everthereader's review against another edition
5.0
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Review Posted On: Marvelous Eden of Books
Spoiler Free Review
After reading a few YA mental illness books, I noticed a common factor of romance taking over the plot and an inaccurate depiction of the mental illness. Obviously, I'm not referring to every young adult mental illness book out there, but there are quite a few, in my opinion. However, Highly Illogical Behavior is not on that list. It is on the list of books that depicts an accurate and relatable of agoraphobia, anxiety, and panic attacks. There is also a wonderful family dynamic, humor, and best of all, a beautiful friendship.
When it comes to writing styles, it's a bit difficult to describe. The book is told through dual perspectives, switching from Solomon to Lisa. Unlike a few books I've read, you could easily distinguish the differences in their voices. As for the actual plot, it is pretty slow moving, but it reads very quickly. The whole book takes place over the course of several months, so there was a lot of progression with each of the characters.
Before reading this book, I had no clue on what "agoraphobia" meant. Honestly, I initially saw a phobia as an antic and nothing too serious, but it can become a real and serious mental illness. There isn't just agoraphobia discussed, but anxiety as well. I really love how authors are coming out with books that deal with topics or illnesses aren't discussed. I also found to be very relatable. Like Solomon, I am a nerd. But not only that, the anxiety the Sol faces hits close to home and even though he's not real, it feels like he is and it's nice to be able to resonate with him. I absolutely loved his character and he is my pure, sweet little cinnamon roll. No questions asked. (Well, Aang is still first.)
Another aspect I really enjoyed was the family dynamic in Sol's family. I adored all of them, particularly the grandma. Not only did they give Sol endless support and love, but were all endearing and hilarious. Our next main character is ambitious Lisa Praytor. Personally, I saw her as a definite Hermione Granger. She works her butt off, gets straight A's and is very hardworking. I will say she is not my favorite character, there were a few decisions she made that I could not agree with. Lisa did have a bit of character development, but I liked her more towards the end.
Then we have Clark, Lisa's boyfriend and another precious cinnamon roll. I loved how even if Lisa had a boyfriend, the very little romance felt real and the book focuses more on the theme of friendship, which rarely happens in a YA contemporary. Frankly, I saw Lisa and Clark to have more of a friendship than a relationship. Either way, Clark is freaking adorable. The bond he has with Sol gave me all the warm and happy feels. It's nice to see a sweet and respectful character like Clark.
I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and things went by a little quickly. I also hated the bits of jealousy and teenage drama. Why can't people have faith in their relationships? Though their teenagers, which kind of explains it.
All in all, I loved this book. There are contemporaries that you really wish were more well done and then there are ones that end up becoming a beautiful story. This is that story.
Rating: 4.5/5
Review Posted On: Marvelous Eden of Books
Spoiler Free Review
After reading a few YA mental illness books, I noticed a common factor of romance taking over the plot and an inaccurate depiction of the mental illness. Obviously, I'm not referring to every young adult mental illness book out there, but there are quite a few, in my opinion. However, Highly Illogical Behavior is not on that list. It is on the list of books that depicts an accurate and relatable of agoraphobia, anxiety, and panic attacks. There is also a wonderful family dynamic, humor, and best of all, a beautiful friendship.
When it comes to writing styles, it's a bit difficult to describe. The book is told through dual perspectives, switching from Solomon to Lisa. Unlike a few books I've read, you could easily distinguish the differences in their voices. As for the actual plot, it is pretty slow moving, but it reads very quickly. The whole book takes place over the course of several months, so there was a lot of progression with each of the characters.
Before reading this book, I had no clue on what "agoraphobia" meant. Honestly, I initially saw a phobia as an antic and nothing too serious, but it can become a real and serious mental illness. There isn't just agoraphobia discussed, but anxiety as well. I really love how authors are coming out with books that deal with topics or illnesses aren't discussed. I also found to be very relatable. Like Solomon, I am a nerd. But not only that, the anxiety the Sol faces hits close to home and even though he's not real, it feels like he is and it's nice to be able to resonate with him. I absolutely loved his character and he is my pure, sweet little cinnamon roll. No questions asked. (Well, Aang is still first.)
Another aspect I really enjoyed was the family dynamic in Sol's family. I adored all of them, particularly the grandma. Not only did they give Sol endless support and love, but were all endearing and hilarious. Our next main character is ambitious Lisa Praytor. Personally, I saw her as a definite Hermione Granger. She works her butt off, gets straight A's and is very hardworking. I will say she is not my favorite character, there were a few decisions she made that I could not agree with. Lisa did have a bit of character development, but I liked her more towards the end.
