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A review by cecestonier
The Existence Of Amy by Lana Grace Riva
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I went into this book with high hopes after learning it focused on anxiety and mental illness. As an individual with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder AND a BSc (Hons) Psychology graduate, I feel very strongly about representations of mental health and disability in media and want to see it done well and not romanticised. So yes, I was damn well worried this book would be a huge disappointment but it completely shot that worry from my mind.
A little slow paced in places, but always artfully crafting a narrative of what life with anxiety is, this book is definitely the mental health representation that young adults with seemingly ordinary lives need. The perspective is accurate, heartfelt, and I love that the book recognises some of the stigma of mental health (such as the impact on relationships), but also the importance of supporting your peers even if they are behaving 'strangely'. This book provided am insightful look into how a person with anxiety might be affected, it knocks the stigma of seeking help on its backside, and it does it in a respectful and honest way.
I would recommend this to any anxious teens of young adults that need something that will make them feel less alone. And I also want to take this opportunity to remind people to check in on their friends and remember to support them if they appear to be struggling — especially right now, during this pandemic, when mental health issues are on the rise.
Thank you Lana for telling us Amy's story!
A little slow paced in places, but always artfully crafting a narrative of what life with anxiety is, this book is definitely the mental health representation that young adults with seemingly ordinary lives need. The perspective is accurate, heartfelt, and I love that the book recognises some of the stigma of mental health (such as the impact on relationships), but also the importance of supporting your peers even if they are behaving 'strangely'. This book provided am insightful look into how a person with anxiety might be affected, it knocks the stigma of seeking help on its backside, and it does it in a respectful and honest way.
I would recommend this to any anxious teens of young adults that need something that will make them feel less alone. And I also want to take this opportunity to remind people to check in on their friends and remember to support them if they appear to be struggling — especially right now, during this pandemic, when mental health issues are on the rise.
Thank you Lana for telling us Amy's story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness