A review by jenbwright
We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

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

4.25

This was a novel, written like a poem about a teenager girl with severe depression. I work in the mental health arena and I found the descriptions of Whimsy’s experiences to be unique yet familiar to the patients we see in our work. The only reason I didn’t give this a 5 stars is because some of the story felt stretched, although I admit I have never experienced what Whimsy and Faerry did in the novel. 

I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a way to understand depression and its symptoms in a way that does not feel so text book or grief in the same way. Trauma is personal and its symptoms are not able to be put in a list. 

If you or someone you love are struggling, please reach out for help. 💜