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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I found this book fascinating and often could not stop reading. I adored the voice of the main character, so innocent and young yet so tormented. I believe that this book portrays mental illness in a way that certainly allowed greater understanding and empathy. The fact that the author drew Norah's inner voice from her own experiences makes this book even more priceless.
emotional
slow-paced
1.5
I enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship and the mental illness representation, but not much else. Everything about this book was just so unrealistic.
First of all, Norah’s mother would never leave her severely mentally ill child home alone for days at a time. She would’ve sorted something out for Norah, knowing that being left alone could cause her to spiral and have severe panic attacks, and would just lie and say she was doing fine to her mum. The only reason this happened was to aid the plot and allow her to begin a friendship with the love interest without the mum getting in the way.
That brings me to my second point. No guy, and I mean not one single guy would see a girl continuously staring at him through a window in a dark and seemingly empty house and suddenly become intrigued. No, he should’ve been creeped out. But for some reason he’s interested and puts notes through the mail slot? When would that ever happen in real life ever? I don’t believe it for a second.
Third, I understand the love interest (can’t even remember his name cause he was so bland) being intrigued after getting to know her a little but they literally just met and he’s suddenly all interested in hanging out with this girl and providing emotional support for her when he himself is going through his own problems and Norah is unable to give him anything in return? Not just physically because she suffers from OCD but also emotionally she is completely unavailable to provide proper support to him. But love conquers any mental illness right? At least that’s what I’m getting from this book.
Lastly, that ending. What the heck was that ending? Again, something that is so damn unrealistic that would never happen suddenly occurring purely for the sake of the plot and curing Norah right? Ew.
I honestly think I wouldn’t have disliked this book so much if the two of them hadn’t ended up together in the end. I think it would’ve been much more satisfying if they had decided that it was for the best if they weren’t together while Norah was in recovery. But like, love, right?
I enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship and the mental illness representation, but not much else. Everything about this book was just so unrealistic.
First of all, Norah’s mother would never leave her severely mentally ill child home alone for days at a time. She would’ve sorted something out for Norah, knowing that being left alone could cause her to spiral and have severe panic attacks, and would just lie and say she was doing fine to her mum. The only reason this happened was to aid the plot and allow her to begin a friendship with the love interest without the mum getting in the way.
That brings me to my second point. No guy, and I mean not one single guy would see a girl continuously staring at him through a window in a dark and seemingly empty house and suddenly become intrigued. No, he should’ve been creeped out. But for some reason he’s interested and puts notes through the mail slot? When would that ever happen in real life ever? I don’t believe it for a second.
Third, I understand the love interest (can’t even remember his name cause he was so bland) being intrigued after getting to know her a little but they literally just met and he’s suddenly all interested in hanging out with this girl and providing emotional support for her when he himself is going through his own problems and Norah is unable to give him anything in return? Not just physically because she suffers from OCD but also emotionally she is completely unavailable to provide proper support to him. But love conquers any mental illness right? At least that’s what I’m getting from this book.
Lastly, that ending. What the heck was that ending? Again, something that is so damn unrealistic that would never happen suddenly occurring purely for the sake of the plot and curing Norah right? Ew.
I honestly think I wouldn’t have disliked this book so much if the two of them hadn’t ended up together in the end. I think it would’ve been much more satisfying if they had decided that it was for the best if they weren’t together while Norah was in recovery. But like, love, right?
1.5 stars
???? I don't understand. ??? Is this book divided in two parts? Is my copy missing the 200 ending pages that should've been there, you know, to complete the story?? for it to make sense??
This book was going so well, then the various conflicts taking place are abondoned, dropped with no explanation, and we're just given a sudden event followed by a very rushed ending with giant gaping plot holes. Uhhh what?
I feel like I've just read half of a story, or a story that for some reason was left unfinished.
???? I don't understand. ??? Is this book divided in two parts? Is my copy missing the 200 ending pages that should've been there, you know, to complete the story?? for it to make sense??
This book was going so well, then the various conflicts taking place are abondoned, dropped with no explanation, and we're just given a sudden event followed by a very rushed ending with giant gaping plot holes. Uhhh what?
I feel like I've just read half of a story, or a story that for some reason was left unfinished.
Read this with the very lovely Ayla
● ● ●
She thinks that all my baggage shouldn't matter. She thinks people should see past it, should see that I am more than what is wrong with me. The clouds in her sky are always rose-colored, which I know is a beautiful way to be. Alas, I have a mind that muddies everything. My skies aren't so pretty; more tainted with fear than tinted with whimsy.
