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A review by mlvreads
Four Weeks, Five People by Jennifer Yu
2.0
I have read so many great books about mental illness and treatment, so I can't help but be stingy when it comes to the way these things were treated in this book. Considering it was the entire concept of the book, I'm a little disappointed in the way some things were handled.
There are 5 different perspectives from characters each seeking treatment for different disorders. I think Yu did a good job of distinguishing the character voices and adding interesting elements that helped highlight their experience (Ben's disassociation as a movie script, the lines that separate Clarisa's paragraphs). That was a great approach.
Still, I really didn't like the way their treatment was done. I know they were doing both group and individual therapy, but we didn't really see much of that. And I. Really. Hated. Jessie. Jessie was more concerned about foul language than allowing the campers to express their feelings. I've never read a book where people attempting some sort of recovery or treatment were meant to hold back their feelings. Heck, I go to therapy and my therapist assures me that it's okay when I curse, because that's the space to do it.
I know that there needs to be rules and regulations, of course. But language? Really? OMG. No.
Also, and maybe I'm wrong here, but wouldn't watching a movie like "Girl, Interrupted" at the camp be triggering for some? Why are they not being sensitive to these things?
I couldn't help but get the feeling that the campers were meant to fend for themselves and that the counselors, professional therapists BTW, were just there for paychecks. Especially the founder of the camp who showed up TWICE.
I dunno, man. Obviously, the individuals need to put in the work. But I've read books with much more support and honesty in the handling of treatment and this book pales in comparison to so many amazing others.
There are 5 different perspectives from characters each seeking treatment for different disorders. I think Yu did a good job of distinguishing the character voices and adding interesting elements that helped highlight their experience (Ben's disassociation as a movie script, the lines that separate Clarisa's paragraphs). That was a great approach.
Still, I really didn't like the way their treatment was done. I know they were doing both group and individual therapy, but we didn't really see much of that. And I. Really. Hated. Jessie. Jessie was more concerned about foul language than allowing the campers to express their feelings. I've never read a book where people attempting some sort of recovery or treatment were meant to hold back their feelings. Heck, I go to therapy and my therapist assures me that it's okay when I curse, because that's the space to do it.
I know that there needs to be rules and regulations, of course. But language? Really? OMG. No.
Also, and maybe I'm wrong here, but wouldn't watching a movie like "Girl, Interrupted" at the camp be triggering for some? Why are they not being sensitive to these things?
I couldn't help but get the feeling that the campers were meant to fend for themselves and that the counselors, professional therapists BTW, were just there for paychecks. Especially the founder of the camp who showed up TWICE.
I dunno, man. Obviously, the individuals need to put in the work. But I've read books with much more support and honesty in the handling of treatment and this book pales in comparison to so many amazing others.