Reviews

Challenger Deep, by Neal Shusterman

sarkenobi's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

bwreads's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of the best portrayals of teen mental health issues I've read. It makes me angry when YA books (or any books) denounce meds because they make the character feel dead inside, or blank. When a person needs meds for a mental health issue (as I do), sure they take an adjustment period, and it's a process of finding the right ones. But they make life better! They don't take away a person's personality. They clarify it and give them back the ability to function. That's probably the main reason I want everyone to read this book, even though there are plenty of other reasons.

yallternativeaj's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

A fantastic way to tell the life of someone with schizophrenia. I loved that the captain and sea life was how the schizophrenia presented itself. It was a great feeling to piece together which characters lined up with those in the real world. The writing style was very enjoyable and set a very nice pace! We also love a hopeful ending :>

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape, Suicide attempt, and Self harm

wintersorbit's review against another edition

2.0

Read for a university class--might write a review one day but for now: I wasn't a fan.

maryncross18's review against another edition

5.0

THIS IS NOW MY FAVORITE BOOK AND I DONT THINK THAT WILL EVER CHANGE. IT TRULY IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ. I cannot express enough how much I loved this book. I relate to this so much, down to every little feeling and experience (except the love aspect), I even have the same situation (time in my life and family, etc.), I feel so heard. I have been when Caden is and it really helps put my mind into words. It’s so beautiful and is the most accurate book I have read based on my experience. Every single page completely clicked with me. It really comforts me to see others with a similar experience. I WOULD GIVE IT SO MANY MORE STARS IF I COULD

mariaflowers's review against another edition

5.0

I read this in one sitting.

An exquisite look at a not so happy tale, Challenger Deep takes you deeper in the mind of an ill boy through two varied narrations, which sometimes overlap. While it is obvious it was geared toward a younger audience, the content is anything but, perplexing and drugging the reader with far too real scenarios and a fiction-like tale. I recommend this to anyone interested in the life of a mentally ill, or someone who goes through similar issues.

skinnygetout's review against another edition

5.0

A brilliant book about schizophrenia. I love how Shusterman uses a pirate story to navigate Caden’s slip into unreality.

mikaylakennedy's review against another edition

5.0

Do not look at me I'm not okay

Read for sobathon 2019

ntworek5's review against another edition

dark funny informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

amberrose's review against another edition

5.0

Hey look, I was right. This book did ruin me.

I am feeling many emotions and can't write a review right now. I will. Eventually. But I'll suffice what few coherent thoughts I have by saying this: please read this book. please.