Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mischievousreads 's review for:
Underwater
by Marisa Reichardt
Review originally posted on the blog: Mischievous Reads
Realistic fiction is something I don't read often, because of the rarity of proper execution by the author. They either get it, or they don't, and just pretentiously assume they do, especially when it's about a tough or controversial topic not everyone is willing to read out of their comfort zone. There's a whole collection of realistic fiction with sensitive subjects out there, in which mostly falls under mental illnesses.
[b:Underwater|21945590|Underwater|Marisa Reichardt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425321522s/21945590.jpg|41249903] is a mental illness book, for those unaware. Although the main character, Morgan, has severe anxiety, it doesn't solely focus on her illness alone. [a:Marisa Reichardt|8154570|Marisa Reichardt|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1402701084p2/8154570.jpg]'s brilliant voice as Morgan captured mental illness to a tee, particularly her anxiety. Confusion hits you at first upon meeting Morgan, and introduced with a backstory that's filled with friendships and ambitions: what happened for her to become the girl she is now, never leaving the house, terrified of the world?
One of the characters that struck me the most was Morgan's mom, I couldn't help but get emotional. Most parents in Young Adult books are often molded as the bad guy, or if not, just a nice parent in the background, offering words of wisdom in at least a single page when the youngster has boy problems or whatsoever. But not this mother. Her character was always present for Morgan and incredibly supportive, and redefined parenthood in young adult novels in a different way.
*I received a review copy courtesy of the author/publisher. This does not affect my opinion or views regarding the book whatsoever.
*Quotes are taken from the uncorrected copy of the novel and are subjected to change.
Realistic fiction is something I don't read often, because of the rarity of proper execution by the author. They either get it, or they don't, and just pretentiously assume they do, especially when it's about a tough or controversial topic not everyone is willing to read out of their comfort zone. There's a whole collection of realistic fiction with sensitive subjects out there, in which mostly falls under mental illnesses.
[b:Underwater|21945590|Underwater|Marisa Reichardt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425321522s/21945590.jpg|41249903] is a mental illness book, for those unaware. Although the main character, Morgan, has severe anxiety, it doesn't solely focus on her illness alone. [a:Marisa Reichardt|8154570|Marisa Reichardt|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1402701084p2/8154570.jpg]'s brilliant voice as Morgan captured mental illness to a tee, particularly her anxiety. Confusion hits you at first upon meeting Morgan, and introduced with a backstory that's filled with friendships and ambitions: what happened for her to become the girl she is now, never leaving the house, terrified of the world?
"You shouldn't stop living your life just because you're scared."Reading [Underwater] in Morgan's perspective was like being in her brain as a spectator, watching in the sidelines as her illness strikes out of the blue. It's completely random, no preparations, and just leaves you confused and baffled especially to those who are lucky to have not experienced anxiety first hand and are unaware of the weight of the attacks. Paranoia has become Morgan's greatest enemy, striking like taunting gun to the head. playing with your head as a matter of life and death. Anxiety is like a game of Russian Roulette—except the gun isn't loaded, but your mind likes to think it is, despite the assurance that it's an empty barrel.
"What's the point of wasting all your time worrying about something that might never happen?"But don't get me wrong, this whole book isn't about Morgan suffering from anxiety 24/7 with no hopes of recovery. As a matter of fact, her steps to recovery is one of the reasons why I adored this book so much, mainly, the characters. Everyone else mentioned in the book plays a vital role in Morgan's gradual journey to recovery: her new next door neighbor, Evan, who eventually becomes a love interest, but a friend first, her therapist, Brenda, her family, particularly her mom and little brother, Ben.
"Because that's what people do."
"No, it isn't. I don't. That's what crazy people do."
One of the characters that struck me the most was Morgan's mom, I couldn't help but get emotional. Most parents in Young Adult books are often molded as the bad guy, or if not, just a nice parent in the background, offering words of wisdom in at least a single page when the youngster has boy problems or whatsoever. But not this mother. Her character was always present for Morgan and incredibly supportive, and redefined parenthood in young adult novels in a different way.
"I think you want to get better. I think you will get better.[...] When you're ready. I believe in you."Reading [b:Underwater|21945590|Underwater|Marisa Reichardt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425321522s/21945590.jpg|41249903] turned me into an emotional sap, and touched my soul, especially as someone who could relate to Morgan, although not wholly. Marisa's writing is straightforward, blunt, and edgy, and not to mention, incredibly satisfying and remarkably touching . A little bit of romance is present, but not considered as part of the main focal points of the novel. The characters are well shaped, filled with complexities and immense depth, and definitely keeps you engaged with every turn of a page. If you're looking to read books with sensitive topics, or even attempt to step out of your comfort zone, you have to give Underwater a go! (Don't forget to have tissues handy!)
*I received a review copy courtesy of the author/publisher. This does not affect my opinion or views regarding the book whatsoever.
*Quotes are taken from the uncorrected copy of the novel and are subjected to change.