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westcdf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
eavers's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-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: Suicide attempt, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, and Drug use
madaisierra's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
novelvisits's review against another edition
5.0
{My Thoughts}
In the summer of 1998, 14-year old Juliet seemed to have everything going for her. She was bright, had plenty of frineds, loving parents, and was about to start high school. She’d been cutting herself for a while, but never deep and only where no one would see. As Juliet moved through her freshman year stranger and stranger things began to happen to her: she heard noises, saw dark shapes around her, couldn’t eat or sleep, feared she was being watched, couldn’t always make sense of written words, and sometimes heard the voice of god.
“I no longer slept. It was so loud all the time. Each day I was assaulted by ringings and whispers, my heart pounding out the center of the chaos like a metronome, the order of the day splintering, popping apart, the ropes that once tethered me to the rest of the world had snapped and I had floated too far away to find my way back.”
Juliet the Maniac has been described as an “autobiographical novel,” and that unusual moniker definitely fits. Throughout Juliet’s story are letters, notes, and medical reports all with the author’s own name on them. Her novel reads more like a memoir than fiction, but either way it’s riveting. I could feel nothing but empathy for this struggling young girl who was terrified by what was happening to her, but also so intelligent that she actually researched mental illness and diagnosed herself. She then reached out to her parents in a letter finally telling them everything she’d been feeling. Juliet’s descent continues after suicide attempts land her in a remote boarding school designed for teens suffering from mental illness.
The author, Juliet Escoria, clearly inhabits her character and made me feel so much: sadness for Juliet and her parents, thankful that my own children escaped mental illness, terror at feeling so out of control, disappointment at many of Juliet’s choices, and pride with many others. Parts of Juliet the Manic may be difficult for some to read, but the story is wonderful and especially if you’re a fan of memoirs or coming-of-age stories, this is a book you need to read! Grade: A-
Note: I received a copy of this book from Melville House (via NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.
In the summer of 1998, 14-year old Juliet seemed to have everything going for her. She was bright, had plenty of frineds, loving parents, and was about to start high school. She’d been cutting herself for a while, but never deep and only where no one would see. As Juliet moved through her freshman year stranger and stranger things began to happen to her: she heard noises, saw dark shapes around her, couldn’t eat or sleep, feared she was being watched, couldn’t always make sense of written words, and sometimes heard the voice of god.
“I no longer slept. It was so loud all the time. Each day I was assaulted by ringings and whispers, my heart pounding out the center of the chaos like a metronome, the order of the day splintering, popping apart, the ropes that once tethered me to the rest of the world had snapped and I had floated too far away to find my way back.”
Juliet the Maniac has been described as an “autobiographical novel,” and that unusual moniker definitely fits. Throughout Juliet’s story are letters, notes, and medical reports all with the author’s own name on them. Her novel reads more like a memoir than fiction, but either way it’s riveting. I could feel nothing but empathy for this struggling young girl who was terrified by what was happening to her, but also so intelligent that she actually researched mental illness and diagnosed herself. She then reached out to her parents in a letter finally telling them everything she’d been feeling. Juliet’s descent continues after suicide attempts land her in a remote boarding school designed for teens suffering from mental illness.
The author, Juliet Escoria, clearly inhabits her character and made me feel so much: sadness for Juliet and her parents, thankful that my own children escaped mental illness, terror at feeling so out of control, disappointment at many of Juliet’s choices, and pride with many others. Parts of Juliet the Manic may be difficult for some to read, but the story is wonderful and especially if you’re a fan of memoirs or coming-of-age stories, this is a book you need to read! Grade: A-
Note: I received a copy of this book from Melville House (via NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.
siemarilyn's review against another edition
3.0
Shows mental illness without a pretty filter, which is uncommon and refreshing. I really enjoyed the formatting and honest writing but the content was difficult for me to get through.
stelluh's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this so much!!!! Such an amazing story about Juliet and her struggle with addiction through adolescence. Love how the book is formatted in short, specific segments. Would read this over and over again. 10/10.
btpbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
This book! Wow. How do I review this? Juliet the Maniac is a well written story, I loved how this story was set out similar to diary entrys but not diary entrys if that makes sense – Short chapters told by Juliet. I think we can all say in some sorts we had wild teenager years but Juliet takes this above and beyond. All drugs, alcohol, parties and sex. Maybe a little too much.
Parts of this book are heartbreaking as we see Juliet struggling with herself… Depression, self harm, suicide and drugs. It’s hard to see a young girl like Juliet to do that to herself to feel that low. There are some happy times though and a happy outcome.
The story is told perfectly to the point you believe it is non-fiction and real life for Juliet. A real page turner for me and an easy read. If anything this story highlights the worse side of mental illnesses. Mental illnesses are often not spoken about especially among the young. So this is a great, eye opening and powerful at times novel. One that will stay with me. I actually like Juliet! She seems fun, just maybe handled things wrongly at times.
I awarded a well deserved four stars. Highly recommend.
Parts of this book are heartbreaking as we see Juliet struggling with herself… Depression, self harm, suicide and drugs. It’s hard to see a young girl like Juliet to do that to herself to feel that low. There are some happy times though and a happy outcome.
The story is told perfectly to the point you believe it is non-fiction and real life for Juliet. A real page turner for me and an easy read. If anything this story highlights the worse side of mental illnesses. Mental illnesses are often not spoken about especially among the young. So this is a great, eye opening and powerful at times novel. One that will stay with me. I actually like Juliet! She seems fun, just maybe handled things wrongly at times.
I awarded a well deserved four stars. Highly recommend.
kasfeldt's review against another edition
3.0
Absolutely nothing like I thought it was going to be. An interesting read, with a clear change in voice that you can feel as Juliet progresses through her mental health. Clunky at times, but still entertaining, and a great reminder that we are not alone in our fucked up heads.
obviouschild96's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
raynaforreal's review against another edition
4.0
This book is an honest account of mental illness, one that is beautifully written and raw. Would recommend.