TW: self harm
*Possible minor spoilers below*
Summary
Norah is a seventeen year old girl who hasn't been able to leave her home, her safe space, in four years because of her agoraphobia and OCD. A new neighbor, a teenage boy named Luke, shows up on her doorstep and sees things in Norah that even she doesn't see. He doesn't see a girl plagued down by illness but a girl who is smart, funny, and brave. Norah likes what he sees in her.
Expectations
I was expecting to read a book about mental illness that both informed and pulled at the heartstrings. I was not disappointed. I'm glad I read this with a buddy, because I think I enjoyed and got more out of it.
Mental Illness
I want to first say that I am so glad there was no romanticization of Norah's agoraphobia, OCD, or depression. Her thoughts and actions hurt me to read, but mental illness isn't supposed to be easy. I hope I can find some more books out there that are similar to this with realistic portrayals of mental illness. The author, Louise Gornall, talks about how she used some of her experience with mental illness to develop Norah's characterization.
Characters
Norah I thought Norah's characterization was amazing. You could tell that she tried her hardest even when things got tough. She was so, so funny and knew how to joke. In addition her sense of humor, I loved the relationship she has with her mother. You can tell how hard her illnesses are on her. And they were portrayed so well. I hurt when she hurt. It was distressing to read how she was affected, and that's why this is such a great book.
Norah's mom Norah's mother is so, so supportive of her daughter. I am so grateful that Norah has someone like her mother in her life to help her like she does. She will take hours at a time out of her day to talk her daughter down from anxiety attacks. She does all that she can as a single parent to take care of her child.
Luke Listen. I am so grateful for how Luke acts towards Norah. He doesn't treat her as someone with just mental illness. He sees a girl who is brave, smart, and funny. And he tries to help her whenever she appears to be struggling. His character develops when he asks questions and. (I also thought Luke was so sweet and understanding.)
Ending
The ending was the only part of the book that I was kind of iffy about. Other than that, I really loved this book. The ending was just so... out of place compared to the rest of the book. Even though the ending was strange, I still think this book deserves five stars for the mental illness portrayal.
In Conclusion
I think this book will stick with me for a while. I really enjoyed reading about the mental illness aspect. Also, if you are going to read this book, I strongly suggest you read the author's note.
● ● ●
She thinks that all my baggage shouldn't matter. She thinks people should see past it, should see that I am more than what is wrong with me. The clouds in her sky are always rose-colored, which I know is a beautiful way to be. Alas, I have a mind that muddies everything. My skies aren't so pretty; more tainted with fear than tinted with whimsy.
TW: self harm
*Possible minor spoilers below*
Summary
Norah is a seventeen year old girl who hasn't been able to leave her home, her safe space, in four years because of her agoraphobia and OCD. A new neighbor, a teenage boy named Luke, shows up on her doorstep and sees things in Norah that even she doesn't see. He doesn't see a girl plagued down by illness but a girl who is smart, funny, and brave. Norah likes what he sees in her.
Expectations
I was expecting to read a book about mental illness that both informed and pulled at the heartstrings. I was not disappointed. I'm glad I read this with a buddy, because I think I enjoyed and got more out of it.
Mental Illness
I want to first say that I am so glad there was no romanticization of Norah's agoraphobia, OCD, or depression. Her thoughts and actions hurt me to read, but mental illness isn't supposed to be easy. I hope I can find some more books out there that are similar to this with realistic portrayals of mental illness. The author, Louise Gornall, talks about how she used some of her experience with mental illness to develop Norah's characterization.
Characters
Norah I thought Norah's characterization was amazing. You could tell that she tried her hardest even when things got tough. She was so, so funny and knew how to joke. In addition her sense of humor, I loved the relationship she has with her mother. You can tell how hard her illnesses are on her. And they were portrayed so well. I hurt when she hurt. It was distressing to read how she was affected, and that's why this is such a great book.
Norah's mom Norah's mother is so, so supportive of her daughter. I am so grateful that Norah has someone like her mother in her life to help her like she does. She will take hours at a time out of her day to talk her daughter down from anxiety attacks. She does all that she can as a single parent to take care of her child.
Luke Listen. I am so grateful for how Luke acts towards Norah. He doesn't treat her as someone with just mental illness. He sees a girl who is brave, smart, and funny. And he tries to help her whenever she appears to be struggling. His character develops when he asks questions and
Spoiler
even does research about her multiple mental illnesses to better understand what is going on in her head and to understand what he said wrong that made her so upset about him kissing herEnding
The ending was the only part of the book that I was kind of iffy about. Other than that, I really loved this book. The ending was just so... out of place compared to the rest of the book.
Spoiler
While this event brought Norah and Luke back together, I just thought it was a little extreme compared to everything else that happened.In Conclusion
I think this book will stick with me for a while. I really enjoyed reading about the mental illness aspect. Also, if you are going to read this book, I strongly suggest you read the author's note.
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Characters are great. They are so aware of each other. Nor h knows how hard it is for her mother to have a child who is sick. At the same time her mother treasures her. Makes sure she knows that's she wouldn't have it any other way.
Agoraphobia is very much a real thing. None of the characters treat Norah like she's insane. Shes different yes, but they don't see her anyless. Luke is a great example of this. He puts in effort to show Norah that he wants to be there. Norah wants the best for him too. They both have to sacrifice a little of what they're used to but want to. They want the best for each other.
The twist was alright. I liked the characters and how they're all considerate of each other. Norah has banter with everyone including her therapist. The book almost mentioned my name which was cool. It was cool hearing about someone living with OCD and argorapbia. Nice book.
Agoraphobia is very much a real thing. None of the characters treat Norah like she's insane. Shes different yes, but they don't see her anyless. Luke is a great example of this. He puts in effort to show Norah that he wants to be there. Norah wants the best for him too. They both have to sacrifice a little of what they're used to but want to. They want the best for each other.
The twist was alright. I liked the characters and how they're all considerate of each other. Norah has banter with everyone including her therapist. The book almost mentioned my name which was cool. It was cool hearing about someone living with OCD and argorapbia. Nice book.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
" Like that film actor you've seen in another film but can't for the life of you recall which one. The though is a fungus, a black mould rotting my brain. I ache. My teeth itch. Clear your mind. The blankness in my mind turns into a piece of white paper, the white paper reminds me of books, and then I'm thinking of The Picture of Dorian Gray again."
Love this book and love the meaning of the title.
This my first time actually understanding what OCD is like and how it is to live with it. Also, it helped me understand why people self-harm. I mean i've googled these disorders but never could wrap my head around it and im glad i finally can.
I LOVED that moment when i discover i dismissed Norah's panic over her mom's bedroom door, I dissmised it cause i was like 'oh she's just being paranoid as usual' and then i discover i was being an assshole. My only complaint is that i wish we would have gotten Norah's reaction when she went back to her house which she thought was her safe spot and now after the robbery doesn't seem as safe anymore
" Like that film actor you've seen in another film but can't for the life of you recall which one. The though is a fungus, a black mould rotting my brain. I ache. My teeth itch. Clear your mind. The blankness in my mind turns into a piece of white paper, the white paper reminds me of books, and then I'm thinking of The Picture of Dorian Gray again."
Love this book and love the meaning of the title.
This my first time actually understanding what OCD is like and how it is to live with it. Also, it helped me understand why people self-harm. I mean i've googled these disorders but never could wrap my head around it and im glad i finally can.
This book broke my heart.
Not in an ‘it’s devastating and everyone dies’ kind of way, but because it felt so real. I felt like Norah was a friend of mine, and it broke my heart to read about her struggling with her agoraphobia and OCD.
One of the things I loved the most was the fact that Luke doesn’t fix Norah. It’s never even suggested that he can. I think that is incredibly important. I am one of those people who whole-heartedly believes you should never rely on a single person to fix all your problems. Unless it’s like your healthcare professional, but even then. The point is, a romantic relationship isn’t going to suddenly cure you of everything—maybe it’ll help, maybe it won’t but it’s not the be and end all. I think the book did a really good job of showing that.
Not in an ‘it’s devastating and everyone dies’ kind of way, but because it felt so real. I felt like Norah was a friend of mine, and it broke my heart to read about her struggling with her agoraphobia and OCD.
One of the things I loved the most was the fact that Luke doesn’t fix Norah. It’s never even suggested that he can. I think that is incredibly important. I am one of those people who whole-heartedly believes you should never rely on a single person to fix all your problems. Unless it’s like your healthcare professional, but even then. The point is, a romantic relationship isn’t going to suddenly cure you of everything—maybe it’ll help, maybe it won’t but it’s not the be and end all. I think the book did a really good job of showing that.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes