Bad Kid (A Graphic Memoir): My Life as a "Troubled Teen"

by Sofia Szamosi

A searing personal account of the so-called troubled teen industry, this graphic memoir exposes and humanizes the harrowing experience of so many young people in behavioral correction facilities.

When she was just thirteen years old, Sofia was taken—by two people she had never seen before—to a “therapeutic wilderness program” three states away. Her own mother, terrified that Sofia was spiraling out of control, had enrolled her in an institution for “troubled teens.” But instead of finding healing, Sofia found herself trapped. Trapped inside an unregulated industry that used promises of intervention and reform to prey upon panicking parents and kids with court orders.

Over the next two years, Sofia would cycle through four different residential programs. In these places, school hours were a privilege, not a right. Contact with the outside world, including her mother, was strictly monitored. Teenage inmates were encouraged to call one another out. Still a child—ripped from her home, stripped of basic freedoms, and severed from her family and friends—Sofia struggled to understand who she really was beneath the crushing weight of the label BAD KID.
 
A darkly funny and intimate coming-of-age tale, this graphic memoir exposes the harrowing realities of adolescence in and out of the "troubled teen" industry of the early 2000s. And in doing so, Bad Kid explores the lasting impact of the labels we’re given—and how making art can help transmute them.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Memoir, Comics, Biography, Mental Health, Teen

392 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Erin]

ARC for review. To be published March 10, 2026.

4 stars

Nice graphic novel for young adults that is Szamosi’s high school memoir; she spent about two years in several wilderness programs for troubled teens. While, obviously, this story is from her perspective, it sounds as if she had some pretty standard rebellion issues as well as some minor issues with alcohol (using, but not out of control, according to the book.) And while it does not appear she experience any outright physical abuse while in the programs, as had been alleged by others, she was essentially kidnapped and taken away two times, all with the cooperation of her parents, which was totally legal because she was a minor.

This was an interesting look at the day to day goings on at these camps/schools and how long the programs last (I’m sure it seems like forever.) Art was nice, if fairly standard for this type of book, but worked well for the subject matter.

[Rod Brown]

Sofia Szamosi shares her experience as a captive of the troubled teen industry after her mother has her committed to various therapeutic wilderness programs and residential treatment centers to cure her bad behavior.

Szamosi is frank about her "bad kid" status, laying out the attitude, substance abuse, and eating disorder that led to the label. She also recounts her immediate recidivism upon release.

Her experience in the system resembles a twisted mix of prison, boot camp, bullying, and group therapy. There is a lot of controversy around these facilities, and it is good to have Szamosi's insights.


Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.

[Laura]

This is a troubling memoir of a teen who is ripped from her house, and taken away to a camp where she would be forced to become a good kid. The author admits that she was wild, but the things that the camps did was demoralizing, meant to break you. She is cut off from everyone, and forced to go on hikes, or dig ditches, or build new tents for the camp. And if she was really good she could go to the school they offered.


Sofia kept a journal which she refers back to in this telling, and she made friends with some of the other girls in the system, and she meets up with them, or writes to them, as she is moved from camp to camp, simply because after coming out of one, she has a hard time reentering society. Her mother figures it is making her “good” again. If anything, it makes her want to rebel more.


Sad, heart wrenching story. I feel for her, though I get that her mother thought she was out of control. But to turn your child over, as though they were a bad dog, and had to be disciplined says a lot about this troubled teen industry makes people think about their kids. My heart hurt so much for her, and what she went through.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is available the 10th of March 2026.

[Samantha]

3.5

[RaspberryRoses]

An unflinching look at the "troubled teen" industry. Definitely impactful, though it feels like there are some obvious gaps in the narrative - things that aren't included which really ought to have been. Still worth a read.

[Ivoree Malcom]

Bad Kid is a raw & deeply personal graphic memoir in which Sofia Szamosi recounts her experience inside the so-called “troubled teen” industry of the early 2000s. At just thirteen years old, Sofia is forcibly taken from her home & sent to a “therapeutic wilderness program,” beginning a two-year journey through multiple residential behavioral facilities. What follows is a sobering look at a largely unregulated system that promises rehabilitation but often delivers isolation, punishment, & trauma.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its visual style. The stark black, white, & red color palette gives the story a sense of urgency & emotional intensity. The limited color scheme highlights moments of anger, fear, & defiance in a way that fits the tone of the memoir. The art style is expressive & intimate, making the reader feel close to Sofia’s internal world. However, there were moments where the lettering was so small that it became difficult to read, which occasionally disrupted the flow of the story.

What makes Bad Kid particularly compelling is that it feels less like a polished narrative & more like a therapeutic act. The memoir reads as though Szamosi is processing these experiences in real time, using art as a way to unpack & reclaim her story. That honesty gives the book emotional weight. At the same time, some aspects of the situation remain only partially explored—especially the role of Sofia’s mother. The memoir touches on the fear & frustration that led her mother to send her away, but it doesn’t fully confront the painful reality that Sofia was removed from her home largely because her behavior was perceived as disruptive to her mother’s life with her partner. That absence leaves an emotional gap in the narrative.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Bad Kid is how it challenges the label in its title. Throughout the memoir, Szamosi never really presents evidence that she was a “bad kid” at all. Much of her behavior seems like typical teenage rebellion—something many adolescents experience, especially while navigating the upheaval of their parents’ divorce. Instead of receiving therapy or support, she was placed in institutions that stripped away basic freedoms, monitored communication with family, & encouraged teenagers to police one another. The book highlights how these programs can resemble carceral environments more than therapeutic ones.

By sharing her story, Szamosi raises awareness about the troubling power these facilities can wield over vulnerable young people. The memoir suggests that rather than helping teenagers heal, many of these institutions compound trauma while presenting themselves as solutions to worried parents. In that sense, Bad Kid functions as both a coming-of-age story & a quiet act of activism.

Despite a few readability issues & some narrative gaps, Bad Kid is an important & emotionally resonant work. Szamosi’s willingness to revisit painful memories helps illuminate the experiences of countless teens who were labeled “troubled” & sent away. It’s a powerful reminder of how damaging labels can be—and how art can become a way to reclaim identity & heal. Hopefully, books like this will continue to shine a light on these systems & push for change so that fewer young people have to endure them.

*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

#ThankGodForARCs

[Jay Scott]

Well if I wasn't against the troubled teen industry to start with I sure am now!!

[Megan]

Unfortunately, if you know one teen Wilderness Program survival story, you know them all. Sofia's story doesn't stand out in the details, the unscrupulousness of the industry stands out. I have space for Sofia's mother, struggling with the daughter she was enmeshed with not conforming...but if you don't teach your child empathy and how their behaviour affects others, how else are they going to behave? I have space for poor Sofia, who was so easily supplanted by a step dad who didn't even last, who was struggling with normal teen feelings and was vilified for how she mishandled them. Based on her uncontrollable temper tantrums and food aversions, I wonder if she is on the Autism spectrum - it is common for girls' autism spectrum to be misdiagnosed as an eating disorder.

[Dakota Morgan]

Sofia Szamosi recounts her experiences being sent to teenage reformation/re-education camps in Bad Kid, exploring the darkness of the "helping troubled kids" industry. It's a troubling read, if also one you can't look away from.

Szamosi fully admits to being a dickhead teen (and doesn't spare us from seeing her as a reprobate). But she's by no means like, a hardened criminal. She smokes, swears, spits on the wall in her room, and wears too revealing clothes. Her mother doesn't know what to do with her and her step-father is no help. So, naturally, being sent to a camp in the woods for an indefinite period of time is the best/only option!

It would have been nice if Szamosi had pulled back the lens a bit to explore the history of these camps (she's sent to several around the country), or even just see how her mom heard about them. I've never heard of them! No one I know went to them (though I wasn't hanging around with the "wrong crowd" as a teen). It's kind of a shocking read in that way.

Instead of digging into the industry, Szamosi just blasts through her life story with gritted teeth. Again, it's a page turner, though you won't come away with any sort of action plan for like, taking down these places.

[Adel Z]

3.5 stars, I think

[Angela]

3.5⭐️ rounded up

[Peacegal]

This is the brutally honest graphic memoir of what it was like for the author to be a teenager with serious emotional struggles, and the "scared straight" industry that steps in when young people get in trouble with their parents, schools, and/or law enforcement. This is one of those stories that will stick with you long after you close the cover.

