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How to Lose Yourself Completely
A teen grappling with grief and anxiety is sent to wilderness "adventure therapy,” where he meets a group of friends who will change his life forever. With its captivating voice, this novel is perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson and John Green.
Ever since Sean’s death, Case’s anxiety has been spiraling. Sean wasn’t just his older brother—he was also Case’s best friend. The only person who really got him.
When his parents suggest “adventure therapy,” Case is desperate enough to agree. Maybe roughing it in the woods with a group of anxious strangers will help him find a way forward. After he boards the bus, he sees the one person he’s been trying to Diana. Sean’s girlfriend.
Once they set off, there is the expected cringey singing and forced sharing. But when their counselor mysteriously disappears, the trip suddenly turns into a journey of survival. This group of kids, with nothing in common but their prescriptions and lack of social skills, will have to band together to make it back home. In the process, they will change each other’s lives forever.
From award-winning author Peter Bognanni comes a profound, surprising, and hopeful novel about grief and love.
Ever since Sean’s death, Case’s anxiety has been spiraling. Sean wasn’t just his older brother—he was also Case’s best friend. The only person who really got him.
When his parents suggest “adventure therapy,” Case is desperate enough to agree. Maybe roughing it in the woods with a group of anxious strangers will help him find a way forward. After he boards the bus, he sees the one person he’s been trying to Diana. Sean’s girlfriend.
Once they set off, there is the expected cringey singing and forced sharing. But when their counselor mysteriously disappears, the trip suddenly turns into a journey of survival. This group of kids, with nothing in common but their prescriptions and lack of social skills, will have to band together to make it back home. In the process, they will change each other’s lives forever.
From award-winning author Peter Bognanni comes a profound, surprising, and hopeful novel about grief and love.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 18, 2026
This story weaves two distinct storylines together: the main character's past experiences and a current-day, wilderness survival mental health "retreat"—if you can even call it that.
This setup provides a unique and wonderful vehicle to shed light on heavy topics like grief, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and addiction. It truly gives a brand-new definition to the word SURVIVAL and highlights just how vital human connection is when you're trying to work through things. The sharp dry wit and fantastic male narrator offer the perfect balance of comic relief and calm despite the heavier subject matter, and the ending had me especially hooked!
*The audiobook format is highly recommended.
*ALC (thank you, Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners/ NetGalley)
This setup provides a unique and wonderful vehicle to shed light on heavy topics like grief, anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and addiction. It truly gives a brand-new definition to the word SURVIVAL and highlights just how vital human connection is when you're trying to work through things. The sharp dry wit and fantastic male narrator offer the perfect balance of comic relief and calm despite the heavier subject matter, and the ending had me especially hooked!
*The audiobook format is highly recommended.
*ALC (thank you, Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners/ NetGalley)
June 6, 2026
I think I lost myself completely in this audiobook by Peter Bognanni, finishing it within the day. How to Lose Yourself Completely is about a boy named Case. The story is written by a second person perspective as YOU being Case. This took a little bit to get used to, but was totally fine because the author was clear throughout. The thing that initially grabbed me about the book was how many times I chuckled within the first few minutes of reading the book. One would not think that a story about a boy who's gone through tragedy and has crippling anxiety to be one filled with humor, but there were many times when reading I found myself laughing to myself.
The book was compelling, gripping, and while I figured that the book would end similarly to how it did, I just wanted to keep reading so I could find out what was to happen next. I thought the times the group of kids talked about their struggles with anxiety, their worries, or fears were very relatable and relevant to fears one would have if they were placed in similar situations, or those that have mental health struggles.
This story was a unique one to me. Not the wilderness programs themselves, but actually reading about it which was very engaging. All of the characters were interesting, the character development was good, and the situations that they found themselves in may have been dramatic, but were realistic.
Overall I would say I would rate this book a 4, but a 4.5 for actual enjoyment of reading. I am very glad that I was able to pick up this book thanks to NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook copy of Peter Bognanni's book.
The book was compelling, gripping, and while I figured that the book would end similarly to how it did, I just wanted to keep reading so I could find out what was to happen next. I thought the times the group of kids talked about their struggles with anxiety, their worries, or fears were very relatable and relevant to fears one would have if they were placed in similar situations, or those that have mental health struggles.
This story was a unique one to me. Not the wilderness programs themselves, but actually reading about it which was very engaging. All of the characters were interesting, the character development was good, and the situations that they found themselves in may have been dramatic, but were realistic.
Overall I would say I would rate this book a 4, but a 4.5 for actual enjoyment of reading. I am very glad that I was able to pick up this book thanks to NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook copy of Peter Bognanni's book.
June 10, 2026
↠ 4 stars ⭐️
Maybe this makes me a bit morbid, but I’m a sucker for books that focus on loss and grief, so I was immediately intrigued by this one. And wow, I couldn’t put it down!
One thing that makes this story unique is its second person POV, which I don’t think I’ve encountered in my reading journey the past few years. I think it made this story even more impactful, making the reader feel viscerally part of the story vs experiencing from afar.
How to Lose Yourself Completely is quite an adventure and a phenomenal representation of grief, loss, mental health, and the power of connection. It highlights anxiety, panic disorder, depression, addiction, and grief and loss, and does so in a thoughtful and empathetic way. All of the characters are multidimensional, and I loved growing to understand each of them and the connection they form throughout this high-stakes survival adventure.
The story is character-driven and well-paced, with a perfect balance of moments reflection and development within the characters and high-stake plot moments that challenge them and had me on the edge of my seat—especially toward the end! There were a few loose ends left in the end, but I still finished with tears in my eyes and a sense of hope for the characters.
How to Lose Yourself Completely is beautifully written and perfect for those who enjoy character-driven stories focused on grief and mental health. While the themes and events are dark, the tone is consistently empathetic and hopeful. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Fierce Reads for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! ♡
₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.
Check out my reviews on bookstagram
Maybe this makes me a bit morbid, but I’m a sucker for books that focus on loss and grief, so I was immediately intrigued by this one. And wow, I couldn’t put it down!
One thing that makes this story unique is its second person POV, which I don’t think I’ve encountered in my reading journey the past few years. I think it made this story even more impactful, making the reader feel viscerally part of the story vs experiencing from afar.
How to Lose Yourself Completely is quite an adventure and a phenomenal representation of grief, loss, mental health, and the power of connection. It highlights anxiety, panic disorder, depression, addiction, and grief and loss, and does so in a thoughtful and empathetic way. All of the characters are multidimensional, and I loved growing to understand each of them and the connection they form throughout this high-stakes survival adventure.
The story is character-driven and well-paced, with a perfect balance of moments reflection and development within the characters and high-stake plot moments that challenge them and had me on the edge of my seat—especially toward the end! There were a few loose ends left in the end, but I still finished with tears in my eyes and a sense of hope for the characters.
How to Lose Yourself Completely is beautifully written and perfect for those who enjoy character-driven stories focused on grief and mental health. While the themes and events are dark, the tone is consistently empathetic and hopeful. I will definitely be reading more from this author!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Fierce Reads for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! ♡
₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.
Check out my reviews on bookstagram
June 10, 2026
(Libby audio) This was a unique story written in 2nd person. "You go to camp".. very Choose Your Own Adventure style, (which I think is a nod to the series since it's mentioned more than once). Only YOU are Case. I have never read anything like it. Well done! I didn't put it down, listened to it all in one day. I think there was 1 or 2 curse words. A romance but no steam. It is more about facing your fears at a time when you have no choice. Would I recommend? Yes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What. A. Book.
It took me a second to get used to the second person POV, but from the jump I was flying through this story every time I picked it up. It's a gut punch of humor and heart. The characters are so distinct and loud in their individuality, yet at the same time I could deeply connect to Case and the other characters in the elements of their struggles (even if what each of them individually have gone through aren't things I also have).
This is such an incredible story of representation for grief, loss, and mental health, above all else. The anxiety representation that shines through is delivered in such an engaging yet thoughtful way, and there are so many lines that perfectly depict how I've felt. Each character is individual in their experiences, but again, they are all connected to each other. Seeing how a true friendship and sort of family forms between these teens made my heart ache in the best way. I couldn't stop rooting for and loving them all in turn. I still remember getting to a page where I believe Case first references/labels one of the others as his friend.
Each character feels so broken, so seeing them come to grow and recognize their strength that has ALWAYS been in them (even when they feel broken by their struggles) was the best part of this story for me - they take action, they do things they're afraid of, they become vulnerable. I really don't know how to put the emotional ride of this story into words, there's just so much there.
As a broken record, each character is incredible and has a strong personality that distinguishes them from the others. They each reflect mental health in different ways, but I could see part of myself in all of them. Even through reflecting the struggles of mental health, there's heart and humor among the group that adds levity to the story at times, which I loved. The story also has a greater focus on Case's grief and complicated relationship with both himself and Diana. Watching not only the character journeys but also the change in Case's relationships, specifically, was satisfying. Getting some jumps into Case's memory added great context to his brother and Diana that built the complexity of Case as a character and his current situation.
I truly could go on and on about the characters forever, but I'll hold back. The setting of the story and pacing was incredibly compelling to me and kept me constantly turning the page and thinking about the story when I (grudgingly) wasn't able to be reading it. It's an adventure story but also a desperate survival story. I truly didn't know what was going to happen to the group, which made everything they faced and went through even more admirable. Once again, I was rooting for them the whole way. I loved the little moments of "adventure therapy" activities that the teens roll their eyes at yet ultimately find helpful (can highly relate to this, myself), and I equally loved the adventure aspect through the wilderness. The pace was fast while still allowing time for the story to build Case's character and establish complexity. As a whole, from the structure to the pacing, themes, characters, and everything else - it was all exquisitely balanced and delivered.
The ending? Love. Perfect. No better thing. There are so many little details I'd love to shoutout, but those little details were so much fun to experience for the first time reading, and so many scenes are equally as fun to read (I will shoutout my favorite back-and-forth duo: Troy and Will).
Am I biased because I've really struggled with mental health and felt seen for a lot of this story? Maybe. Do I honestly believe this is just a purely incredible (and fun) story with incredible representation, hope, heart, humor, themes, characters, and everything else in between. Yes. Genuinely.
I'd recommend this to absolutely everyone to get a glimpse, and maybe gain some understanding of and for, people who struggle with mental health (anxiety specifically).
The audio narrator fit Case's character and I think it could help readers get into the second person POV! But the narration alone helps bring the emotion to the front and makes those fun moments more engaging, the tension more palpable, and the humor and heart deeper.
Thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC and eALC to read, listen to, and review early. All opinions are my own.
It took me a second to get used to the second person POV, but from the jump I was flying through this story every time I picked it up. It's a gut punch of humor and heart. The characters are so distinct and loud in their individuality, yet at the same time I could deeply connect to Case and the other characters in the elements of their struggles (even if what each of them individually have gone through aren't things I also have).
This is such an incredible story of representation for grief, loss, and mental health, above all else. The anxiety representation that shines through is delivered in such an engaging yet thoughtful way, and there are so many lines that perfectly depict how I've felt. Each character is individual in their experiences, but again, they are all connected to each other. Seeing how a true friendship and sort of family forms between these teens made my heart ache in the best way. I couldn't stop rooting for and loving them all in turn. I still remember getting to a page where I believe Case first references/labels one of the others as his friend.
Each character feels so broken, so seeing them come to grow and recognize their strength that has ALWAYS been in them (even when they feel broken by their struggles) was the best part of this story for me - they take action, they do things they're afraid of, they become vulnerable. I really don't know how to put the emotional ride of this story into words, there's just so much there.
As a broken record, each character is incredible and has a strong personality that distinguishes them from the others. They each reflect mental health in different ways, but I could see part of myself in all of them. Even through reflecting the struggles of mental health, there's heart and humor among the group that adds levity to the story at times, which I loved. The story also has a greater focus on Case's grief and complicated relationship with both himself and Diana. Watching not only the character journeys but also the change in Case's relationships, specifically, was satisfying. Getting some jumps into Case's memory added great context to his brother and Diana that built the complexity of Case as a character and his current situation.
I truly could go on and on about the characters forever, but I'll hold back. The setting of the story and pacing was incredibly compelling to me and kept me constantly turning the page and thinking about the story when I (grudgingly) wasn't able to be reading it. It's an adventure story but also a desperate survival story. I truly didn't know what was going to happen to the group, which made everything they faced and went through even more admirable. Once again, I was rooting for them the whole way. I loved the little moments of "adventure therapy" activities that the teens roll their eyes at yet ultimately find helpful (can highly relate to this, myself), and I equally loved the adventure aspect through the wilderness. The pace was fast while still allowing time for the story to build Case's character and establish complexity. As a whole, from the structure to the pacing, themes, characters, and everything else - it was all exquisitely balanced and delivered.
The ending? Love. Perfect. No better thing. There are so many little details I'd love to shoutout, but those little details were so much fun to experience for the first time reading, and so many scenes are equally as fun to read (I will shoutout my favorite back-and-forth duo: Troy and Will).
Am I biased because I've really struggled with mental health and felt seen for a lot of this story? Maybe. Do I honestly believe this is just a purely incredible (and fun) story with incredible representation, hope, heart, humor, themes, characters, and everything else in between. Yes. Genuinely.
I'd recommend this to absolutely everyone to get a glimpse, and maybe gain some understanding of and for, people who struggle with mental health (anxiety specifically).
The audio narrator fit Case's character and I think it could help readers get into the second person POV! But the narration alone helps bring the emotion to the front and makes those fun moments more engaging, the tension more palpable, and the humor and heart deeper.
Thanks to Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC and eALC to read, listen to, and review early. All opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Balzer + Bray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Peter Bognanni’s “How to Lose Yourself Completely” is a gut-punch of a story wrapped in the trappings of a wilderness survival story; it’s a book that combines raw emotion, sharp humor, and genuine danger into an unforgettable coming-of-age journey. Though it opens with a premise that requires a healthy suspension of disbelief (a group of vulnerable teens sent into the wilderness with just one adult supervisor), the heart of the story beats so strongly that most readers will happily go along for the ride.
Told entirely in second person, the story immediately feels intimate, even disorienting. The “you” perspective takes some getting used to though it does focus soley on Case, the main character, but the payoff is extraordinary: by the end, when that viewpoint shifts in a small but powerful way, the effect is emotionally staggering.
Case is reeling from the death of his older brother, Sean, who was not only his protector but also the person who understood him best. Through flashbacks woven throughout the survival narrative, we see their complicated bond with how Case secretly loved Sean’s girlfriend, Diane; how Sean hid his own struggles under a facade of being the “strong” brother; and how Case now drowns in guilt over everything he didn’t see. These flashbacks deepen the present-day story, revealing a quiet tragedy beneath the teens’ frantic attempt to stay alive.
Once Case and the others begin their “adventure therapy” camping, things quickly unravel. Their counselor, Silas, disappears overnight as he takes most of the food and all sense of safety with him. What follows is a gripping survival ordeal: dwindling supplies, a spreading wildfire, injuries, and the terrifying realization that no one knows where they are. The stakes feel real, but the focus remains on the emotional growth sparked by crisis. The teens are messy, anxious, sometimes irritating…but also painfully authentic. They bicker, bond, comfort each other, and emerge as a found family formed in the harshest conditions.
Bognanni excels at depicting mental health with nuance. Case’s anxiety is never melodramatic or minimized; it simply is, shaping the story the way real anxiety shapes a life. Those who have lived with it—teen or adult—will likely find themselves seen in Case’s spiraling thoughts, his guilt, his longing for connection, and his eventual willingness to trust others.
The story’s pacing is excellent, alternating between tense wilderness survival and deeply personal moments of confession and forgiveness. And despite its heavy themes of grief, addiction, and trauma, the book maintains a thread of hope. By the end, the emotional journey matters just as much as the physical one.
The final chapters are luminous. The relationships built in crisis feel earned, and the ending, soaked in hope and togetherness, is the kind that lodges in your chest. I found myself tearing up, not because the story manipulates emotion, but because it honors it.
Overall, “How to Lose Yourself Completely” is a beautifully written, deeply empathetic YA novel that merges survival stakes with emotional truth. It’s perfect for those who appreciate character-driven stories about grief, anxiety, and the transformative power of connection. While the setup may stretch believability, the characters and their growth feel achingly real.
Peter Bognanni’s “How to Lose Yourself Completely” is a gut-punch of a story wrapped in the trappings of a wilderness survival story; it’s a book that combines raw emotion, sharp humor, and genuine danger into an unforgettable coming-of-age journey. Though it opens with a premise that requires a healthy suspension of disbelief (a group of vulnerable teens sent into the wilderness with just one adult supervisor), the heart of the story beats so strongly that most readers will happily go along for the ride.
Told entirely in second person, the story immediately feels intimate, even disorienting. The “you” perspective takes some getting used to though it does focus soley on Case, the main character, but the payoff is extraordinary: by the end, when that viewpoint shifts in a small but powerful way, the effect is emotionally staggering.
Case is reeling from the death of his older brother, Sean, who was not only his protector but also the person who understood him best. Through flashbacks woven throughout the survival narrative, we see their complicated bond with how Case secretly loved Sean’s girlfriend, Diane; how Sean hid his own struggles under a facade of being the “strong” brother; and how Case now drowns in guilt over everything he didn’t see. These flashbacks deepen the present-day story, revealing a quiet tragedy beneath the teens’ frantic attempt to stay alive.
Once Case and the others begin their “adventure therapy” camping, things quickly unravel. Their counselor, Silas, disappears overnight as he takes most of the food and all sense of safety with him. What follows is a gripping survival ordeal: dwindling supplies, a spreading wildfire, injuries, and the terrifying realization that no one knows where they are. The stakes feel real, but the focus remains on the emotional growth sparked by crisis. The teens are messy, anxious, sometimes irritating…but also painfully authentic. They bicker, bond, comfort each other, and emerge as a found family formed in the harshest conditions.
Bognanni excels at depicting mental health with nuance. Case’s anxiety is never melodramatic or minimized; it simply is, shaping the story the way real anxiety shapes a life. Those who have lived with it—teen or adult—will likely find themselves seen in Case’s spiraling thoughts, his guilt, his longing for connection, and his eventual willingness to trust others.
The story’s pacing is excellent, alternating between tense wilderness survival and deeply personal moments of confession and forgiveness. And despite its heavy themes of grief, addiction, and trauma, the book maintains a thread of hope. By the end, the emotional journey matters just as much as the physical one.
The final chapters are luminous. The relationships built in crisis feel earned, and the ending, soaked in hope and togetherness, is the kind that lodges in your chest. I found myself tearing up, not because the story manipulates emotion, but because it honors it.
Overall, “How to Lose Yourself Completely” is a beautifully written, deeply empathetic YA novel that merges survival stakes with emotional truth. It’s perfect for those who appreciate character-driven stories about grief, anxiety, and the transformative power of connection. While the setup may stretch believability, the characters and their growth feel achingly real.
June 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of Peter Bognanni’s How to Lose Yourself Completely—and for the subsequent yearning for the Boundary Waters. This is a northern Minnesotan setting I am intimately familiar with and I predicted that would be my favorite part of this read. It was! Both the mental health elements and the “adventure” elements didn’t quite land for me.
This one was “ok.” It had all the appropriate ingredients for a coming of age adventure story, but lacked any subtlety in the execution.
To expand on that, let’s look at the two factors that should have been highlights. The first is the examination of anxiety. Though I appreciate that some anxiety is situational, I didn’t love that every single kid on this trip had a grand obvious sob story. A traumatic event that brought them to this moment. Highly convenient but sadly unrealistic. Where’s the representation for our chronic anxiety kids that can’t even pinpoint some dramatic turning point in their lives? There was a missed opportunity there. A whole group of teens and they all had a prime time television sob story. None of them were simply neurodivergent with no dramatic “reason.”
