The Me Nobody Knew: A Story of Triumph for All Girls

by Shannon McLinden

The author describes her struggles with depression, concerns about family, friends, dating, body image, and the difficulties of being a teenage girl.

Genres: Young Adult, Mental Health

144 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 28, 1998

Reviews

[Chrystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I have read over and over again. It's fantastic.. the things McLinden talks about are so insane you wouldn't believe they actually happened to her. She is an incredible writer and an incredible survivor. I first read this book in the seventh grade and I've read many times since [in multiple copies might I add.. thank you for losing my second copy Mrs. Minich:]

[Ginger Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a glimpse into self care. It touched on a young girls outlook of life and how to "re-wire" herself for self happiness no matter what was going on around her. If you feel you are struggling, this book and others that are recommended could just save you as well.

[Nola Vigna]

This is a true story, a coming to age novel that shares the life of Shannon, a 13-year-old girl who is suffering with depression, eating disorders, social inequality, and everything else that could be problematic for a teenage girl. She almost attempts suicide and engages in other self-destructive behaviors. She alienates herself from her family. She sees that her actions are hurting herself and others, but she is so dissatisfied with her life that she does not care. One day she wakes up and decides to be more positive. This doesn’t work out for long. Then later after a huge party night of smokes and drinks she decides she must fix her life. She changes her attitudes, behaviors, friends, and familial relationships to improve her life. he never felt pretty or popular enough. She struggled with drinking. She was sexually assaulted. She nearly starved herself. "But Shannon survived her pain and slowly began finding peace in her life." ( 146) With warmth and insight, Shannon McLinden shares the true story of her journey through addiction and depression, offering support for girls everywhere. I would recommend this book to anyone who struggles with their mental health, and need something to relate to.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the fact that the setting was about 20 minutes away from me, but the story was uneven. It talked about doing drugs for a couple of pages and then it was over. It was so many subjects packed into 138 pages

[Jane Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I think this book is very relatable to most teenagers growing up and adults who are past their teenage years. Even if you haven't hit the extreme that Shannon McLinden did, everyone can relate to the feelings of changing and growing up. I found this line, "Things all around just never seemed to go my way. And every one of those things piled in my mind like junk stuffed in a closet, just waiting for the door to open so it could tumble out in a ferocious wave." I love the way the emotions are described in this book, there are lots of instances of similes and metaphors. Overall, this book was so good and really hits all the emotions!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started Strong and then just went to „here is how i got better: i just woke up one day and was better!“ i don‘t actually think Thats how it was, but Shannon Portraits it like that in her Story. Ok Great, thanks. Thats helpful. Then it just morphs into some Kind of life coach/boast fest. Don’t get me Wrobg, Good for her! But weird vibe at the end when just a few Pages before She wanted to throw herself in Front of a car.

[Madison Noel (get_a_spine) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure why but when I was in seventh grade Shannon came to our school. There was a small assembly in the library for the girls. She talked about her story and some things that happened in college. She gave me a signed copy of her book. I still have it. We grew up in the same area and it's just kind of haunting.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving the book for my daughter. Excellent advice throughout

[Charis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really spoke to me. While going through a tough time I found this book. The revaluation that came from it is shocking. Absolutely love this book.

[Julie Schoen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sad book. I'm not the intended audience, but it brought me back to the age where I was.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

the me nobody knew
Shannon McLinden
First Avenue Editions, an imprint of Lerner Publishing, 1998, 140 pages, $5.95
Non-fiction, Self-esteem, Depression, Teenage Girls, Achievement, Adolescents
ISBN # 0822526883

Shannon is a 13-year-old girl who is suffering with depression, eating disorders, social inequality, and everything else that could be problematic for a teenage girl. She almost attempts suicide and engages in other self-destructive behaviors. She alienates herself from her family. She sees that her actions are hurting herself and others, but she is so dissatisfied with her life that she does not care. One day she wakes up and decides to be more positive. This doesn’t work out for long. Then later after a huge party night of smokes and drinks she decides she must fix her life. She changes her attitudes, behaviors, friends, and familial relationships to improve her life.
This text may be too much for students as young as 13, and older students may not want to read because it is about a 13-year-old. I would recommend this text to students in some cases.

[Natalia Bielic · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ The Me Nobody Knew” by Shannon McLinden is a story about teenage girl challenges, but her challenges she faces are worse than average. Her middle school years are full of many mental illnesses, drugs and alcohol. She goes through so much at such a young age it affects her future. This novel is frustrating/sad/relatable because it is so sad that such a young girl goes through these problems at such a young age and many of us have gone through the same challenges as her. For an example, halfway through the story, the main character, Shannon, believes she is overweight compared to the other girls at school. Her mind tricks her so much that she becomes diagnosed with Anorexia at the age of 13. This leads to depression, major loss of friends and interests. If you enjoy fiction/relatable novels, then you will love “The Me Nobody Knew” because it is very heart taking, relatable to many readers and a story full of action and conflict.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

So far I like this book.



Those so called "friends" of hers act exactly how my friends do/did.



It's just good to know that other people have been through what I have when dealing with not so good people. Can't wait to read more to see how her relationships with them develop.

She was a complete brat to her parents and even if she did get straight A's she seemed to completely lack any common sense.

Kids like her make me angry. She has a great life but dwells on stuff that is her fault. Sad really. I do understand about her friends though, most people are like that. But she still had one good friend boohoo.

In the end I didn't like the book so much.
I judged it too soon.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really understand the plot of this book because to put it simply, nothing really happened. The main character Shannon was depressed about her life for no particular reason, as she was popular, had many friends, and had a secure home with parents who loved her. However, towards the end, the motivational "it gets better" messages were quite inspirational. Knowing that many teens are in Shannon's position of being depressed and suicidal, this book would definitely help them in getting their lives back together and reminding them that there is something to live for.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle school is a tough time and this book definitely speaks to that. However, this book feels more like a first draft than a completed story. I hungered for more. The characters were just names on a page-- they had no depth and were very forgettable. It was a quick read and I was able to complete it in one sitting which was good as nothing about the book would have inspired me to pick it up and read it again. 2.5 stars.

[Darcia Scates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three words: de press ing. I couldn't finish this book. It made me feel so bad for her and everyone else who doesn't have a close set of friends. It goes to show how parents can do everything right, but their kids still turn out wrong. Plus, smartness just isn't revered in schools. I hope the author found some good friends and a good spouse. Team sad.

[Lenae · Rating 3 out of 5]

About a teen girl who was always depressed for absolutely no reason. Finally she realized after a night of boozing with the friends and almost stepping in front of a moving car, that she'd clean up her act. One day she woke up happy and continued life in a better tune.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

Honest, and (at least to me) not infused with optimistic lies about the world.

Her opinions on the world, were quite true, and I admired how she was now after all that trouble.

Definite recommendation.

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It shows the true realities of trying to fit in and what some girls will do to actually fit in. I see girls like this all the time...its so sad. but this book not only shows her hitting rock bottom but picking herself up agian

[Kali Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super good book, I couldn't put it down I related to it and it also gave me a new perspective on things and motivated me to seek help with my recovery. I'd recommend it to anyone going through this sort of thing!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for my 12 yo to read!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book i liked how she got better and everything but i felt that it was to rushed.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy to read with themes that teens can relate to, but the exploration of the themes is so superficial that most teens would probably be disappointed. I know I was. Great potential, squandered.

[Anwar behbehani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fast paced. A good book for growing up, i think all girls should read no matter what their age.

[Queriae · Rating 5 out of 5]

new favorite. inspiring and innovative must read:)

[sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

really inspirational and motivating