[Julia]

Woah. I would describe both the drawings and the story itself as beautiful, and heartbreaking, and darkly funny. Even though this was not my personal experience (which I am very grateful for), I felt deeply connected to many of the scenes about being an adolescent girl during the early 2000s. The images of text from her actual journals during that time were gut wrenching, and made me want to put my little girls in a time freeze so they never have to experience those feelings (which felt so, so familiar). I bombed through this in one day because I literally could not put it down, but I will definitely revisit it in the future and take some more time with it.

[Kim]

I am a big fan of any graphic memoir, so I was excited to read this ARC of Sofia Szamosi's Bad Kid. It follows Sofia who, at 13-years-old, was taken away to a therapeutic wilderness camp far away from home. She flashes back to her life as a "bad kid" and her time at one camp and then another. The story was moving and powerful, funny at times, upsetting at others as the author shares her experiences. She is sent away to other camps, and it becomes clear that these camps are highly problematic in their attempts to "reform" these "bad kids." The graphics are mostly black and white with emphatic uses of red throughout, which I really appreciated. There are also elements from the author's actual journals growing up. Make no mistake, there are challenging topics in this story as the author experienced them, so it may not be the best fit for all teens, but it is a powerful, moving story, and I'm glad to have read it. Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for this ARC.

[Michelle Cooper]

Thank you Net Galley for providing me an ARC to review. As a high school librarian, I'm always looking for books that genuinely connect with students. Especially thos who struggle to see themselves as readers. Bad Kid: A Graphic Memoir by Sofia Szamosi is exactly that kind of book. The graphic format makes the story immediately accessible, and the black-and white artwork punctuated with a striking red pop of color is both visually engaging and emotionally powerful. The topic content deals with situations every teenager will face. The point of view is excellent. It holds true to the perspective of a high school student, without their brain being full developed until adulthood and all the choices/mistakes made when dealing in adolescense.

Beyond its strong design, this memoir shines an important light on the troubled on the troubled teen industry and the lasting impact it can have on young people. Szamosi's honesty invites empathy without oversimplifying complex experiences, making it a meaningful read for teens who may feel misunderstood or marginalized. This book is not only compelling - it's validating. Szamosi also incorporates her actual diary entries, with her handwriting, and real pictures of herself during this time in her life. It helps remind the reader that although this is in a graphic format, the story remains true. Our author really did go through this situation.

There are some gaps and holes within the storyline. This is typical in memoirs. I was left wondering what was the catelyst of the memoir. What did she do in order to have her mom think the only viable option was to send her away. We also are left wondering how things ended up for the author. Was she able to patch her relationship with her family? What was her next step?

Finally, this book sheds light on the troubled teen industry. It takes you through the motions of what living in a residential program would look like. More terrifyingly, it describes a scenario where your parents are pitted against you and lied to about progress being made. Through news stories, we have found these stories to be true, and that is so sad for our youth.

[Barbara Band]

Bad Kid is a powerful and disturbing graphic memoir by Sofia Szamosi, telling the story of her teenage years and her experience in the so-called “troubled teen” system. As a rebellious teenager, Szamosi was sent away to a wilderness camp, where the idea was that having her rights, choices and dignity taken away would somehow teach her how to be “good”. Instead, she found herself caught in a system that seemed far more interested in making money than helping the young people in its care. She was moved from one camp to another, with the system finding reasons to keep her there until she was old enough to leave.
The story is particularly effective because Szamosi had kept a diary during this period of her life, which she later used as the basis for the memoir. Her artwork brings those memories to life, capturing not only what happened to her but also the fear, confusion, anger and vulnerability she experienced. Visually, the book is striking. The illustrations are predominantly black and white, with touches of red used sparingly and effectively. The limited use of colour makes those moments particularly powerful and adds to the emotional intensity of the story. This is an emotional and often uncomfortable read. Szamosi doesn't shy away from showing how easily vulnerable teenagers can lose their autonomy within a system that claims to be helping them. Bad Kid raises difficult questions about punishment, control, exploitation and what happens when young people's voices are ignored.
Although presented as a graphic novel, this is definitely a book for older YA readers rather than younger teens. It is challenging, upsetting at times, but also an important and thought-provoking memoir. A striking and deeply affecting graphic memoir about rebellion, control and survival.