The second is the adventure component. As someone who has spent 𝔞 𝔩𝔬𝔱 of time in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, it felt more like watching Milo and Otis or Homeward Bound than actually being in the wilderness in real life. Every day was a new campy (ha) cartoonish life threatening challenge all lined up in sequential “the wilderness can kill you” order. Now don’t get me wrong: 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰 𝔠𝔞𝔫 100% 𝔨𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔶𝔬𝔲. It was the execution that felt like a kid TV show instead of a well crafted YA novel.
I also really don’t love second person perspective but that is probably a “Me” problem. I think the author did a fine job of executing the perspective, it’s just my least favorite. Even if you like second person, most readers will admit it can be hard to pull off!
I didn’t hate this book, it was an easy read and it had good elements. 🛶 Now I’ll be counting down the days until our Northern Minnesota trip in July, thanks very much.
This one was “ok.” It had all the appropriate ingredients for a coming of age adventure story, but lacked any subtlety in the execution.
To expand on that, let’s look at the two factors that should have been highlights. The first is the examination of anxiety. Though I appreciate that some anxiety is situational, I didn’t love that every single kid on this trip had a grand obvious sob story. A traumatic event that brought them to this moment. Highly convenient but sadly unrealistic. Where’s the representation for our chronic anxiety kids that can’t even pinpoint some dramatic turning point in their lives? There was a missed opportunity there. A whole group of teens and they all had a prime time television sob story. None of them were simply neurodivergent with no dramatic “reason.”
The second is the adventure component. As someone who has spent 𝔞 𝔩𝔬𝔱 of time in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, it felt more like watching Milo and Otis or Homeward Bound than actually being in the wilderness in real life. Every day was a new campy (ha) cartoonish life threatening challenge all lined up in sequential “the wilderness can kill you” order. Now don’t get me wrong: 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔦𝔩𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰 𝔠𝔞𝔫 100% 𝔨𝔦𝔩𝔩 𝔶𝔬𝔲. It was the execution that felt like a kid TV show instead of a well crafted YA novel.
I also really don’t love second person perspective but that is probably a “Me” problem. I think the author did a fine job of executing the perspective, it’s just my least favorite. Even if you like second person, most readers will admit it can be hard to pull off!
I didn’t hate this book, it was an easy read and it had good elements. 🛶 Now I’ll be counting down the days until our Northern Minnesota trip in July, thanks very much.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
There are several audiences who will benefit from this well constructed, character driven read.
Case's older brother, Sean, dies unexpectedly, and for obvious reasons, Case is devastated. Case's grief manifests in some typical ways and some that are more specific to his experience, including intense anxiety. He's so driven to move forward and get a different grip on his life and experience that he agrees to attend "adventure camp," which is a kind of survivalist nightmare designed for folks in situations like Case's. Maybe you are also skeptical about how folks with debilitating grief, anxiety, and more will thrive in this space, but since this is a YA novel, there's no need for that. Will they struggle? Yes. Will they triumph? Of course! It may not be in all ways always, but of course these characters work through challenges, learn that life will be filled with more of them, and find some hopeful pathways forward, even when that seems otherwise very unlikely.
My favorite parts of this book are the atmospheric qualities of their adventure and the side plot that further explains Case's guilt. While many readers (fortunately) won't have had exactly the same experiences as these characters, the ties between guilt and grief should really resonate with many. I appreciated the layered depiction of this very much and will recommend this book to students, highlighting that specific feature as a strength.
Though the motifs are dark, the tone is hopeful, and that's exactly what I wanted from a read with this subject matter. I enjoyed my first experience with this author and look forward to more.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Fierce Reads for this alc and widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
There are several audiences who will benefit from this well constructed, character driven read.
Case's older brother, Sean, dies unexpectedly, and for obvious reasons, Case is devastated. Case's grief manifests in some typical ways and some that are more specific to his experience, including intense anxiety. He's so driven to move forward and get a different grip on his life and experience that he agrees to attend "adventure camp," which is a kind of survivalist nightmare designed for folks in situations like Case's. Maybe you are also skeptical about how folks with debilitating grief, anxiety, and more will thrive in this space, but since this is a YA novel, there's no need for that. Will they struggle? Yes. Will they triumph? Of course! It may not be in all ways always, but of course these characters work through challenges, learn that life will be filled with more of them, and find some hopeful pathways forward, even when that seems otherwise very unlikely.
My favorite parts of this book are the atmospheric qualities of their adventure and the side plot that further explains Case's guilt. While many readers (fortunately) won't have had exactly the same experiences as these characters, the ties between guilt and grief should really resonate with many. I appreciated the layered depiction of this very much and will recommend this book to students, highlighting that specific feature as a strength.
Though the motifs are dark, the tone is hopeful, and that's exactly what I wanted from a read with this subject matter. I enjoyed my first experience with this author and look forward to more.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Fierce Reads for this alc and widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 2, 2026
This audiobook captured me right away. I had a close loved one that passed away due to addiction and knowing the struggles their went through made me relate to this group of people. The book addresses depression, violence, anxiety, and the value of connecting with others that understand what you might be going through. Creating connections and bonds that can be literally life change.
Thank you Netgalley for this audiobook version of this book.
This story comes from the perspective of Case, who is grieving the loss of his brother Sean. He describes his brother as popular who has a soft spot for his little brother. Current day, Case's parents sign him up to go on an 'adventure therapy' trip which includes a group of teens and their leader Silas navigating through the outdoors to make it to a final drop location.
When Case arrives, he is surprised to see his brother's former girlfriend Diane, who he used to hang out with becoming close. It was revealed that this group of teens were going to be challenged in their journey when Silas disappears with all their medications. The group creates a close bond when they were forced to keep themselves alive in attempt to be saved. Along the way their encounter wildlife, hunger, injuries, finding Silas who had died from an OD.
Through their own self-driven therapy sessions with each other, it opened up that closeness between Case and Diane and how they both blamed themselves for Sean's death. Both felt like they could have done more for Sean's mental health. After finding Silas, the group was more motivated to find a way out. With lack of food, energy and supplies the group works hard to survive. The group encounters a wildfire in which one was seriously injured. After being saved, the group stays together in hopes for a good outcome for their friend.
Thank you Netgalley for this audiobook version of this book.
This story comes from the perspective of Case, who is grieving the loss of his brother Sean. He describes his brother as popular who has a soft spot for his little brother. Current day, Case's parents sign him up to go on an 'adventure therapy' trip which includes a group of teens and their leader Silas navigating through the outdoors to make it to a final drop location.
When Case arrives, he is surprised to see his brother's former girlfriend Diane, who he used to hang out with becoming close. It was revealed that this group of teens were going to be challenged in their journey when Silas disappears with all their medications. The group creates a close bond when they were forced to keep themselves alive in attempt to be saved. Along the way their encounter wildlife, hunger, injuries, finding Silas who had died from an OD.
Through their own self-driven therapy sessions with each other, it opened up that closeness between Case and Diane and how they both blamed themselves for Sean's death. Both felt like they could have done more for Sean's mental health. After finding Silas, the group was more motivated to find a way out. With lack of food, energy and supplies the group works hard to survive. The group encounters a wildfire in which one was seriously injured. After being saved, the group stays together in hopes for a good outcome for their friend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My personal rating: 4.5 stars
This story hit me right in the heart from the start. Case is on his way to "adventure therapy" camp with a group of other teenagers when the story opens. Since the death of his brother, Case has felt lost and detached, his anxiety intensifying in a way it hasn't before. Everyone in the group is struggling with their mental health in some way and has come, reluctantly agreed to come, or possibly even been tricked into coming on this "adventure" in the hope that the experience will somehow help.
The days that follow bring an unforgettable story of survival, friendship, and bravery. The kids find themselves alone and literally fighting for their lives. At the same time they are each managing their anxiety without their medication and learning to work together and support each other. Case and fellow camper Diana are also both grieving Case's brother Sean and trying to figure out how to address the complicated feelings surrounding their fractured friendship.
The mental health representation here is done so well which makes sense when you read the acknowledgements and see that the author himself lives with anxiety disorder. The ways that the teenagers relate to each other and are able to support each other during crises, even when they don't get along otherwise, is beautiful. Their conditions aren't apologized for, over-explained or over-analyzed; they just are. The matter-of-fact way that they relate to each other builds an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding and leads to wonderful friendships.
I'm so happy to be able to share about this book as Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to a close.
I received an early digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
This story hit me right in the heart from the start. Case is on his way to "adventure therapy" camp with a group of other teenagers when the story opens. Since the death of his brother, Case has felt lost and detached, his anxiety intensifying in a way it hasn't before. Everyone in the group is struggling with their mental health in some way and has come, reluctantly agreed to come, or possibly even been tricked into coming on this "adventure" in the hope that the experience will somehow help.
The days that follow bring an unforgettable story of survival, friendship, and bravery. The kids find themselves alone and literally fighting for their lives. At the same time they are each managing their anxiety without their medication and learning to work together and support each other. Case and fellow camper Diana are also both grieving Case's brother Sean and trying to figure out how to address the complicated feelings surrounding their fractured friendship.
The mental health representation here is done so well which makes sense when you read the acknowledgements and see that the author himself lives with anxiety disorder. The ways that the teenagers relate to each other and are able to support each other during crises, even when they don't get along otherwise, is beautiful. Their conditions aren't apologized for, over-explained or over-analyzed; they just are. The matter-of-fact way that they relate to each other builds an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding and leads to wonderful friendships.
I'm so happy to be able to share about this book as Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to a close.
I received an early digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
June 30, 2026
Sudden change of pace on a camping trip for troubled teens.
You feel you know the genre - a 'finding yourself' outdoor adventure, with teens on medication for anxiety bundled together for some bonding and self-examination activities, sent off to be returned a happier, whole person.
That's what this trip should have been for a handful of young people in America, as Case reluctantly joins a group to go trekking following his older brother's recent death. With other kids equally troubled by their own issues, including his brother's girlfriend, Case and his new acquaintances are just starting to get used to the days of talk therapy and blisters when the counsellor leading the group goes missing. With their food and more importantly - medications.
Turning the genre and expectation on its head, the plot goes full 'wilderness survival', with the out-of-their-depth adolescents coping with building shelters, finding food in the wild, and getting each other through panic attacks and even bear attacks.
I suspended disbelief to accept that a group like this would be able to get away with only having one adult in charge. And then I enjoyed the story, watching the backstories unfold, seeing how the characters coped when flung into challenging circumstances, and definitely hoping they'd make it out at the end.
Some good interactions between characters, good variety of personalities and problems. Lots of challenges thrown in their way made this entertaining and at times thoughtful.
Wasn't sure about the light romance in there, but I did enjoy seeing the unique idea of kids with mental health issues and social anxiety having to 'get over it' to literally survive.
One for ages 13+
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
You feel you know the genre - a 'finding yourself' outdoor adventure, with teens on medication for anxiety bundled together for some bonding and self-examination activities, sent off to be returned a happier, whole person.
That's what this trip should have been for a handful of young people in America, as Case reluctantly joins a group to go trekking following his older brother's recent death. With other kids equally troubled by their own issues, including his brother's girlfriend, Case and his new acquaintances are just starting to get used to the days of talk therapy and blisters when the counsellor leading the group goes missing. With their food and more importantly - medications.
Turning the genre and expectation on its head, the plot goes full 'wilderness survival', with the out-of-their-depth adolescents coping with building shelters, finding food in the wild, and getting each other through panic attacks and even bear attacks.
I suspended disbelief to accept that a group like this would be able to get away with only having one adult in charge. And then I enjoyed the story, watching the backstories unfold, seeing how the characters coped when flung into challenging circumstances, and definitely hoping they'd make it out at the end.
Some good interactions between characters, good variety of personalities and problems. Lots of challenges thrown in their way made this entertaining and at times thoughtful.
Wasn't sure about the light romance in there, but I did enjoy seeing the unique idea of kids with mental health issues and social anxiety having to 'get over it' to literally survive.
One for ages 13+
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
June 20, 2026
How to Lose Yourself Completely is one of the most uniquely written, character-driven and emotionally raw YA novels I’ve ever read.
This story follows Case as he navigates grief, anxiety and the aftermath of losing his older brother. When his parents encourage him to try “Adventure Therapy,” he finds himself in the wilderness alongside a group of fellow teens, each navigating their own struggles. Written in second-person, with “you” directly addressing the reader, this novel creates an immersive, almost choose-your-adventure feel that makes Case’s journey all the more high-stakes.
What begins as a therapeutic wilderness program quickly takes an unexpected turn when the group's counselor mysteriously disappears, leaving a group of anxious strangers to navigate the challenges ahead on their own.
Peter Bognanni approaches complex topics — including mental health, anxiety, panic disorder, addiction, depression, grief and loss — with incredible care, empathy and authenticity. I wish I’d had a book like this as a young reader. It would have helped normalize so many difficult and complex emotions, while still offering a sense of hope.
More than anything, hope was my biggest takeaway from this story. Throughout this high-stakes adventure, these characters repeatedly found ways to keep moving forward, even when the odds felt stacked against them.
