(Here be spoilers!)
I read this book within one evening, but honestly, I could have told you the way it ended within the first few pages. Boy and girl with depression make a suicide pact, fall in love, ‘fix’ each other, don’t go through with it. Now, don’t get me wrong, of course I am glad that they don’t actually kill themselves. That said, I hate the overused narrative that mental illness can be ‘fixed’ by being in a relationship. That you have to be ‘saved’ by someone. Maybe they did give each other a reason to live, and that really is lovely, but I think it’s an over-told story, suggesting that things can only get better if you find someone who loves you.
It wasn’t all bad, in fact I did generally quite enjoy it. The metaphor of depression being like a slug was really interesting and made a lot of sense, and their backstories, although not really explored much were quite interesting. This, however, also suggested that you can only be depressed if you have a ‘reason’. That something tragic must have happened, which is not necessarily true.
Over all, it was a quick, easy read, but nothing remarkable. I didn’t feel a whole lot and I’m not really sure I would recommend it to anyone. It was just… fine.
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Comments
I hate it when a book doesn’t live up to your expectations of what it could be! Mental illness is a difficult topic to cover and it’s hard to find more than a handful of books that cover it well. And if it can be read that quickly? Not for me, I like something I can at least get my teeth into for a couple of days!
Sarah 🙂
Saloca in Wonderland
I agree 100%! If mental illness isn’t covered well it’s just a big mess! I love a book that you physically cannot put down because it’s so good! 🙂 x
Codieeee <3I also read this book within the space of two evenings. I enjoyed it but I feel the same sentiments as you, it was predictable & unfortunately a little stereotypical too. I agree with you on all of that. Before I read this book I read – All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven- and I'm so glad I read that first. As someone who has struggled with depression on and off and the horrible sinking feeling that no one that loves you can fix you, this book was much more relatable and ultimately more realistic.
Please read it and do a review. I'm certain you'll love it, it confirms what we all know about depression and dealing with it and yet still gives you hope.
Love ya Codz,
Rx
RachieRoo <3
I've downloaded All the Bright Places, I've been meaning to read it for a while. Thanks for the recommendation, and I'm glad to hear it's much more realistic!
Miss your lovely face.
Lots of love x