[Matt Graupman]

I find it interesting that Sofia Szamosi put quotation marks around "troubled teen" in the title of her graphic memoir, "Bad Kid: My Life As A 'Troubled Teen,'" because her adolescent behavior didn't seem all the different from a lot of kids at that age. Was she bratty and privileged, disrespectful and out of control? 100%. Did that necessarily make her a Bad Kid? That I'm not so sure about; she seemed like one of millions of artsy, misunderstood, unmoored teens out there. It's clear from her account that Szamosi needed discipline - something that her mother was unwilling or unable to provide - but she found an overabundance of it in a variety of intervention programs that essentially kidnapped her from her home (on multiple occasions) and forced her to live a highly-regimented life in the wilderness amongst other difficult teens. How could that possible go wrong? I remember Mr. Phil (he ain't no doctor) used to do something similar to wild kids that appeared on his show and it was clear to anyone with eyeballs that these were abusive mini-prisons for teens that couldn't be controlled by their parents. I guess I was lucky; my sons navigated adolescence without acting out nearly as much as Szamosi. Regardless of my feelings for Szamosi as a person/character in her memoir, "Bad Kid" was a fascinating read, honest and unflinching, illustrated in a sketchy, diaristic way that may not have been the most technically accomplished style but definitely gave the pages a sense of urgency. This is a page-turner that will get your blood boiling, for several reasons, guaranteed.

[Kris]

A graphic memoir of someone who was sent to a "troubled teen wilderness camp". While this author does not appear to have experienced some of the more extreme abuses that have occurred at these camps, she was still basically kidnapped from her home and forced to live outdoors in a place where going to school time during the day was used as a reward.

There is a whole lot more info out there now about these programs and the lack of actual therapy, inexperienced and sometimes abusive counselors, and manipulation for more money from the parents, but back then, they promised the world to parents of children that were struggling.

I felt a bit of empathy for the mom, who seemed overwhelmed by the behaviors and had no idea what to do. Hell, as a mom who has had "troubled teens", I don't have any idea what to do most of the time. While I, knowing people's stories from these places, watching documentaries, and reading books about it, would never send my child to one of these camps, I get the desperation for answers and help. Most of these parents were blinded by brochures and staff telling them of the success stories, recreation opportunities, and therapeutic practices that will "fix" their kids. Not all, of course. But as a parent, it is so hard to see your child not only making potentially harmful choices, but being miserable. No one wants their kid to be unhappy . No one wants their kid to end up dead or in jail. And sometimes, there is no help to be found. It's scary and sad and we need better answers.

These camps are not it, obviously. But I sure wish I knew what was.

[K.C. Norton]

I was excited to get an ARC of this book, as it was already on my radar!

The art wasn't my favorite, but it did remind me a bit of Persepolis, and despite the simple 'zine style, I found it fairly easy to tell who was who, which is sometimes an issue for me with sketchy b&w graphic novels.

The end was pretty rushed and a bit overly simplified, but I found most of this book so engaging and heartbreaking. One of my siblings was sent into a program like the one Szamosi talks about, and in a weird way I feel like reading this book brought me closer to their perspective. It's also raised some questions for me about the logic of parents who ship their kids off like this, and given that my dad *did* this... wow. All this to say that I related to this story in a way that some readers may not, and it definitely impacted my appreciation of Szamosi's work.

It's interesting what Szamosi chose to put on the page vs. what she referred to in her notes, as some of the more specifically upsetting events are little more than footnotes. Reading someone's memoir and going "Please explore MORE of your trauma for me!" always feels like a dick move, so I will say that there were places where I wanted more information, and the end felt too tidy and abrupt. Overall, though, this was an interesting read on a topic that I almost never see people talk about despite its widespread impact on young people.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Alicia]

This isn't your typical art style but that's what makes it special and also more memoir than a run-of-the-mill graphic novel memoir publication. Szamosi ended up sucked into the gyre of the bad kids industry that sent kids to teen camps, retreats, juvenile lockups, and facilities for pushing back, being unruly, drinking, drugging, or other unsavory elements that frightened parents.

Because Sofia's mom and her were close, until they weren't in Sofia's teens because her mom ended up remarrying, things changed drastically for Sofia. She was shipped off for months and over a year's time to these camps and retreats that reinforced (oftentimes) the behaviors in a bullying atmosphere rather than trying to heal the issues.

The memoir doesn't hide much and that's why it's appreciated. She also includes ripped pieces from her own diaries from that time while demonstrating the fear of being taken in the night by men bringing her to these facilities and the humiliation of not having personal space.

An important memoir in the graphic novel format that could pair well with Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away.

[Frankkie]

3.75 stars rounded up - I breezed through this graphic memoir in one sitting. It felt like snooping through some teen’s diary. The story was incredibly relatable for me as a former rebellious backtalker in the 90’s. It was a painful reminder of such a tricky, confusing time in life, and Szamosi captured that feeling perfectly.

The art style even reminded me of a lot of the old comics and graphic novels I read in my youth. It’s sketchy and loose but never messy, which really fits the story. It also helps that she covers a topic I’m interested in but don’t know enough about - wilderness rehabilitation programs. She shows, through her own experience, how these programs often failed because isolating kids doesn’t prepare them for the real world.

It’s heartbreaking that Szamosi spent two years of her childhood trapped in these programs. Her mom seemed to genuinely want to do the right thing, but sending your kid away to poop in a hole for months feels like a pretty extreme solution. I’m glad that, despite all my rebellion, I was never shipped off somewhere like this, though that was probably more because of the cost than a lack of desire.

I was gifted this book as an eARC from the publisher.

[Gordon Jack]

Sofia is a troubled teen. At thirteen, she rebels against her college professor mother and her live-in boyfriend by drinking, smoking, and staying out late with friends. When her mother can’t take it anymore, she sends Sofia away to a “therapeutic wilderness program.” Two men barge in Sofia's room, throw her in a van, and whisk her away to a camp filled with other girls like her, where she must stay until she’s no longer a “bad kid”.
Sofia learns to play the game. She follows the rules at camp until she’s released, goes back home, gets in trouble again, and then is sent to a different camp. This is how she spends her teenage years, unable to change the anger and self loathing that makes her a danger to herself.
I’ve known teens who’ve been sent to these wilderness camps so it was interesting to see how they operate. In the short term, the strict rules and physical tasks help Sofia manage her behavior, but the camps don’t help her address the underlying issues making her so miserable. Her struggle is heartbreaking (and relatable) and the reader follows her journey, hoping a recovery is possible.

[Lisa Vegan]

I love how she includes photos including some of herself at those ages as part of her artwork for the book and that she also includes many of her actual journal entries with her handwriting on the pages.

I’d planned to write two other reviews earlier today, of books that I finished days ago, but I keep having to borrow more library books and once I started this one I didn’t want to focus in any way on other books. I read it really quickly, within a few hours.

I believe everything she wrote because I’ve been a witness to programs similar to the ones she describes. That was a few decades ago but I know that they still exist. I still hear about them, second and third hand.

I appreciate that the author admits to her part in what happened to her but it’s her exposé of the “troubled teen industry” that is the most compelling part of the narrative.

I really appreciate the note she writes at the end of the book, “Dear Bad Kids,” and I’m sure many people will find it helpful, both current teens and adults who can identify with her experiences.

The author illustrator is fortunate to have her artistic talent.

4-1/2 stars

[Steff Fox]

Sofia Szamosi's Bad Kid graphic memoir is a difficult read, one that will definitely trigger dark or sad emotions in a vast number of people. There were certainly experiences the author went through and therefore depicted that were tough for me to read. Even with that, though, the thing I find most helpful and perhaps even inspiring about this book is the fact that it will likely help some of those who have had similar experiences.