As someone who understands how easy it can be to get stuck in anxiety, I found this message especially powerful — sometimes the hardest part is believing there is a way through it but this book reminds us that there is! Highly recommend if you yourself are looking for a summer read that touches on more complex topics or if you have a teen (ages 14-18) in your life who may be struggling with some difficult emotions.
Thank you to Fierce Reads for the gifted copy!
This story follows Case as he navigates grief, anxiety and the aftermath of losing his older brother. When his parents encourage him to try “Adventure Therapy,” he finds himself in the wilderness alongside a group of fellow teens, each navigating their own struggles. Written in second-person, with “you” directly addressing the reader, this novel creates an immersive, almost choose-your-adventure feel that makes Case’s journey all the more high-stakes.
What begins as a therapeutic wilderness program quickly takes an unexpected turn when the group's counselor mysteriously disappears, leaving a group of anxious strangers to navigate the challenges ahead on their own.
Peter Bognanni approaches complex topics — including mental health, anxiety, panic disorder, addiction, depression, grief and loss — with incredible care, empathy and authenticity. I wish I’d had a book like this as a young reader. It would have helped normalize so many difficult and complex emotions, while still offering a sense of hope.
More than anything, hope was my biggest takeaway from this story. Throughout this high-stakes adventure, these characters repeatedly found ways to keep moving forward, even when the odds felt stacked against them.
As someone who understands how easy it can be to get stuck in anxiety, I found this message especially powerful — sometimes the hardest part is believing there is a way through it but this book reminds us that there is! Highly recommend if you yourself are looking for a summer read that touches on more complex topics or if you have a teen (ages 14-18) in your life who may be struggling with some difficult emotions.
Thank you to Fierce Reads for the gifted copy!
June 16, 2026
🛶What an unexpected 4.5-5⭐ read this was!! I confess - my expectations for this book did not align with it being sooo GOOD! I'm not a huge YA reader - but this book absolutely didn't feel like a teen read - though it is appropriate for that age group as well.
🌳We have sweet and awkward Case who has been struggling with a significant anxiety diagnosis since he was young. Desperate to end the spiral he's been caught in since the sudden death of his older brother, he signs up for adventure therapy.
🛶Case and a group of teens set out to camp and paddle their way through the wilderness. There is someone from Case's past on the trip that adds another element and genre to this read.
🌳Once their camp counselor goes missing and they are left without a map and barely any food, this novel turns it up a notch. They are in a race for survival while elements of mental health, grief, romance and danger come to play.
🛶The present tense storyline unfolds with flashbacks to Case's relationship with his brother. The writing was powerful, compelling and I was blown away by this read. Highly recommend it!! Zach Barela narrated this book and gave a seamless performance for each and every character. His narration both elevated and complimented the writing for this novel. Phenomenal job.
🌳Thank you to Macmillan Audio for access to a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. All opinions shared are my own and are freely given.
🌳We have sweet and awkward Case who has been struggling with a significant anxiety diagnosis since he was young. Desperate to end the spiral he's been caught in since the sudden death of his older brother, he signs up for adventure therapy.
🛶Case and a group of teens set out to camp and paddle their way through the wilderness. There is someone from Case's past on the trip that adds another element and genre to this read.
🌳Once their camp counselor goes missing and they are left without a map and barely any food, this novel turns it up a notch. They are in a race for survival while elements of mental health, grief, romance and danger come to play.
🛶The present tense storyline unfolds with flashbacks to Case's relationship with his brother. The writing was powerful, compelling and I was blown away by this read. Highly recommend it!! Zach Barela narrated this book and gave a seamless performance for each and every character. His narration both elevated and complimented the writing for this novel. Phenomenal job.
🌳Thank you to Macmillan Audio for access to a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. All opinions shared are my own and are freely given.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Case has anxiety. He’s had it for years but it’s worse since his beloved older brother Sean died. Now he’s on his way to a wilderness camp with a group of other troubled teens: Diana, Fran, Troy and Will. All strangers… or so Case thought until he realises Diana was his brother’s girlfriend… and their own back story is complicated…
Their unusual leader Silas leads them into the wilderness, behaves oddly and then disappears leaving the group to navigate their way out. Battling withdrawal, bears, rapids, hunger and wildfires as well as their own internal demons, what will become of the group?
There seems to be a trend for books about troubled teens getting lost in the wilderness. This one is less about mystery and more about survival… both of their immediate circumstances but also of the issues that led them to the camp on the first place. The focus is on Case throughout as alternate chapters tell the story of his brother and their life but we get little insights into some of the others’ troubles too.
As a representation of anxiety etc. I can’t really comment on its accuracy or believability. As a story about a group of teens facing the challenge of being lost, I’m not sure how much appeal it has, at least to the London-based teens I know!
Grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for a free eARC.
Their unusual leader Silas leads them into the wilderness, behaves oddly and then disappears leaving the group to navigate their way out. Battling withdrawal, bears, rapids, hunger and wildfires as well as their own internal demons, what will become of the group?
There seems to be a trend for books about troubled teens getting lost in the wilderness. This one is less about mystery and more about survival… both of their immediate circumstances but also of the issues that led them to the camp on the first place. The focus is on Case throughout as alternate chapters tell the story of his brother and their life but we get little insights into some of the others’ troubles too.
As a representation of anxiety etc. I can’t really comment on its accuracy or believability. As a story about a group of teens facing the challenge of being lost, I’m not sure how much appeal it has, at least to the London-based teens I know!
Grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for a free eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this story, and I feel like this book is going to be big! I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator Zach Barela did an amazing job! I really like how he was able to portray all the emotions that the main character was going through, while also making it funny! Since finishing this audiobook I have recommended it to almost everyone I know!
This book was written using a second person narrative, that in my opinion made it easier to relate to. As someone who has anxiety, I felt that Peter Bognanni did a phenomenal job of capturing just how much anxiety can shape your life, but also be a superpower in disguise. Throughout the book, the characters different anxieties actually helped them survive the wilderness.
Another big part of this book, was the concept of found family. At the beginning of the trip, all of the characters feel like they have nobody who sees them completely, but by the end of the book they have all made lifelong friends who will always be there for them. It was such a beautiful transition to see how the characters went from believing that they were broken and alone, to realizing that they had people who loved them for who they are, anxiety and all.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an audiobook arc! All opinions are my own.
This book was written using a second person narrative, that in my opinion made it easier to relate to. As someone who has anxiety, I felt that Peter Bognanni did a phenomenal job of capturing just how much anxiety can shape your life, but also be a superpower in disguise. Throughout the book, the characters different anxieties actually helped them survive the wilderness.
