Highly Illogical Behaviour came highly (hahhhaha #ImHilarious) recommend and I’m so glad I tried it!
To say I was super nervous to read this is like an understatement. I WAS SUPER SUPER NERVOUS TO READ THIS. Why? For many reasons including: (A) the blurb says that one of the characters is attempting to “fix” the other which rings so many warning bells; (B) I read Noggin by this author and it was not my thing; oh and (C) I read another book about agoraphobia/social anxiety which was horrendous and mocking and uniformed and it MADE ME SO ANGRY. I’ve been avoiding S.A.D. books ever since. (Here is where I whisper that I have anxiety too, so the topic is personal for me.)
But you know what? THIS BOOK WAS EXCELLENT. I’m so pleased with it! It was so fun and addictive and complex and IT DOES NOT INVOLVE A “CURE FOR ALL”.
Bless this book.
- SOLOMON IS A PRECIOUS CINNAMON ROLL. The story is actually dual-narrated between him and Lisa (who’s #1 goal in life is to “fix” Solomon from his anxiety so she can write an epic essay about it and get into an epic college). And while I enjoyed Lisa’s chapters, I loved Solomon’s 10000 x more because, as I said, he is a preciously adorkable, funny, nerdy, and intelligent cinnamon roll.
- ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF PANIC ATTACKS. Panic attacks are interesting creatures because they definitely differ from person to person. STILL. I thought these were very well written.
This is how it always started. Everything would be fine and then a sudden sinking feeling would come over him, like his chest was going to cave in. He could feel his heart bumping up against his rib cage, wanting out, quickening with every beat and then radiating down his arms and up to his temples. It vibrated him, making everything he saw bounce around like the world was just photographs being flipped in front of him. And with everything around him muffled, but still noisy, all he could do was focus on breathing and close his eyes and count.
- THE WHOLE BOOK IS SO VERY NERDY. Like think of all the nerdiness you can think of…and multiple it by SIX. That is this book. Solomon is obsessed with Star Trek (bless him) and board games (which he enjoys playing with his parents) and watching TV shows (this dude is so relatable).
- FRIENDSHIP IS THE FOCUS. Isn’t that wonderful? Can we shed tears of pure joy right now?! There is romance here, but mostly between Lisa and her boyfriend Clark. Solomon is gay and things do get angsty and border-line-triangle-shaped when he has a crush on Clark. So while I was mildly disappointed the last romantically-angsty 30% of the book was ALL THE ANGST, it wasn’t tedious. I adored how Lisa, Solomon and Clark just become epic nerdy bantering friends.
- CLARK, TOO, IS AMAZING. He’s introduced in a sort of jock-boyfriend stance but nooooooo, HE’S 100% A NERDY DORK TOO. I adore the way he and Solomon become friends. And remember this is a huge deal for Solomon, who hasn’t even spoken to people in 3+ years, and now he has Lisa and Clark.
“Of course Clark can come over without you.”
“I know, but I had to make sure. What if you secretly hate him and you’ve just been hanging out with him for me or something?”
“Is that the impression you get?”
“Yesterday, you guys spent two hours writing a theme song for a board game. I think you’re probably the best friend he’s ever had.”
- OTHER THINGS TO LOVE INTENSELY. Because yes I am writing a list within a list. #deal
- Solomon has amazing parents. Like give these folks YA Parent Of The Awesome award because they need it. They’re funny! And kind! Solomon genuinely loves hanging out with them. (I totally play board games with my parents too. #winning)
- Board game appreciation! This is cool okay?! They play chess, Skip-Bo, Canasta…LIKE THIS IS THE SONG OF MY PEOPLE.
- The writing is a brilliant mix of quirk and seriousness.Which is super hard to pull off. At times I got worried it was delving into “I am a quirky basket of rainbow lolz” which is the style of writing I detest. BUT NO! It managed to keep the fun tone plus add in serious and poignant moments.
- DESPITE WHAT THE BLURB INDICATES: IT IS NOT A “CURE” STORY. It treats it very very carefully! Solomon does make huge improvements with managing his anxiety when he gets friends. No, his friends don’t “cure” him. But you know what does help with anxiety? Support! People loving you for who you are. It’s very motivational and it helped give Solomon an extrap push. Does everything work out perfectly? No. Because #realistic
- I FELT VERY UNSYMPATHETIC TOWARDS LISA. She was, essentially, using Solomon to try and get her top marks for this essay. It’s a bit of a cliche storyline, honestly, and you knoooooooooooow it won’t end well. IT NEVER ENDS WELL. But I couldn’t fully relate to Lisa because she was … a jerk.
- SO MUCH ROMANTIC ANGST. Like I said, it mostly keeps things awesome, but then the friendship storyline gets all splintery while (A) Lisa makes dumb assumptions, (B) the boys go radio silent treatment which is just immature, (C) NO ONE COMMUNICATES, and (D) a lot less Star Trek is watched. What is this life.
- THE PACING WAS FAST. The book doesn’t even hit 300-pages, so I get that! It moved quickly! But for someone who hasn’t spoken to other people (outside his family) for 3+ years and suddenly has a meeting with Lisa….they were way less awkward than I would’ve imagined. Plus it kind of bothered me that, once Solomon had friends, all he could do was THINK ABOUT HIS AWESOME FRIENDS. Like, they were great! Good times! But it always bothers me when a person can’t be a person on their own.
I definitely recommend it!
And my recommendations are always golden, so don’t even doubt me. Just go read it. This book is short, sassy, pays tribute to Star Trek, and is not about swallowing rainbows or “fixing” yourself to please other people. Plus there was nerdom and pizza, I mean, WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE HERE.
THANK YOU TO ALLEN & UNWIN FOR THE REVIEW COPY. Highly Illogical Behaviour by John Corey Whaley was published August, 2016.
Sixteen year old Solomon has agoraphobia. He hasn’t left his house in three years, which is fine by him. At home, he is the master of his own kingdom–even if his kingdom doesn’t extend outside of the house.
Ambitious Lisa desperately wants to go to a top tier psychiatry program. She’ll do anything to get in.
When Lisa finds out about Solomon’s solitary existence, she comes up with a plan sure to net her a scholarship: Befriend Solomon. Treat his condition. And write a paper on her findings. To earn Solomon’s trust, Lisa begins letting him into her life, introducing him to her boyfriend Clark, and telling him her secrets. Soon, Solomon begins to open up and expand his universe. But all three teens have grown uncomfortably close, and when their facades fall down, their friendships threaten to collapse, as well.
OMG I NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW
YES YOU DEFINITELY DO.
Ohh. I just got this yesterday and my best friend also bought it a week ago so I guess we will be buddy-reading. honestly, I suck at buddy reading as I am a horribly fast reader and would complete the book when my friend has not even read the first half of it. I also play board games with my parents! *high fives* my friends think it is childish. #whatever. great review, as always! (also Star Trek and pizza. I am sold)
Playing board games with one’s parents = TRUE AWESOME. Anyone who doesn’t is missing out.😂 Omg and I’m the same with buddy reading!! I’m like done on the first day and everyone is just starting ahhha…ha. ahem. oh but this one is super small too, so you’ll probably be done in a few hours. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT. *flings happy confetti*
ooooohhh this sounds really good! How did you do that book floating thing? (or is it a well kept secret that I should just be in awe of?) I guess I’m interested in how to find a balance between ‘treating’ a condition and it improving. ’tis very important *nods sagely* Also love triangle angst just sounds really really bad. And board games=my thing. Like Settlers and cranium and a lllll the other board games I can’t think of right now. (even connect four, although I normally lose. *cries* (and btw sorry about the star thing. We must have been thinking in sync. :D) this kind of sounds like love shy? or maybe it’s just me. And Lisa= stop using people you idiot.
Shar@Virtually Read recently posted…Tutorial: Paper Lucky Stars
Hehe, it’s not a secret.😂 I just took a photo of my hands and then a separate photo of the book and then stuck it on top. (I just “erased” around the book on picmonkey. So. Like totally professional. Don’t look too closely.😂)
OMG DON’T BE SORRY ABOUT THE STAR THING!! I loved your tutorial. 😉 I won’t post mine for several weeks so I don’t steal your thunder!
Ooh, this sounds good! I like the idea of a geeky jock. Being interested in sports in no way denies you the right to decent books and TV shows but, in some stories, it seems to. The best friendships are always built on general geekery. 😉
Rain @ Ivyclad Ideas recently posted…Instalove, and My Hatred Thereof
Exactly! I love characters who are complex and don’t fit into stereotypes. IT’S AWESOME. THIS BOOK IS AWESOME. ALL THE AWESOME.
I don’t think I have read a book about social anxiety. I guess that is another good reason to read this book! When we were still with my ex we played boiard games all the time and even Sebastian’s Godmother would come over with whomever her boyfriend happened to be at the time (ha ha) and play. Sebastiuan and his friends have board/card game night every Monday, and my friends have board/card game night once a month on the last Saturday of the month. Sebastian and I still play Scrabble every Christmas Eve and eat Chinese take-out. 🙂
Ahhh, yay, those are great board game traditions!! I almost always play Sequence with my parents over lunch.😂 AND I BEAT THEM BECAUSE I’M VERY COMPETITIVE. (That comes as a surprise, right?😂)
Normally I can’t even with books about social anxiety because IT FEELS TOO REAL AND CRIPPLING AND UGHH – I don’t even like talking about it.
BUT I’m going to try reading this one!
It sounds good, like REALLY GOOD and I’ve just placed my order.
SO BEWARE MY FLAILING ON TWITTER WHEN IT ARRIVES.
But YES, BOARD GAMES (who doesn’t play board games???) I don’t know any of the ones they played, besides chess but I’m always playing – and losing because I have two younger brothers who love cheating. *sigh*
Great review as always, Cait and OMGGGG your pictures are just lovely!
(but where is the cake? Where are the GIFs? ARE YOU EVEN CAIT OR ARE YOU ONE OF HER DRAGONS?)
I AM THE SAME. Generally I avoid them because it stirs up my anxiety to read about anxiety. Ahem. But this one was so so good and I didn’t feel awful reading it. *collapses in relief* BUT DUDE, DID YOU SERIOUSLY JUST BUY IT?!? SOMEONE AWARD ME FOR MY CONVINCING SKILLS.😂
Oooh, tut tut to cheating little brother chess players. Actually my 5yo nephew plays with me and cheats ALL THE TIME. Apparently prawns can move like as many squares forward as they like. Who knew.
SOMETIMES I DON’T USE GIFS AND I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF OR HOW TO FEEL.
Board games definitely need more representation in books! They were such a big part of people’s lives until recently, and for a lot of people, they still are. So, down with the haters on that!
SO TRUE. I love board games so much, omg (except for the fact no one likes to play with me because I beat them ahhahaha haha…ahem. #competitive)
Arrgh!! This sounds SO good!
And I love that it didn’t just end up being a “OMG. wow. love totes cured all my probz!” kind of book. So glad about that.
Yawn for love being a cure for mental health problems!
I’ll being picking this one up for sure!
http://www.believeinfairystories.blogspot.co.uk
Jodie Hollie-Anne recently posted…BOOK REVIEW – The Bone Witch
YES YES IT WAS SO WELL DONE I’M SO RELIEVED. I get so angry when books go for the “cure” route, because I mean, it just doesn’t happen IRL. I adore the realism in this one. :’)
On my TBR list now. I loved Fangirl because of her portrayal of social anxiety.
Great review. It definitely made me want to read the book
AHHH YAY!! *flings confetti* I love it when my reviews are convincing enough, hehehe. 😉
I’m excited to read this… and even more now since I know you loved it!! Beautiful pictures as always!!
Michelle @ Pink Polka Dot Books recently posted…My Fave Underrated Movies–From the 2000’s
YAYYY I hope you have just as much success with it as I did! *flings cake of happiness*
So glad you enjoyed this book so much, Cait! I recently read it, and loved it for all these reasons you quoted, but before anything, because it was REALISTIC. I liked how realistic Solomon felt, and his panic attacks, well… I could relate to these. And no cure for all, YES PLEASE. I have to admit though that it was FAST, like, I could have read this in one sitting, and it’s both a good, and a bad thing I guess? I’m not even sure of myself on that one. And yes, LISA. It did took me A LOT of time to grown fond of her, but I eventually did. But yes, she was kind of annoying, I admit it.
Great review <3
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Omg yes and YES the realism was just so wonderful. And I like how Solomon wasn’t 100% upset all the time either. Like anxiety sucks, and social anxiety is really bad, but it doesn’t always destroy your life. Plus his thought-process was really accurate, so…yes. 😂 LOVING THIS. And omg I do agree it was very fast. Kind of rushy, at times? But at least it was great to just chew through in just a few hours. :’)
I love love love boardgames! My favorite go-to activity! The past year I’ve learned so many new games and it’s been super-duper fun! Yay! 😀 I like all sorts of games; Dominion, Jaipur, Small World, Fluxx etc. Also, I’ve learned Magic the Gathering! Yay!
Omg I’ve never even heard of those! BUT THEY SOUND AWESOME. I love Monopoly and Sequence and Canasta and Chess. But basically gaaaaames. They’re so fun. :’)
I LOVE BOARD GAMES. My favourite is totally pandemic (what can I say; I’m the daughter of a public health physician) but Settlers and Cranium are awesome as well. I’ve read lots of books about introversion and quiet people in general, but no specific ones about anxiety I think… so maybe I should check this one out. I loved your review <3
Shanti recently posted…Tutorial: Paper Lucky Stars
Ahh, I’m so glad you liked my review! And YUS to board games!! I’m a fan of Monopoly and Sequence and Canasta and Chess…but I can be converted to mostly any game although I’m kind of competitive. Total surprise, right? 😉
Ahhhh, I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
I don’t usually read these kinds of books because (A) I’m not a contemporary fan, and (B) I usually don’t like to read mental health books … because they’re so hit and miss. And for things, they’re just SO INACCURATE. (I’m like 85% sure that I have OCD, and it ain’t fun… So to read inaccurate books….)
BUT THIS LOOKS GOOD. And as a person who’s just about to start watching Star Trek (yay me!), this may be a good read!!
Oh yes, mental health books are totally hit or miss for me too. Like some of my FAVOURITE books of ever deal wonderfully with it…but others just mangle it so bad they give me anxiety. GAH. But this is solidly in the “GOOD” category.
I love Star Trek so much!! But I’ve only seen the newer movies so I should probably hush and go watch the old ones.😂
I was TRYING to read your review but got distracted by all of your beautiful photos *drools*
SO RUDE OF THESE PICTURES, RIGHT? They are so inconsiderate. *sends pictures to time out*
YAASSS for representation! I love books that actually address it as “he has this thing… and that’s okay”. Have to add it to the TBR. 😉
Also, (if it’s not a huge secret) how did you get that floating book picture? It’sreallythecoolestthingandineedtoknow
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YES YES SO DO I. IT’S SO GOOD. *hugs this book* And like Solomon wasn’t always unhappy either? Which was super nice. People with anxiety don’t necessarily live horrible lives all the time and I’m SO GLAD the book acknowledged this!
And haha, not a secret! I just took the photo of my hands, sans book, and then took a separate photo of the book and put it on as an overlay. Then I rubbed out around the book so — KABOOM — it’s floating.😂 If that even makes sense! I did it on picmonkey.com so no big tech stuff either. 😉
I started liking social anxiety weirdness after the perks of being a wallflower. ( most enduring ya I’ve ever read) it sounds really fun and I like phobias. although I wouldn’t FREAK out as much on the whole cure thing. I mean I’ve read books which have made me feel dhcjcjcjdjdjd. I don’t think this will be one of them. it sounds different. I’m kinda tired of teen distress.
Ohhh yes Perks is AMAZING. I love that book and seriously need to read it. <3 Although this does have a good dose of teen angst, just so you know.😂
Yaaay, I’m so glad this book is awesome! I’ve been really looking forward to it! But also steering clear of it, because anxiety and I was diagnosed with anxiety a couple of months back, and I’m not sure I’m ready. I mean, I read one book, and it was awesome and helpful… but I also struggled to not start panicking when the main character had a panic attack. So that really makes me nervous. But I will read it! I just feel like I need to start CBT before I risk it. (First session this Friday!) But I am SO happy it’s good! It sounds so brilliant! Awesome review, Cait!
I totally do get that! And don’t read it if you think it’ll trigger you. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. I get very anxious reading anxiety books, generally, so I avoid them…but this one didn’t make me anxious at all. <3 (Good luck with CBT...it's really hard, I know. *sends you hugs*)
A book about mental illness where friendship is the focus? I HAVE TO HAVE IT!! I wasn’t entirely sure about this one either, but after reading your review, I MUST HAVE IT!
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books recently posted…DISCUSSION: I’ve lost my reading mojo!
YES YES, ISN’T IT GLORIOUS?!? Like this is how mental illness books should be honestly, because all this first-time-romance + struggling with mental health is often not portrayed really well.
Awesome review! I haven’t read this book, but will make sure to pick it up. Love the pictures!
AHHH THANKYOU!! I love colourful covers because it gives me great room for taking super colourful crazy pictures.😂
I’ve been wondering about this book! The cover is quite intriguing; I have a hard time saying “no” to all those beautiful colors! Glad to know it’s interesting on the inside, as well. Great review!
Savannah @ Playing in the Pages recently posted…Perfect Timing: Graduating Late and the Myth of Perfection
I can never say no to a pretty cover either.😂 I JUST WANT TO READ THEM ALL.
Great review! Noggin wasn’t a book for me either, so I was going to skip this one. After reading your review I may have to give it a shot though! I’m glad you liked it! 😀
YES DEFINITELY DO! It’s waaaay better than Noggin in my slightly hyper opinion.😂
I’m glad to hear this book is good! I’ve been avoiding it because synopsis makes it sound like it was going to be a total Finding Aubrey-type situation again, and I was (and am) in no place or mood to deal with another book like that right now. AND it made me mad at the author, who I’ve met before and seemed super nice but to write a book about “fixing” mental illness kind of puts you in jerk territory.
But now…I might just pick it up. And I’m not mad at the author anymore, which is good. Even if it was kind of unfair of me since I hadn’t actually read it.
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YES I WAS EXACTLY THE SAME. I hated Finding Aubrey so so bad and it honestly turned me off all anxiety books. I’m not reading books that make me feel anxious, right?!? That’s just…it’s not good. SO YEAH. This was NOT like FA at all. It was good. :’) No fixing. Lisa needs more “fixing” than Solomon, tbh. (Not that I even like the “Fixing” mentality at all for anyone!)
I think the blurb shouldn’t have been pitched that way, honestly. It’s very off putting!
I haven’t really read any books about social anxiety. I don’t know if they’d bother me, even though I am kind of socially anxious (it’s pretty mild, though). But I can understand wanting to be careful about a topic that’s really close to your own experience. I avoid books about OCD for that reason.
I like board games, but I don’t really have many people to play with. So many are for 3+ people, and I’m just sitting here with one other player… It doesn’t work. (I enjoy Carcassonne. Uno’s okay, too. And Boggle. But those aren’t really board games. I haven’t even played Monopoly in years!)
Oh for sure *nods* Sometimes when things are too close to home it’s too hard to read them for like triggering reasons…and also it’s VERY hard if the author messes up.😂
Monopoly is awesome but I haven’t played it in forever too!! My 5yo nephew is a big of a games fanatic too, so we play Connect Four and snakes and ladders a LOT. But I love Sequence and Cluedo and Chess!
A nerd with severe anxiety. Now that is someone I can relate to.
Elisabeth recently posted…Writing Update: August 2016
Saaaame. Bless this book for existing. *happy sniffles*
This book is on my TBR already, but it’s definitely movin’ on up after this review. Thank you for sharing!! (And I love all the awesome photos!)
Ahhh thankyou!! I definitely had fun with this photo shoot.😂
This sounds so wonderfully written and quite tender. When it comes to mental illness or social issues, books can be a massive hit or miss for me too. Even though everyone’s experiences are different, some storylines are just so incredibly far fetched, like the romance cures all. I’m no expert, but if you suffer from social anxiety, how likely is it that you’ll introduce yourself to a guy you proceed to pash by the end of the day? I expect for so many sufferers, just the thought of meeting new people can be crippling. Although the romance sounds as though Soloman and Clark could have done without Lisa in their lives, I love that friendship was the main focus. Oh it sounds so lovely and I need this book in my life. Thanks for sharing smusher, this is another one of my favourite reviews of yours <3 <3
EXACTLY! I completely agree! I always think, particularly, that it’s so much more unlikely for anxiety books to go for the “cure with romance” thing because honestly (speaking from experience as a bean with anxiety) being around other people is the hardest thing. Particularly when there’s no build up to friendship first! I really like how Highly Illogical Behaviour first goes for the friendship route *nods*
Aww, FAVOURITE REVIEW?! *blushes* YOU MADE MY DAY.💕💕
This sounds quite good! I really like these books dealing with subjects that previous authors didn’t like to talk about. I haven’t read that many books with anxiety as a theme, but I’d like to! OOh friendship is the main theme? GOOD. I don’t get enough of contemporary books with friendship as the major theme. It’s usually romance, right? Nice review and now I really want to read it! 😀
Friendship is EPIC in books, and I think it’s kind of important for the teenage years?!? So yuuuus, it’s great when the focus is on that and not just the romance.😂 I mean, there’s definitely romance and crushes and angst still here, but I do like that they start off as friends. IT IS SUCH A GOOD BOOK HONESTLY.
I read this book not so long ago, and LOVED IT TOO. Although it’s not breaking any barriers of literary genius, I love the simple, homely concept and get along so well with all the characters (minus Lisa, she just served to INFURIATE me).
THE ADVENTURE TIME CHESS SET IS SOMETHING I FEEL LIKE I NEED IN MY LIFE *praises John Corey Whaley*. I agree with you too about the fact that this book is such an accurate and unassuming coverage of mental health/anxiety, and I love it for that. It has no bells and whistles, no bravado, but it’s projection of issues is great.
TT @ IntroToBlurb recently posted…Cornwall + V Fest 2016
Definitely agreed!! 😂 I mean, it’s not a book I will quote on my walls or anything, but I STILL LOVED IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS ENTIRELY WELL DONE. Lisa needed to nope though. All that conclusion jumping she did was really irritating too. Like, sure, talk to your best friend about your boyfriend instead of, like, TALKING TO HIM ABOUT HIS REASONINGS. Hmm.
I have never read a book about social anxiety, but I think I would like to read this one…
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This is a very good one to start with *nods sagely*
Ohhhhh this sounds good!! I think I need to add this to my wish list. Thank you Cait for helping me to grow my TBR to a higher level. Haha <3
http://laxsourire.blogspot.my
YOU AND YOUR TBR ARE MOST WELCOME.😂 I’m here to make sure it always stretches to the moon and back. 😉
Oh yay, I love nerdy books AND I love friendship books so I think I’m definitely going to give this one a try 🙂
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Woooo!! I am convincing enough!!😂 I hope you like it if you do try it! 😀
This sounds so good! As a person who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, it’s hard to find a book that actually represents it accurately. I’m really glad you enjoyed this and found it realistic. I’m gonna have to pick it up sometime and see what I think!
Thanks for another great review, and again, causing my TBR pile to grow. Seriously, I need to stop reading your blog, it’s becoming a problem 😉
Elizabeth
http://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/
SAME. Like I’ve read a few anxiety books and they sort of scare me because they can also trigger my own anxiety, if that makes sense. (Somehow reading about it is anxious inducing?!?) But this one was accurate AND didn’t have me panicking. So win!
OH YES. MY BLOG IS DANGEROUS FOR EVERYONE’S TBRS. Mwhahah.😂
Ooh, I want more books on social anxiety! In my school the break room is called the “agora”. It’s where every one of the students in our school fit in to in order to eat and socialise and spend their break wisely. However a small group of friends and I had set up camp in the back stairs (far, far removed from the agora) and just seeing the word agoraphobia just reminded me of that.
I have a book that I’ve read that does dabble with social anxiety in the sense that one of the main characters has social anxiety but it’s kept very humdrum and not labelled as such. I know that there’s such a huge variety when it comes to people with social anxiety and how they behave, and this guy doesn’t have a serious case of social anxiety but it’s very close to how I get when it comes to talking to people and being out there which is why I liked the portrayal of it so much. The book itself is alright, but it’s that portrayal that got to me, honestly.
It’s called Between Takes.
Is it just me or are there one too many newly published books with the same or at least similar cover design?
I wouldn’t have a clue. 🙂
Yesss I love mental health books, particularly ones about anxiety and aren’t just about curing (with romance!) and it’s great to hear that the character gets lots of support from others. This is a lovely balanced review Cait!
YES, isn’t it nice that more are coming out now?!? It’s like authors are finally figuring out that romance doesn’t fix everything.😂
oooh this looks GR8. I don’t actually know why I haven’t got it yet. You’d think I would have made a list of all the contemporary YA releasing this year and just auto-bought them. But I’m glad it’s excellent 🙂
IT IS. I THINK YOU’D LIKE IT. Or at least I hope you’ll like it?! I don’t think it’ll win any feels awards but it was a good book.😂
For shame. I’m surprised you don’t have part of your bullet journal dedicated to lists of YA contemporaries?!?
I think I’ll have to add this one to my TBR! I feel like I’m seriously lacking in reading material that addresses topics that don’t involve either riding or slaying dragons. True story. But this book sounds like a good place to go. I may or may not have been semi-sold on the fact that there is BOARD GAME APPRECIATION! I recently learnt how to play Skip-Bo and oh my goodness gracious me is it additive. I think the next stop is a store that sells both books and board games so I can stock up for potential spontaneous hibernation, *nods*.
Great review!
I hope you like it if you do try it!! I mean, tbh, the world should really combine these issues WITH DRAGONS because that would be sensible and preferable. *nods* But yes omg all the board game appreciation got me because THAT IS LIKE NEVER MENTIONED IN BOOKS?!? I used to know how to play Skip-Bo but I’ve kind of forgotten.😂