Well Read Book Review

Welcome to the Well Read Book Review, a series that will be posted once a month, based on the content of the book and its correlation to the background of a month. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Here are three books that highlight the hardships of mental health struggles, and the healthy ways to manage them.

#1 – “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” – Ned Vizzini

Craig, an overworked freshman, wants to have a successful life, which means he needs to get into the right high school to get the right job. Once Craig gets into Manhattan’s Executive Pre-Professional High School, the workload pressure starts bearing down on him. He stops eating and sleeping until one night he almost decides to end his life. After the advice of the suicide hotline, he checks himself into a mental hospital, and Craig is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety and stress.

4.3 Average Stars on Goodreads – I personally didn’t like this book. It’s very highly rated, but I thought it really leaned into the stereotypes of teenage boys. Craig was very girl crazy. His goal throughout the book, where it should be getting better, is getting a girlfriend. In the story, I noticed he dehumanized a good group of people, he objectified a (adult/older) woman’s body, called another psych patient an “it,” and thought about a girl his age in just the sense of wanting her body. It didn’t make me very inclined to continue reading the book, but I’ve seen reviews, and talked to people who really liked this book, so I’m curious about what others think. I gave it 2 stars.

Can be found in the school library

Tags – Young Adult, Mental Health, Coming of Age, Romance, Realistic Fiction

#2 – “The Survivor Wants to Die at The End” – Adam Silvera – Second Book in They Both Die at The End series

Paz Medina (known as Pazito Dario in the previous book), a traumatized 19 year old, stays up every night waiting for Death-Cast, the company that calls to tell people they’re going to die within the next 24 hours, to call. After waiting and waiting, he finally decides he’s going to prove Death-Cast wrong, he’s going to die. Although, right before Paz can die, a boy saves him.

Alano Rosa, a teen that has everyone worried for his life, is the heir to Death-Cast, which is a company that wants people to live their best lives.  But Alano can’t, a company called Death Guard has been threatening Alano, making him think his End Day may be closer than he thinks.

Fate brings Alano and Paz together, and now they have to work join forces to make sure no one dies at the end.

4.0 Average Stars on Goodreads – I loved this book. I have read almost all of Adam Silvera’s books, and this series is one of my favorites. Paz and Alano both felt like real people. The struggles they went through, the events that occurred, and the feelings they felt, it made them both feel like they were real people. I don’t think I’ll ever stop recommending this book. I gave it 5 stars.

Can’t be found in the school library (Other books in the series can be found there)

Tags – Romance, Young Adult, LGBT, Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Contemporary

#3 – “History is All You Left Me” – Adam Silvera

Griffin’s first love, and ex-boyfriend, Theo, died in a drowning accident, and Griffin’s world imploded. Theo had left to California for college, and got a new boyfriend, but Griffin was sure Theo would come back when the time is right. During Theo’s funeral, Griffin meets Jackson, Theo’s new boyfriend. At first he’s upset with him, but then he starts to take an interest in Jackson. Things go to far, and the two end up realizing they both need to face their history, not hide from their past.

3.9 Average Stars on Goodreads –  I read this book back in January. I looked back on my GoodReads review, and all I managed to figure out is that I cried through the entire book. “History is All You Left Me” is an incredibly sad yet amazing book. The way Griffin deals with his grief is in no way healthy, but in the end, I’m glad he confronted his past, and found peace. This book doesn’t entirely fit into the Suicide Prevention Month theme, but I still think it deserves a mention. It’s 5 stars.

Can be found in the school library

Tags – Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT, Romance, Mental Health

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, please be aware of the following:

• Please be aware of all of the Student Mental Health Services that are available for LCPS students.
• Freedom High School is a Sources of Strength school, where we focus on students’ strengths and resiliency.
• If in school, please contact your trusted adult and/or any member of the Freedom Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT).
• If not in school and you are aware of anyone at risk of harming themselves now or has just harmed themselves, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) deputy or officer.
• If not in school, but are experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts or other behavioral crises, call or text 988 for the Suicide or Crisis Lifeline