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ameserole's review
4.0
I loved the audio version of this!
A Danger to Herself and Others was so freaking good! No idea why I never dove into it before but maybe I was just scared? Again, no idea. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters throughout this book. They were all likable even and somewhat relatable.
For example, you will meet Hannah. She was a whirlwind throughout the entire book and definitely had be guessing everything in each chapter. There was so much happening in this book and it was highly entertaining and interesting.
Now this book had it's ups and downs. Whether it was Hannah's parents or what was actually happening at this institution. Some of the doctors were okay but others I just couldn't trust them. Hands down, this book was good.
A Danger to Herself and Others was so freaking good! No idea why I never dove into it before but maybe I was just scared? Again, no idea. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters throughout this book. They were all likable even and somewhat relatable.
For example, you will meet Hannah. She was a whirlwind throughout the entire book and definitely had be guessing everything in each chapter. There was so much happening in this book and it was highly entertaining and interesting.
Now this book had it's ups and downs. Whether it was Hannah's parents or what was actually happening at this institution. Some of the doctors were okay but others I just couldn't trust them. Hands down, this book was good.
jelowo's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
shaybe90's review
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mmr1078's review
4.0
it was intriguing to see a character devolve so quickly. A heartbreaking reality check and realization that will have you haunted for months.
sleepysamreads's review
3.0
You can find this review and others on my blog SleepySamReads!
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Suicide Attempt, Eating Disorder Mention
I really enjoy books with unreliable narrators. Hannah is definitely one of these.
In the beginning it took me a while to warm up to Hannah, but I feel like this is intentional on the authors part. We don't know going in if Hannah purposely did what she did or not.
This book is certainly a roller coaster, some things I saw coming, some I did not.
I try to stay clear of books set in mental hospitals. I have been in one myself and it seems like books never get it right. I can't say for sure if this one did or not because I've never been hospitalized for the same thing Hannah is, but it feels more natural than a lot of books I've read in the past.
My favorite part was definitely the end. I loved seeing Hannah growing as a person and coming to terms with her psychosis.
I've only read a handful of books about psychosis, but this one has felt the most realistic.
I can't say much more because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but I definitely think it's a book worth reading.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Suicide Attempt, Eating Disorder Mention
I really enjoy books with unreliable narrators. Hannah is definitely one of these.
In the beginning it took me a while to warm up to Hannah, but I feel like this is intentional on the authors part. We don't know going in if Hannah purposely did what she did or not.
This book is certainly a roller coaster, some things I saw coming, some I did not.
I try to stay clear of books set in mental hospitals. I have been in one myself and it seems like books never get it right. I can't say for sure if this one did or not because I've never been hospitalized for the same thing Hannah is, but it feels more natural than a lot of books I've read in the past.
My favorite part was definitely the end. I loved seeing Hannah growing as a person and coming to terms with her psychosis.
I've only read a handful of books about psychosis, but this one has felt the most realistic.
I can't say much more because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but I definitely think it's a book worth reading.
ktreml06's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Overall I enjoyed the story— think “Girl Interrupted” but with a diary component as you get to be inside the main character’s mind. The writing was very eloquent with incredible imagery and all kinds of sensory description without being difficult to read or too lengthy.
I do wish there was more suspense/thrill throughout the book, as it felt pretty static with no real unexpected plot twist that shocked me.
Disclaimer: This was my first audiobook, and I think that affected some of the lackluster feelings on my end at the narrator was pretty monotone. But, I tried to keep my review as focused on the story itself rather than my audiobook as I could.
I do wish there was more suspense/thrill throughout the book, as it felt pretty static with no real unexpected plot twist that shocked me.
Disclaimer: This was my first audiobook, and I think that affected some of the lackluster feelings on my end at the narrator was pretty monotone. But, I tried to keep my review as focused on the story itself rather than my audiobook as I could.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Forced institutionalization, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Mental illness, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Self harm
Moderate: Medical content, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, and Panic attacks/disorders
nicolecatlady's review
3.0
A Danger to Herself and Others follows the involuntary institutionalization of a young woman, Hannah. We find out that she's there because of an accident involving her friend, Agnes.
I'm both a fan and not a fan of this book. I was looking forward to reading it because I can relate (mental illness) -- it caught my eye after reading the description. I just couldn't ever really "get into it." I never found myself really liking or attaching to any of the characters, not even Hannah.
With that being said, the author does do a good job of showing us a glimpse of what it might be like in an institution. I spent time in a similar facility, so I could relate to some of the things that Hannah experienced. The author also does a good job telling Hannah's story in regard to her diagnosis, including what it was like for her before and after the actual diagnosis.
One thing I appreciate is how Sheinmel shows us what Hannah's relationship with her parents is like before AND after Hannah receives her diagnosis. Relationships between loved ones are something that aren't really discussed when it comes to those of us who have a mental illness, so I was happy to see that she included this in her book.
All in all, I would recommend this book only if you are interested in reading about Hannah's journey as it relates to the diagnosis of her mental illness.
I'm both a fan and not a fan of this book. I was looking forward to reading it because I can relate (mental illness) -- it caught my eye after reading the description. I just couldn't ever really "get into it." I never found myself really liking or attaching to any of the characters, not even Hannah.
With that being said, the author does do a good job of showing us a glimpse of what it might be like in an institution. I spent time in a similar facility, so I could relate to some of the things that Hannah experienced. The author also does a good job telling Hannah's story in regard to her diagnosis, including what it was like for her before and after the actual diagnosis.
One thing I appreciate is how Sheinmel shows us what Hannah's relationship with her parents is like before AND after Hannah receives her diagnosis. Relationships between loved ones are something that aren't really discussed when it comes to those of us who have a mental illness, so I was happy to see that she included this in her book.
All in all, I would recommend this book only if you are interested in reading about Hannah's journey as it relates to the diagnosis of her mental illness.
itsnotalakeitsanocean's review against another edition
For some reason I thought the premise of the book was different to the blurb. If I knew it was going to be a boring, confusing ableist snoozefest I wouldn't have picked it up. I ended up looking up spoilers because it was that boring, and I'm glad it saved me from another book where mental illness is demonized as a plot point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Violence and Gaslighting