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lindasoderlundd's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Cursing, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Medical content, and Car accident
sukran_'s review against another edition
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Trigger warning: suicide, trauma, depression.
I really should read the book descriptions, before diving into the next book of my favourite authors. But they spoil too much and I like being surprised and led by the story, without any knowledge.
So, this book and the main character: I've been there and even beyond where she is. Now, I'm okay so I read and finished the book. Just to say, I know what I'm talking about with suicide, trauma, depression...
The author got many things right, but it all fell apart somewhere. Even worse, it fell back to platitudes and clichés that enrages people like me. No, you don't need relationships, family, kids, fame, money (although money always helps with the bills), a purpose, a loving text, friends, a nice ass, ... to feel better.
What people don't get is: to get to that place of absolute darkness, something has cut deep. So deep, that it can take a lifetime to see change. I never thought I would, but then.. something did change and it was none of the above. It was something within ME that changed during the most challenging time of my life, compounding all the pain and trauma from before. Somewhere I was able to release something? Find peace in my head? And now.. I feel okay, sometimes even hopeful. And that's enough. It's still there, but maybe pulsing somewhat weaker? Can't describe it. But the pain doesn't just disappear when I see a hottie running by.
It's as if the author has some notes of depression and thinks this and this will make it better, because all the world and therapists say it will. It won't. They're all temporary fixes at best and doomed to fail in the long run. They're all crutches until you finally are at peace with the person you are, the things you've lived, survived...
You have to be able to go to the darkest, cruelest sides of your mind, find those sides/selves of you and accept, love and integrate them into your ordinary self. Nourish and balance them out, so they don't become destructive. Integrate ALL of you, because every side of you, whether you like it or not, makes up YOU. And if you can live with that integrated version of you, you're on the right track. Just my two cents knowing it's different for everyone.
And for the love of whatever is out there, stop saying sorry.
I still liked the book. In a sense that it might help other people going through this or wanting to understand. The writing style flowed and I couldn't put it down. One thing he did get right was: all the doors closed on our character. That's what so many people are going through. When you can't see a way out, when you feel weak, powerless, so so tired and in pain.. It's unfathomable to crack a window open. Also, usually there are no windows in the dark.
So find yourself a hammer, a nail (coping mechanism) and break those walls down. Not too much in the beginning, you still want to be safe. Just enough so you can peek out and see what's going on outside. Observe. Take your time. And leave enough walls, that when things get bad again, or if you feel overwhelmed, you have a retreat. When you are ready to take the first step out, even if it's for a second, that's the beginning of a long journey of "healing". Whatever that is.
Okay, rambling over.
I really should read the book descriptions, before diving into the next book of my favourite authors. But they spoil too much and I like being surprised and led by the story, without any knowledge.
So, this book and the main character: I've been there and even beyond where she is. Now, I'm okay so I read and finished the book. Just to say, I know what I'm talking about with suicide, trauma, depression...
The author got many things right, but it all fell apart somewhere. Even worse, it fell back to platitudes and clichés that enrages people like me. No, you don't need relationships, family, kids, fame, money (although money always helps with the bills), a purpose, a loving text, friends, a nice ass, ... to feel better.
What people don't get is: to get to that place of absolute darkness, something has cut deep. So deep, that it can take a lifetime to see change. I never thought I would, but then.. something did change and it was none of the above. It was something within ME that changed during the most challenging time of my life, compounding all the pain and trauma from before. Somewhere I was able to release something? Find peace in my head? And now.. I feel okay, sometimes even hopeful. And that's enough. It's still there, but maybe pulsing somewhat weaker? Can't describe it. But the pain doesn't just disappear when I see a hottie running by.
It's as if the author has some notes of depression and thinks this and this will make it better, because all the world and therapists say it will. It won't. They're all temporary fixes at best and doomed to fail in the long run. They're all crutches until you finally are at peace with the person you are, the things you've lived, survived...
You have to be able to go to the darkest, cruelest sides of your mind, find those sides/selves of you and accept, love and integrate them into your ordinary self. Nourish and balance them out, so they don't become destructive. Integrate ALL of you, because every side of you, whether you like it or not, makes up YOU. And if you can live with that integrated version of you, you're on the right track. Just my two cents knowing it's different for everyone.
And for the love of whatever is out there, stop saying sorry.
I still liked the book. In a sense that it might help other people going through this or wanting to understand. The writing style flowed and I couldn't put it down. One thing he did get right was: all the doors closed on our character. That's what so many people are going through. When you can't see a way out, when you feel weak, powerless, so so tired and in pain.. It's unfathomable to crack a window open. Also, usually there are no windows in the dark.
So find yourself a hammer, a nail (coping mechanism) and break those walls down. Not too much in the beginning, you still want to be safe. Just enough so you can peek out and see what's going on outside. Observe. Take your time. And leave enough walls, that when things get bad again, or if you feel overwhelmed, you have a retreat. When you are ready to take the first step out, even if it's for a second, that's the beginning of a long journey of "healing". Whatever that is.
Okay, rambling over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
gingerantics's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved all of the philosophy. I loved the way Haig played with the many worlds interpretation. It’s a little bit (a very little bit) like It’s a Wonderful Life with the coolest library, but it’s so much more than that with all the academics. I love the perspective shift from worthlessness to potential. This is almost Sci-fi philosophy, but I love both, so I really enjoyed this book. Carey Mulligan was amazing and really brought the whole thing to life. This would be such a great group read book, because it’s such a conversation starter. I am so glad I decided to read this when I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Vomit
akjreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was magical to me. If you are feeling stuck in life or in any way cynical about the future, this will be a balm for your soul. I cried toward the end - and I am NOT a crier while reading.
It may feel a bit repetitive in the middle, but keep going. It’s worth it in the end.
It may feel a bit repetitive in the middle, but keep going. It’s worth it in the end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcoholism, Vomit, and Death of parent
menstruasian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Pleasantly surprised by this book. It’s something I didn’t know I needed until, and I must say I did chuckle a few times right before tearing up. It was emotional and inspiring in all the right places. A reminder of the potential in being alive and to have a belief in potential. Insane how many coincidences aligned prior to and during the reading of this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
kastevens414's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a poignant story that forces you to look at your own life. I absolutely loved it from start to finish.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
amcurry32's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Drug use, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
tupeloallie's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Drug use, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
mollyhab's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Minor: Self harm
micahdl's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt