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If the Cardinal Flies Home
Alaina Mathers—a pretty typical girl, fond of literature and delving into her own psyche to find even the most minute defect. . . Because, yes, she has depression. That is to say, according to her mom, therapist, and the rest of the medical industry.
Does anyone else know about this though? No. Not her best friend. Not her school. But maybe the boy who also frequents the counseling center, a boy with his own problems.
When the therapist gives advice to reach out of her circle—her rather small circle. . . it starts a turn of events. It brings the two teens together in a way Alaina could have never anticipated. As they try to help each other through their situations, it opens a whole new group of people into Alaina's life. But with her own brain against her, is that going to be enough?
Does anyone else know about this though? No. Not her best friend. Not her school. But maybe the boy who also frequents the counseling center, a boy with his own problems.
When the therapist gives advice to reach out of her circle—her rather small circle. . . it starts a turn of events. It brings the two teens together in a way Alaina could have never anticipated. As they try to help each other through their situations, it opens a whole new group of people into Alaina's life. But with her own brain against her, is that going to be enough?
- GenresMental Health
Paperback
Published April 1, 2020
3 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Corrine Dalton
2 books35 followersCorrine Dalton is an indie author from Northeast Ohio, USA. Although she loves writing comedy and romance in all her books, her aim is to create understanding and proper representation around mental health issues. When not writing, she works as a professional copy editor and proofreader so she can spoil her two kitties.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 14, 2020
Awesome debut by a new writer. Just happened to come across this book and I’m glad I did. Loved Dalton’s take of teen depression into the already flooded landscape of YA fiction.
It was quite refreshing to see something this new, presented in the classic teen novel format. She handled sensitive issues of mental health, drug side effects, and excessive weight loss tastefully and with humor, and through in some Green’esque Oh Romeo Where For Art Thou Moments Too!!
Looking forward to the next book by this up and comer.
It was quite refreshing to see something this new, presented in the classic teen novel format. She handled sensitive issues of mental health, drug side effects, and excessive weight loss tastefully and with humor, and through in some Green’esque Oh Romeo Where For Art Thou Moments Too!!
Looking forward to the next book by this up and comer.
April 26, 2020
This was a great book. I laughed, I cried, and I was sad when it was over. A very good debut book. Looking forward to reading more!
April 13, 2020
Beautifully written, great use of figurative language and emotion, I was really able to connect to the speaker. Can’t wait for your next one :)
July 7, 2020
For Corrine Dalton’s debut YA novel, it’s a pretty darn good one! The book was given to me by the author and I was asked for an honest review.
4.5 stars from me!
Truthfully, I was drawn to the plot line because it felt familiar and I was interested in seeing how this particular author would introduce subtle differences throughout the progression of the story. Also, as someone who suffers from depression and anxiety (and all that comes with it), I was eager to see how relatable the characters would be and how realistic the settings/scenarios. I was not let down!
I really liked the character development in this book. I felt like the main protagonist was believable and I identified so much with a lot of her emotions and expressions that, at times, especially towards the end of the book, I was brought to tears.
There were definitely a few surprises that I feel helped to keep the story flowing. Just when I thought I had figured out where it was headed, it changed!
The boy in the book was a great representation of a YA male lead, but not ‘typical’ which I really appreciated. The dialogue was well developed with a youthful awkwardness + I found myself reading a lot of the pages with an amused smirk on my face.
All in all, it was very reminiscent of a John Green or (possibly) Jenny Han kind of novel- IN A GOOD WAY! The only reason I took off half a star is because there were a few grammatical errors and a few of the scenes or thoughts seemed to end more abruptly than I would’ve liked. For someone who hasn’t read YA in YEARS this was the perfect reintroduction!
4.5 stars from me!
Truthfully, I was drawn to the plot line because it felt familiar and I was interested in seeing how this particular author would introduce subtle differences throughout the progression of the story. Also, as someone who suffers from depression and anxiety (and all that comes with it), I was eager to see how relatable the characters would be and how realistic the settings/scenarios. I was not let down!
I really liked the character development in this book. I felt like the main protagonist was believable and I identified so much with a lot of her emotions and expressions that, at times, especially towards the end of the book, I was brought to tears.
There were definitely a few surprises that I feel helped to keep the story flowing. Just when I thought I had figured out where it was headed, it changed!
The boy in the book was a great representation of a YA male lead, but not ‘typical’ which I really appreciated. The dialogue was well developed with a youthful awkwardness + I found myself reading a lot of the pages with an amused smirk on my face.
All in all, it was very reminiscent of a John Green or (possibly) Jenny Han kind of novel- IN A GOOD WAY! The only reason I took off half a star is because there were a few grammatical errors and a few of the scenes or thoughts seemed to end more abruptly than I would’ve liked. For someone who hasn’t read YA in YEARS this was the perfect reintroduction!
September 20, 2024
As I settled in to the first few chapters, I thought what a enjoyable and much needed book for youths, especially during the awkward times of having a personal, family or mental health situation different from your peers, but being afraid to share it. But towards the middle of the book I realized, wait, this book is good for me! Just what this grandma needed in this crazy world fraught with anxieties. What until you read about the cardinal! A gem I’ll treasure and use!
I loved the expressions she used throughout, the way feelings were expressed through dialogue. Though this is her first book, I can see it being made into a movie. It’s that good. Thank you Ms. Dalton, well written, a great lesson in friendships, love and positivity.
I loved the expressions she used throughout, the way feelings were expressed through dialogue. Though this is her first book, I can see it being made into a movie. It’s that good. Thank you Ms. Dalton, well written, a great lesson in friendships, love and positivity.
December 21, 2024
A Sweet Story with real life daily challenges
I thoroughly enjoyed If the Cardinal Flies Home by Corrine Dalton. This book works to dispel the stigma around mental health. This story does a fabulous job of telling this coming-of-age slow burn romance through the eyes of two teenagers who bond as they struggle to make sense of their own mental health challenges. From the beginning of the book, the author endears you to her characters and has you internally rooting for their mutual healing and growth. I highly recommend this book. And if you are a person who has experienced depression or wants to better understand a loved one who struggles with depression daily then this is a must read.
I thoroughly enjoyed If the Cardinal Flies Home by Corrine Dalton. This book works to dispel the stigma around mental health. This story does a fabulous job of telling this coming-of-age slow burn romance through the eyes of two teenagers who bond as they struggle to make sense of their own mental health challenges. From the beginning of the book, the author endears you to her characters and has you internally rooting for their mutual healing and growth. I highly recommend this book. And if you are a person who has experienced depression or wants to better understand a loved one who struggles with depression daily then this is a must read.
August 3, 2025
Corrine did a wonderful job making you fall in love with the characters right away and touch on subjects that are sometimes hard to talk about for a lot of people. She did it in a way that the story didn't feel too dark but still taught the reader a lot. I took the book on a trip and I ended up finishing it in one day I enjoyed it so much! I would definitely recommend!
May 8, 2025
Relatable
I enjoyed this book so much! As someone who has battled with depression for years, I greatly related to the main character. I could feel her feelings because the author is so good at describing everything! Definitely recommend.
I enjoyed this book so much! As someone who has battled with depression for years, I greatly related to the main character. I could feel her feelings because the author is so good at describing everything! Definitely recommend.
May 11, 2024
I really liked it. I thought it was really good!
July 1, 2024
Such a pleasant read!! You easily fall in love with the characters and empathize with them as their backgrounds unfold. Highly recommend
December 5, 2024
I absolutely love this book!! It's so well written and tactfully tackles the sensitive issue of depression/mental health. The characters were relatable as well. Highly recommend this book!!
May 2, 2025
Book review is coming soon.
September 13, 2024
It was a very realistic story of a girl facing struggles and finding true love.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews