The Quick Cut: Boy has schizophrenia. Boy starts new experimental drug for schizophrenia. Boy sees therapist during new medication, but won't talk during sessions. Boy writes letters instead for therapist to read at the session.
A Real Review:
This book is a total gut punch. Not because it's awful, but because it tells the story of neurological disorders well.
I don't have schizophrenia, but I do have epilepsy and I feel Adam on so many levels. The medications trap you in your body, you're scared of what people think of you, you're tired of talking about how you feel about it. Eventually all that talking makes you shove people away and you go "SCREW IT! I GIVE!"
I can't help but laugh though at the whole "I won't talk to you Mr. Therapist" piece though. It 100% makes sense for the character and the story, but still leaves you wondering why throughout the book. What is a story telling method blends into the tale seamlessly and as a writer, I really appreciate that.
Adam manages to pull off having a new medication, school, and social life - girlfriend included. Meanwhile, you read about what he sees and experiences throughout the normal day. His condition doesn't hinder his lifestyle on purpose and I can understand that determination to refuse to let your disorder dictate your life. I have also been there when you're afraid that people won't see you for who you are as a person, but rather for your neurological disorder.
It's hard to let someone find you in all the dark and twisty places inside, but eventually, you have to hope that they do, because that's the beginning of everything.
It's one thing to feel like you're losing your mind, but to know it is another and the way it changes Adams perspective is fascinating. He knows he's hoodwinked, admits it, but that doesn't change how he lives his life. That creates a LOT of awkward moments (insert Adam and Maya here), but if you look at what schizophrenia is like - this is a genuine representation of it and that's a rarity nowadays.
My rating: 5 out of 5