Another big part of this book, was the concept of found family. At the beginning of the trip, all of the characters feel like they have nobody who sees them completely, but by the end of the book they have all made lifelong friends who will always be there for them. It was such a beautiful transition to see how the characters went from believing that they were broken and alone, to realizing that they had people who loved them for who they are, anxiety and all.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an audiobook arc! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's and Macmillan Audio for providing me with advanced copies.
This was a nice book about adventure therapy, anxiety and found family. There is a lot of discussion about mental health and to me it felt like it was done carefully. My major issue is with the way this book was written. It's a personal preference but I dislike second person PoV with an intensity. I'm of the opinion that it should never be used except in certain horror novels where you want to scare the reader. If one can get past this issue, then it's a nice story with nice characters. I wasn't really able to relate to or feel attached to any character unfortunately but they were well developed, at least the main characters Case and Diana. The rest of them kind of faded into the background for me. I really liked the way the story handled Case dealing with grief and slowly getting better. I also liked Case and Diana's relationship dynamic. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book where the main characters are dealing with and healing from anxiety issues.
The audiobook was narrated well. The gendered voices were smooth enough without taking me out of the story. It definitely improved my reading experience.
This was a nice book about adventure therapy, anxiety and found family. There is a lot of discussion about mental health and to me it felt like it was done carefully. My major issue is with the way this book was written. It's a personal preference but I dislike second person PoV with an intensity. I'm of the opinion that it should never be used except in certain horror novels where you want to scare the reader. If one can get past this issue, then it's a nice story with nice characters. I wasn't really able to relate to or feel attached to any character unfortunately but they were well developed, at least the main characters Case and Diana. The rest of them kind of faded into the background for me. I really liked the way the story handled Case dealing with grief and slowly getting better. I also liked Case and Diana's relationship dynamic. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book where the main characters are dealing with and healing from anxiety issues.
The audiobook was narrated well. The gendered voices were smooth enough without taking me out of the story. It definitely improved my reading experience.
October 3, 2025
Loved this action packed wilderness survival book about a group of teens who go away for “adventure therapy.” Case doesn’t want to go but after his brother, Sean’s, death, his parents made him. Who’s also on the bus? His brother’s ex-girlfriend, Diane. There is only one therapy person, Silas, with them. Once they get there Silas tells them they need to get their own food and to challenge themselves. When they wake up the next morning, Silas is gone along with his tent and canoe. They head out looking for him and find a small island. So much happens as Case and Diane talk about Sean’s death and each feeling guilt over that. They find Silas’ body and bury it. When they head out again to try and find a way out, they see a wildfire. Eventually Troy is knocked out and is unconscious. They wonder how will they survive until someone hears a plane. They are rescued. What happens with Troy? Such a great book about survival, supporting those with anxiety, and connecting with others in ways you didn’t know you could.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
So let me start by saying, that the vast majority of this book is written in second person and it REALLY threw me for a loop initially. To the point where I almost stopped because it felt too weird. But I did eventually get used to it and I will just say that it has such a beautiful and poignant reason for being written this way…but you won’t understand until the end, so hang in there!
This is a YA book that deals with heavy themes such as grief and anxiety. It handles them so well, especially from a teenage perspective, but I would caution anyone not in a place to deal with heavier topics to pass on this one.
I would also say to go into this book blind if possible. Imo, the summary online gives too much away.
Our MMC, Case, goes on a wilderness “adventure therapy” trip—if you’ve read Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center, it reminded me a lot of this, except much heavier and less lighthearted. The trip starts fine until things go REALLY downhill.
The found family created in this story is so beautifully woven. We also go back and forth between past and present to give us a feel for what Case has been through. I liked this format for this story, and while I would say this story leans toward character-driven, A LOT of plot still happens. I was fully in it.
The story is deep, impactful, healing; but the ENDING. Oh, the last couple of sentences are just so brilliant and made my heart ache. I loved it so much.
Although this book is YA and centers around teenagers (and is appropriate for this age group), I also think it’s a powerful read for adults as well.
🎧Zach Barela does a great job bringing Case to life with a very age-appropriate voice. I think it was easier getting used to the second person voice by listening to the story vs eyeball reading, so that would be my method recommendation!
This is a YA book that deals with heavy themes such as grief and anxiety. It handles them so well, especially from a teenage perspective, but I would caution anyone not in a place to deal with heavier topics to pass on this one.
I would also say to go into this book blind if possible. Imo, the summary online gives too much away.
Our MMC, Case, goes on a wilderness “adventure therapy” trip—if you’ve read Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center, it reminded me a lot of this, except much heavier and less lighthearted. The trip starts fine until things go REALLY downhill.
The found family created in this story is so beautifully woven. We also go back and forth between past and present to give us a feel for what Case has been through. I liked this format for this story, and while I would say this story leans toward character-driven, A LOT of plot still happens. I was fully in it.
The story is deep, impactful, healing; but the ENDING. Oh, the last couple of sentences are just so brilliant and made my heart ache. I loved it so much.
Although this book is YA and centers around teenagers (and is appropriate for this age group), I also think it’s a powerful read for adults as well.
🎧Zach Barela does a great job bringing Case to life with a very age-appropriate voice. I think it was easier getting used to the second person voice by listening to the story vs eyeball reading, so that would be my method recommendation!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Case’s anxiety has only gotten worse since Sean’s death. His parents convince him to go on an adventure therapy trip to help him, and begrudgingly he agrees. When he wakes up on the bus however, he hears the voice of the one person he has been trying to avoid. Then their guide goes missing, and Case and the other 4 anxiety ridden teens are left trying to find their way to safety.
OOOOF this trip is my nightmare. Seriously, give me my anxiety any day, I do not want to be left alone in the wilderness. I can manage a lot, but let’s be real, I love my own bed! It took me a minute to track that this book is first person from Case’s point of view, but once my brain caught on, I was in. I also found my heart bursting as these 5 kids built true beautiful friendships throughout the hardships they faced. These kids had already faced so much through life, and I was rooting for them through every page. This one kept me turning the pages and I truly enjoyed it!
Thank you to @fiercereads for my gifted copy of this book!
OOOOF this trip is my nightmare. Seriously, give me my anxiety any day, I do not want to be left alone in the wilderness. I can manage a lot, but let’s be real, I love my own bed! It took me a minute to track that this book is first person from Case’s point of view, but once my brain caught on, I was in. I also found my heart bursting as these 5 kids built true beautiful friendships throughout the hardships they faced. These kids had already faced so much through life, and I was rooting for them through every page. This one kept me turning the pages and I truly enjoyed it!
Thank you to @fiercereads for my gifted copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Case has always struggled with anxiety, but never more so than since the death of his adored older sibling, Sean. In desperation, it is decided that he will try adventure therapy as a curative measure, but things don't go according to plan on that front either.
