A review by bekacrook
Bring Me Back by Kristen Granata
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A promising premise but it honestly was just too much, there was too much focus on her suicide attempt and depression. I totally understand it's a key part of her and her life story but not everything needs to be a lesson or a screw you to it. There were lots of monologues that felt like being lectured about mental health and positivity and mindfulness (very much like a Pinterest quote) when everyone has a unique experience of it even if they have the same diagnosis.
I liked the characters, I thought Leo was funny and genuine, he had a solid head on his shoulders and is so much better at reading situations and people than his brother. I liked Phoenix's kindness and capacity for empathy and forgiveness, I feel like those are super important characteristics to have. She was also super resilient but not shown to be unfeeling. James was very kind and definitely showed he cared through actions, he grew a bit as a character as he learnt more about himself through therapy and understood more about depression -- his reaction to her telling him about her attempt was a big no no for me though. His remorse for that at least was genuine and quick.
I did think it was good that it showed you can try to reach out to people but also that you are allowed to fully cut off people who aren't good for you or don't help you.
Didn't really feel the Cory storyline was needed either, felt tact on rather than integral to the story.
I liked the characters, I thought Leo was funny and genuine, he had a solid head on his shoulders and is so much better at reading situations and people than his brother. I liked Phoenix's kindness and capacity for empathy and forgiveness, I feel like those are super important characteristics to have. She was also super resilient but not shown to be unfeeling. James was very kind and definitely showed he cared through actions, he grew a bit as a character as he learnt more about himself through therapy and understood more about depression -- his reaction to her telling him about her attempt was a big no no for me though. His remorse for that at least was genuine and quick.
I did think it was good that it showed you can try to reach out to people but also that you are allowed to fully cut off people who aren't good for you or don't help you.
Didn't really feel the Cory storyline was needed either, felt tact on rather than integral to the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Mental illness