Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Challenger Deep

Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

80 reviews

butteredtoastinbed's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0

This was such an exceptional, emotional and thought-provoking novel that I really loved. The story as a whole felt very important and the final takeaway of the book felt deeply necessary, too. It did not feel like a stereotype - it was explained from a place of empathy and understanding, which I feel is more significant than almost anything else in the book. Having said this, I also loved the story just as a story; it was written so well, the characters were all multi-dimensioned with flaws and were all very impactful and lovable. The finale was perfect, the pacing was fantastic and I constantly found myself wanting to read more.

One of my favourite aspects was the repeated symbolism, motifs and hints between the two sides of the story that really helped both relate more with the main character (in the sense that I felt lost, confused and washed up, just as he did), but also read deeper into the story and appreciate the writing more. The style of writing was really enjoyable and matched the voice of the main character really well, along with the themes and feelings of the story perfectly.

The illustrations are not to be overlooked, too. They added so much atmosphere to the story while I was reading and they were great in helping me to connect more with the main character.

Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone, it was not only fun to read but is a hugely important piece of writing.

Content Warnings

jpt007's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is a masterpiece. It’s been years since I’ve had the chance to read it but after coming across a reel in Instagram I decided to seek it out.

Characters- 5/5*
Beautifully fleshed out. So much so that at time it’s very painful. I just wish I could give Kaden a big hug but I doubt that would do much good. Every character is so deep (pun intended).

Conflict- 5/5*
I don’t cry when reading books very often. I cried. I don’t know how Shusterman is able to put it to words so effortlessly but it was exactly right.

Plot- 5/5*

It shouldn’t have been that enthralling but it was. I did not want to stop reading it. Not even to get my sleep.

Setting- 5/5*
Well developed and cryptic when it needed to be. The way he blended the two world together was seamless.

Theme- 5/5*

But it’s not going to happen today—and there is a deep, abiding comfort in that. Deep enough to carry me through till tomorrow.

Overall Score: 5/5⭐️

Read this book it is to good to not read.

Content Warnings

lyna_young's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

wormgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

epohlig's review against another edition

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adventurous dark informative tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book was great! I really appreciated the perspective it provided on mental illness, especially Caden’s, since it can be so easy to fear and ostracize those who are different from us, even if they’re just trying to survive.

I also enjoyed the two storylines and how

as they converged,

there was a blend of reality and imagination (that might not be the best word choice - sorry).

Content Warnings