This book not only has a catharsis opportunity for the author, but it offers solidarity and potential catharsis for others. And there's a lot to be said for that. While I don't see this as the sort of book I would reread, I do think it's an important one. And if it helps even one person that it reaches in the future, this book has made an exceptional place for itself in the world.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Tala]

Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
This was a fascinating and important read. We are finally coming to a time where we are openly discussing these "Teen Rehabilitation Wilderness Camps," and seeing them for what they are: abusive, manipulative, and generally unable to help with the things they promise desperate parents that they will fix.
Sofia's experiences are heartbreaking and painful, and it is plain that it is not these "camps" that save her - it is therapy, love, and growth.
The art style is in perfect harmony with the text, making it clear that the author is as comfortable with images as words, and her story comes through loud and clear.
My only quibble is I would have loved to see more of her journey as she gradually saves herself in her young adulthood.
This would be a timely and needed addition to any library's young adult graphic novel collection.

[Relena_reads]

Szamosi has obviously done a lot of healing and unpacking to write a book that is so forthright. She explores an industry that, thankfully, is beginning to receive the criticism it deserves, while also not sugar-coating the interactions that led her mom to make the decisions that she did. The empathy that she demonstrates is staggering, though she unfortunately does very little to unpack where her father was in all of this (honestly, until the flashbacks exploring her disordered eating, I thought he was either unknown or dead).

The inclusion of art from her original journals adds depth to her commentary, and the general art is evocative in its jagged lines and use of red to denote other folks who are similarly being treated as "troubled" kids.

It seems from the use of her inner knot as the mechanism for delivering acknowledgements that Szamosi has come to terms with it, and I wish her much peace.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an eARC.

[KATIE MEYERS]

Bad Kid (A Graphic Memoir) is a deeply moving and eye-opening account of life inside the so-called “troubled teen” industry. Sofia Szamosi tells her story with honesty and emotional clarity, shedding light on an experience that is both personal and widely relevant.
What makes this memoir especially powerful is its unflinching look at what it means to be labeled and removed from your environment at such a young age. The sense of isolation, confusion, and loss of control is portrayed in a way that feels both intimate and impactful.
At the same time, the book explores identity and resilience, showing how difficult experiences can shape, but not define a person. The graphic format enhances the emotional weight of the story, making it even more immediate and accessible.
A courageous, important, and unforgettable memoir that gives voice to experiences that deserve to be heard and understood.

[Kimberly Mace]

Bad Kid, My Life as a "Troubled Teen" is a graphic memoir which is clearly rooted in deeply personal experiences. I found myself feeling a great deal of empathy for Sofia Szamosi's journey. The themes of feeling overlooked, navigating family changes, and enduring difficult experiences in residential home settings are portrayed with honesty and emotional weight. There’s no question that the story comes from a place of truth, and that authenticity is powerful.

That said, while I can appreciate Szamosi’s perspective and the importance of sharing her experiences, the overall content, including the language, intensity of the situations, and some of the graphic depictions, makes this a challenging fit for a younger audience. As an educator, I have to be mindful of what I can confidently place in a classroom or library setting. Ultimately, Bad Kid, My Life as a "Troubled Teen" falls outside those guidelines for me.

#Advancedreadercopies
#ReluctantReaderReads
#NetGalley
#ARC

[Megz]

Ok so, on one end I do feel bad for Sofia and what she went through being sent to so many “treatment centres”.
But on the other end I don’t know why she was so bad just because her mom got a boyfriend? I get that she missed the closeness and just being her and mom, but it seems she was so mean to her mom, drank and did drugs just because her mom found happiness for awhile with a guy? Did her mom not give her attention or something? But it genuine felt like her mom tried and was really trying to support her. I don’t know. I’m sorry but she was a bad teenager…. I don’t think her mom should have sent her to a treatment centre for the second time, but I think she genuinely didn’t know what else to do. Sofia seemed very ungrateful and just hated her mom for no reason. Just my opinion!

[Emily]

What a different read for a graphic memoir- loved it! I had grown up hearing rumors about “bad kids” that got taken from their homes and brought to a tough-love camp, but it was one of those things that I have no idea where I heard it and knew no one that it happened to yet everyone seemed to have heard this. So, to actually read about someone who had gone through this was fascinating to me! Also, there was a small-town connection to where I’m from, which of course always jazzes me up.
I thought this was a really accessible read, for many reasons, and I was really drawn to hearing the author’s story. She had clearly done a lot of self-reflection before/while writing this which only made the story more impactful.

Definitely recommend!