, Queen Amy (she was the girl that has a crush on Luke but of course Luke doesn't like her back. I don't even know what is the purpose for this. LOL), Luke's parent and so on. We never get to explore more of them.
When Norah's therapist was introduced, I was excited to read about their sessions. However, nothing really important happened there. I think the stress ball was the only coping strategies taught to Norah to control her anxiety.
Besides, I wasn't a big fan of the writing style. Something seems off. And the ending was a little unexpecting and rushed too.
Spoiler
Seriously, an intruder into the house? To force her out the house so that she can overcome her fear of the outside world? That just doesn't make sense.Overall, I like the accurate portrayed of OCD and agoraphobia. I will still recommend it but only if you want to get some insight into the conditions.
Quotes that I like:
"When people say weird, what they really mean is different. And difference has never been a bad thing."
"Beauty comes from how you treat people and how you behave. But if a little lipsticks makes you smile, then you should wear it and forget what anyone else thinks."
"Your mind adapts to what worse is. Suddenly, that thing that seemed so terrifying at first is dwarfed by the next challenge that comes your way. But you adapt again and again and again, until you find yourself fearless."
UNDER ROSE-TAINTED SKIES was a very pleasant surprise. I’ve been excited to read it ever since I first saw the synopsis, but this book exceeded my expectations despite it not being quite what I expected. This book was especially important to me because I struggle with anxiety and knew I could form a connection with this book.
Norah is a great protagonist; she is easy to relate to and care for. If you have anxiety or OCD or know someone who does I think you will definitely see the accuracy of the illnesses depicted. It is not hard to sympathize with Norah’s struggle and feel for her. Her humor is somewhat self-deprecating but totally my style.
“Sometimes things are going to happen
and the only way out is through.”
Besides the fact that this is a realistic and honest look into having a mental illness, I thought the pacing was this book’s second strongest aspect. Despite being a character-driven novel, the pages flew by. Norah really drives the story forward and UNDER ROSE-TAINTED SKIES was never boring even though it only had two settings.
The relationships that are explored in this book are fantastic – Norah has great help from her doctor, an amazing support system in her mother, and a friend (maybe more?) in the neighbor, Luke. Luke is an absolute godsend; I hope everyone can meet a Luke.
Along with some other very minor issues, I thought UNDER ROSE-TAINTED SKIES was brought down by a semi-abrupt ending/resolution. It happened to come out of nowhere and seemed like a random late attempt at trying to wrap up the story. While all the loose ends were tied, I expected more from the ending. Still, I would definitely not hesitate to recommend this book.
Norah is a great protagonist; she is easy to relate to and care for. If you have anxiety or OCD or know someone who does I think you will definitely see the accuracy of the illnesses depicted. It is not hard to sympathize with Norah’s struggle and feel for her. Her humor is somewhat self-deprecating but totally my style.
“Sometimes things are going to happen
and the only way out is through.”
Besides the fact that this is a realistic and honest look into having a mental illness, I thought the pacing was this book’s second strongest aspect. Despite being a character-driven novel, the pages flew by. Norah really drives the story forward and UNDER ROSE-TAINTED SKIES was never boring even though it only had two settings.
The relationships that are explored in this book are fantastic – Norah has great help from her doctor, an amazing support system in her mother, and a friend (maybe more?) in the neighbor, Luke. Luke is an absolute godsend; I hope everyone can meet a Luke.
Along with some other very minor issues, I thought UNDER ROSE-TAINTED SKIES was brought down by a semi-abrupt ending/resolution. It happened to come out of nowhere and seemed like a random late attempt at trying to wrap up the story. While all the loose ends were tied, I expected more from the ending. Still, I would definitely not hesitate to recommend this book.
I thought this was a great representation of anxiety. I struggle with anxiety too and it was nice to feel like I am not alone.