by Kathleen Glasgow

YA Contemporary, 2016 by Delacorte Press, 416 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

Content Warning: Self harming, suicidal thoughts and discussions, alcohol and drug use, homelessness
There are deep themes and ideas here that are touched on but not fully explored. I would’ve preferred to see some of these have more depth to them.
The romance is difficult to read, although that’s the point. It’s unrealistic and one-sided. Again, that is the point, but it doesn’t make it any easier to read.

The struggle Charlie goes through is well thought out, accurate, and raw. There’s a focus here on being honest, doing the work, and getting help. This lesson is a bit buried under other things, but it is there if you look for it.
The chapters are short, written in the style of a journal. It works for this story. It helps you feel closer to the main character and relate well to her struggle.
This is a story about mental health and teenagers written by someone who writes both very, very well. Often, there are cliches and inaccuracies with these topics, this is not one of those cases.

If you’re looking for a raw and real story about mental health that pulls no punches, this is that story. It’s difficult to read but packed with relatable content that will help you understand someone with these struggles. It illustrates the importance of getting help and doing the work. For that, it’s important.