Take a photo of a barcode or cover
holy crap. This was an eye-opener and good.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies has been on my TBR for more than two years. Heck, almost made it to three years until I somehow struck gold and found the book! I don't remember much from the synopsis before diving into it but my brain was basically fried after reading it.
In this book, you will meet Norah and Luke. Next door neighbors and soon to be boyfriend and girlfriend. However, there's something in the way of all that happiness becoming a thing - her mind. It was all kind of drastic for Norah but now her home-life is her only way of life. Until the day that Luke moves in. They were really cute and he was trying to understand what she was going through mentally.. well, he thought he was.
A lot of drama happened throughout this book and the one thing that freaked me out was the delivery guy. Not sure if his name was ever brought up but he was sketchy. I was shocked with how she handled him inside the first time.. because I would've screamed bloody mary or I don't know.. jump and attack him like the koala I am.
The ending made me happy though.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies has been on my TBR for more than two years. Heck, almost made it to three years until I somehow struck gold and found the book! I don't remember much from the synopsis before diving into it but my brain was basically fried after reading it.
In this book, you will meet Norah and Luke. Next door neighbors and soon to be boyfriend and girlfriend. However, there's something in the way of all that happiness becoming a thing - her mind. It was all kind of drastic for Norah but now her home-life is her only way of life. Until the day that Luke moves in. They were really cute and he was trying to understand what she was going through mentally.. well, he thought he was.
A lot of drama happened throughout this book and the one thing that freaked me out was the delivery guy. Not sure if his name was ever brought up but he was sketchy. I was shocked with how she handled him inside the first time.. because I would've screamed bloody mary or I don't know.. jump and attack him like the koala I am.
The ending made me happy though.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
I've been wanting to read this for so long and I'm so glad I finally picked it up! I have a few tendencies such as I hate stepping on cracks and I hate odd numbers. Whenever I'm updating my page number on goodreads or adjusting the volume, it always has to be an even number or a serial of 5. If I have a scratch or touch/pressure on one side of my body, sometimes I have to do it to the other side so I feel "even." It's strange. It drives me mad when light switches are opposite and they can't all be down when off. But these things don't drive my life and I wouldn't even consider that as a condition. I don't feel like my entire world is going to fall apart. My hear breaks for those suffering mental illnesses such as these because it does exist. People do suffer, and as portrayed in this book, it can be life altering and debilitating. I also really enjoyed that the main focus was not on the relationship/romance, it was just the side story. I loved the interactions between the two and I loved Luke's patience and understanding. And the notes *heart eye emoji* Anyways, I digress. Not a 5 star blow you out of the water book, but definitely a good read.
SPOILER ABOUT ENDING
I really loved how she was not all of a sudden "cured" at the end of the book, but that she was working on it. Illnesses are a work in progress and I loved that it showed progress. I also love that Luke did not magically cure her but was definitely a positive motivator in her life. Sometime people need just the right trigger to give them a push in the right direction and I'm ok with how he cared for her and was there to support her every step of the way but was not her cure. Very well done.
SPOILER ABOUT ENDING
I really loved how she was not all of a sudden "cured" at the end of the book, but that she was working on it. Illnesses are a work in progress and I loved that it showed progress. I also love that Luke did not magically cure her but was definitely a positive motivator in her life. Sometime people need just the right trigger to give them a push in the right direction and I'm ok with how he cared for her and was there to support her every step of the way but was not her cure. Very well done.
OH MY GOD THIS BOOK. 18/5.
also i want to be best friends with Louise Gornall so if that’s possible in any way let me know thanks ok read the book bye.
also i want to be best friends with Louise Gornall so if that’s possible in any way let me know thanks ok read the book bye.
Okay so every booktuber I follow and many people more seemed so hyped for this book but I guess it wasn't for me.
I, however, did really enjoy how well executed the story was in regards to the mental health and anxiety that Norah has and it was written in a way I found refreshing and reassuring.
Buttt, the main reason why I gave this book only 2 stars is the "love story". It's your typical YA romance and I've had enough of those. Also the end was really rushed and although I was curious to see what Norah would do next I was also glad the book was finished.
All in all an okay read for people who want to learn a bit more / get more empathy for someone with anxiety / other mental health issues, but that's about it.
I, however, did really enjoy how well executed the story was in regards to the mental health and anxiety that Norah has and it was written in a way I found refreshing and reassuring.
Buttt, the main reason why I gave this book only 2 stars is the "love story". It's your typical YA romance and I've had enough of those. Also the end was really rushed and although I was curious to see what Norah would do next I was also glad the book was finished.
All in all an okay read for people who want to learn a bit more / get more empathy for someone with anxiety / other mental health issues, but that's about it.
I was absolutely loving it the entire time, but then the ending felt so rushed and I felt like I was still waiting for something when it ended. I loved the characters and the portrayal of mental health so much that Im so bummed this didn't end up being 5 stars for me :(
Norah Dean’s OCD and agoraphobia often make her feel like a prisoner of her own mind. Her constant fear and anxiety attacks make it nearly impossible for her to even get into the car to go to therapy, so many of her appointments turn into home visits. When a cute new boy moves in next door and takes an interest in Norah, her desire to be close to him battles with her crippling anxiety and fear of germs. She wishes so badly to be “normal” and feels guilt for holding Luke back from other relationships. With the support of her mom and her therapist, she works to conquer her mental illness in the hopes of truly being with Luke.
This book was frustrating and eye-opening at the same time. Norah’s constant overthinking was exhausting, and it really helped me understand what it’s like to suffer from OCD and agoraphobia. I just wanted her to be with Luke!! Norah is a warrior, and I rooted for her the whole time. A very important book that helps understand mental illness.
This book was frustrating and eye-opening at the same time. Norah’s constant overthinking was exhausting, and it really helped me understand what it’s like to suffer from OCD and agoraphobia. I just wanted her to be with Luke!! Norah is a warrior, and I rooted for her the whole time. A very important book that helps understand mental illness.
3.5, rounding down. This was really solid. It was a quick read and I found the character frustratingly honest and hard to understand because I am privileged in the sense that I personally do not have agoraphobia or crippling anxiety and also do not personally know anyone who suffers from these mental health issues. I really loved learning that this is an own voices book and that the author suffers from many of the same tendencies and anxieties as Norah. There were a few moments where the story became a bit too much for me and in a sense "unbelievable", but knowing that the author was drawing on her own experiences helped reframe my perspective to see that it's only so unbelievable to me because I've never had to grapple with the sort of issues Norah faced. I honestly didn't like the event that eventually forced Norah out - I feel like it was every anxiety she had coming to a head. I also felt like there were some loose ends on the Norah/Luke story. Like I wish we could have seen the reconciliation rather than just be told that it was all worked out. But overall it was a really eye-opening read and I enjoyed it. This also fulfills the "MC With An Invisible Disability" square of diversity bino.
A highish four stars. I think I read a lot of people comparing this to Everything Everything, and in some ways - a girl who can't leave the house and a boy living next door - it is similar. But in every other way, they're completely different. I've never read about someone with agoraphobia before, and it was very interesting and eye opening.