Helpful Score: 2
This is one of those books I read from start to finish in one sitting because I needed to know how it ended.
Going in, I knew things would not be pretty. It's the 70s, and we didn't deal well with mental illness then - especially for women.
The best part of the book is that it's told from Abby's point of view. She's dealing with all of the normal highs and lows of adolescence, but her mom is sent away to a mental hospital in the midst of this.
It's almost claustrophobic having to see everything through Abby's lens. On one hand you understand why she does what she does. On the other, you can see what's going to happen and wish that there was a responsible adult around who could step in and fix things. Then again, the responsible adults in the book don't seem to get it either.
I thought the voice in this book was incredibly strong and it felt like these characters were real.
Going in, I knew things would not be pretty. It's the 70s, and we didn't deal well with mental illness then - especially for women.
The best part of the book is that it's told from Abby's point of view. She's dealing with all of the normal highs and lows of adolescence, but her mom is sent away to a mental hospital in the midst of this.
It's almost claustrophobic having to see everything through Abby's lens. On one hand you understand why she does what she does. On the other, you can see what's going to happen and wish that there was a responsible adult around who could step in and fix things. Then again, the responsible adults in the book don't seem to get it either.
I thought the voice in this book was incredibly strong and it felt like these characters were real.
Helpful Score: 2
Psychologically intense coming-of-age story of a girl, Abby, who is coping with the start of adolescence and her mother's nervous breakdown along with the falling apart of her family. Narrated in the first person by Abby who grows from a child of 12 to a teen of 15 by book's end; many of her thoughts and feelings are amazingly real - just like a 13 year old would think. I could not put this down once I started it - one of the better books I've read this year. Sad, but meaningful.
Helpful Score: 2
I just finished this book and am wishing for more. It is an adorable read on a 13 year old's take on her mom's mental fallout. It made me remember what it was like to be 13; teenage angst at its best. I am looking forward to finding more from this author.
Helpful Score: 1
Well written book for young adults.I found that it was a little too heavy on the YA vernacular (ie: wierdamundo) and this got on my nerves and I lost interest.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book, although it was very sad in parts. It's the story of a teen girl growing up and going through the pain of having a suicidal mother.