Then we have Clark, Lisa's boyfriend and another precious cinnamon roll. I loved how even if Lisa had a boyfriend, the very little romance felt real and the book focuses more on the theme of friendship, which rarely happens in a YA contemporary. Frankly, I saw Lisa and Clark to have more of a friendship than a relationship. Either way, Clark is freaking adorable. The bond he has with Sol gave me all the warm and happy feels. It's nice to see a sweet and respectful character like Clark.
I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and things went by a little quickly. I also hated the bits of jealousy and teenage drama. Why can't people have faith in their relationships? Though their teenagers, which kind of explains it.
All in all, I loved this book. There are contemporaries that you really wish were more well done and then there are ones that end up becoming a beautiful story. This is that story.
Rating: 4.5/5
peterparker's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
andersonh92's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
I loved the story, and Solomon’s character was my favorite. But the dialogue was different and difficult to read because everyone’s voice and dry humor was exactly the same.
I couldn’t tell who was speaking most of the time.
I couldn’t tell who was speaking most of the time.
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
5.0
Old Review: The guy was the virgin who wasn't ready for sex while the girl was more then ready. That was refreshing to see.
Mental illness was portrayed so well and didn't take over the book.
Clark and Solomon are adorable people and they were even more adorable people together.
I liked Lisa, despite not agreeing with her choices and decisions at all.
His parents and grandmother were like the best.
Moments made me smile and moments made me almost tear up.
There was not a person I disliked in this book.
And I loved the heck out of it.
Mental illness was portrayed so well and didn't take over the book.
Clark and Solomon are adorable people and they were even more adorable people together.
I liked Lisa, despite not agreeing with her choices and decisions at all.
His parents and grandmother were like the best.
Moments made me smile and moments made me almost tear up.
There was not a person I disliked in this book.
And I loved the heck out of it.
firufly's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
mbincolor's review against another edition
4.0
Highly Illogical Behavior is what happens when a 16-year-old who suffers from severe panic attacks and agoraphobia meets a 17-year-old type-A perfectionist.
Right before his three-year hiatus from the world, Solomon Reed, had a panic attack at his school fountain. Reed's episode left a lasting impression on another student, Lisa Praytor, who eventually decides to seek Reed out as the subject of her college entrance essay. Lisa, and eventually, her boyfriend Clark, befriend Reed and find that there's a lot more to the recluse than they imagined. This book touches on mental illness, sexuality, relationships, morals/ethics and the power of a strong support system.
Highly Illogical Behavior was a quick, fun read and I look forward to my next Whaley book.
Right before his three-year hiatus from the world, Solomon Reed, had a panic attack at his school fountain. Reed's episode left a lasting impression on another student, Lisa Praytor, who eventually decides to seek Reed out as the subject of her college entrance essay. Lisa, and eventually, her boyfriend Clark, befriend Reed and find that there's a lot more to the recluse than they imagined. This book touches on mental illness, sexuality, relationships, morals/ethics and the power of a strong support system.
Highly Illogical Behavior was a quick, fun read and I look forward to my next Whaley book.
siebensommer's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
"Watch it." her mom snapped. "Don't start a fight just because it's the easiest thing to do."
juliachumlea's review against another edition
4.0
Really tasteful representation of panic disorder. I was nervous about how he'd handle the topic of phobia, but I ended up really appreciating the direction he took.
I docked it one start because Lisa was just a bit too hyperbolic for me to ignore, but other than that I really liked this one.
I docked it one start because Lisa was just a bit too hyperbolic for me to ignore, but other than that I really liked this one.
asherreadsss's review
Wasn't really interesting, felt like I was forcing myself to read it
catbewks's review against another edition
5.0
Every number had an image attached to it. He saw himself standing at the back door, looking out at a brand-new pool, his parents beside him. And then he saw the looks of disappointment on their faces when they realized he was frozen in place and that it had all been for nothing.
When he got to one hundred, he sat back up and closed his laptop. He needed a break. He couldn't think about the pool anymore. He couldn't think about what the pool meant, to him or to them. He couldn't do anything but go to the garage, lie on the cold cement floor, and close his eyes again.
The panic attacks drained him, like he'd just ran a marathon, so it always took him a little while to recover. So he lay there in the dark without them ever knowing he wasn't okay. Because he'd learned a long time ago that the better they thought he was, the longer he could live this way.
When he got to one hundred, he sat back up and closed his laptop. He needed a break. He couldn't think about the pool anymore. He couldn't think about what the pool meant, to him or to them. He couldn't do anything but go to the garage, lie on the cold cement floor, and close his eyes again.
The panic attacks drained him, like he'd just ran a marathon, so it always took him a little while to recover. So he lay there in the dark without them ever knowing he wasn't okay. Because he'd learned a long time ago that the better they thought he was, the longer he could live this way.