In this group of troubled teens, Case finds his brother's girlfriend Diana - a decidedly unexpected and not particularly welcome surprise.
Then their troop leader Silas disappears, leaving a group of very ill equipped misfits to deal with a set of challenges of which they have no experience whatsoever - with dangers loomibg in the form of possible bear encounters and wildfires, as well as more mundane concerns, such as hunger and discomfort.
This is a story on a theme that has become quite popular in recent times - namely, unsupervised teenagers surviving in the wilderness - but with the added twist of navigating a grief journey for Diana and Case.
Well observed and emotionally astute, this gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
In this group of troubled teens, Case finds his brother's girlfriend Diana - a decidedly unexpected and not particularly welcome surprise.
Then their troop leader Silas disappears, leaving a group of very ill equipped misfits to deal with a set of challenges of which they have no experience whatsoever - with dangers loomibg in the form of possible bear encounters and wildfires, as well as more mundane concerns, such as hunger and discomfort.
This is a story on a theme that has become quite popular in recent times - namely, unsupervised teenagers surviving in the wilderness - but with the added twist of navigating a grief journey for Diana and Case.
Well observed and emotionally astute, this gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy
I picked up Peter Bognanni's latest expecting a solid YA grief story. I did not expect to have my heart cracked open and then stitched back together by page 200. Case's brother Sean is dead, and Case's anxiety has been spiraling ever since. When his parents suggest adventure therapy a bus full of nervous strangers, forced sharing, cringey singing he's desperate enough to go. Then he sees Diana, his brother's girlfriend, on the same bus. The person he's been trying hardest to avoid. What follows is part survival story (the guide disappears, things go wrong), part unflinching look at grief, and part weird, beautiful bonding between a group of kids who have nothing in common but their prescriptions and their complete lack of social skills. Bognanni writes anxiety with such precision the spiral, the physical weight of it that I felt it in my chest. Raw, funny, and surprisingly hopeful. The kind of book you finish and immediately want to press into someone else's hands.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How to Lose Yourself Completely is a story about grief, love, hope and survival. It weaves the memories of the past with the story of the present and is told from a unique POV that really brings you into the story and specifically the experiences of Case. the main character.
The author did such an amazing job putting the thought processes of an anxious person on the page in a relatable and all too realistic way. All too often anxiety is portrayed in fiction with the stereotypes and it leans into it being something to be ashamed of. This book portrays the shame that most people with anxiety feel but as the characters move through the story, they start to push back on that society enforced shame in a way that is liberating.
The audiobook version of this story was a great experience. The narrator did a great job with timing and emotion, making it a very enjoyable experience despite the emotional content.
The author did such an amazing job putting the thought processes of an anxious person on the page in a relatable and all too realistic way. All too often anxiety is portrayed in fiction with the stereotypes and it leans into it being something to be ashamed of. This book portrays the shame that most people with anxiety feel but as the characters move through the story, they start to push back on that society enforced shame in a way that is liberating.
The audiobook version of this story was a great experience. The narrator did a great job with timing and emotion, making it a very enjoyable experience despite the emotional content.
October 13, 2025
I am reviewing this book as an ARC that I received from Netgalley and this review is just my opinion of the book
The story grabs your attention immediately and doesn't let up. The characters are developed and well written and you will care about them all the way to the last page. Pacing and story development are brilliant throughout the book. If you think this is just another YA plot about troubled teens you will be surprised to find how much you can relate to these characters. Those parts are truly heartbreaking at times. The narrator is told from the point of view from Case, refered to as "you" and it took some getting use to as the story went on. Then there is this magical moment at the end when "you" becomes "I" and it's a brilliant merging of character to story. All that to say you will love this book. Don't miss it.
The story grabs your attention immediately and doesn't let up. The characters are developed and well written and you will care about them all the way to the last page. Pacing and story development are brilliant throughout the book. If you think this is just another YA plot about troubled teens you will be surprised to find how much you can relate to these characters. Those parts are truly heartbreaking at times. The narrator is told from the point of view from Case, refered to as "you" and it took some getting use to as the story went on. Then there is this magical moment at the end when "you" becomes "I" and it's a brilliant merging of character to story. All that to say you will love this book. Don't miss it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 — 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙏𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 🌲
by Peter Bognanni
pub date: June 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thank you netgalley & Balzer + Bray for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
How To Lose Yourself Completely is a book about Case, a teen trying to grapple grief and anxiety, who enrolls in an adventure therapy program. this book made me feel all the nostalgia as the writing style brought me back to my early days of reading, told in second person POV. the writing made me feel fully immersed and kept me hooked since day one.
the characters and plot are extremely well written, i ate it up completely.
will definitely be picking up more of Peter Bognanni’s writing as this piece was absolutely amazing
by Peter Bognanni
pub date: June 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thank you netgalley & Balzer + Bray for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
How To Lose Yourself Completely is a book about Case, a teen trying to grapple grief and anxiety, who enrolls in an adventure therapy program. this book made me feel all the nostalgia as the writing style brought me back to my early days of reading, told in second person POV. the writing made me feel fully immersed and kept me hooked since day one.
the characters and plot are extremely well written, i ate it up completely.
will definitely be picking up more of Peter Bognanni’s writing as this piece was absolutely amazing
May 24, 2026
So many books are female narrated and the male plays a supporting character. I really appreciated the change up here. I feel like it broadens the audience and one day soon my son could read and enjoy this book.
Case has major anxiety issues. After losing his brother, that turns into so much more. With no where else to turn, he is sent on a teen adventure camp. It’s a rag tag group of teens, but someone familiar is there. It’s the girl Case has know for years but someone he has been recently ignoring.
Leave it up to tragedy, adventure, and natural disaster for these teens pull through. The group becomes so much more than a small crew trying to overcome their troubles to friends who share a bond that cannot be broken.
Thank you to netgalley for this eARC audiobook!
Case has major anxiety issues. After losing his brother, that turns into so much more. With no where else to turn, he is sent on a teen adventure camp. It’s a rag tag group of teens, but someone familiar is there. It’s the girl Case has know for years but someone he has been recently ignoring.
Leave it up to tragedy, adventure, and natural disaster for these teens pull through. The group becomes so much more than a small crew trying to overcome their troubles to friends who share a bond that cannot be broken.
Thank you to netgalley for this eARC audiobook!
June 1, 2026
This was a great read. A coming of age book that truly felt like a book for many age groups. It dealt with many themes such as anxiety disorders, mental illness, generational trauma, and identity. Through shared experiences and an unforeseen traumatic event, Case forms a bond with other young adults grappling with the struggles of severe anxiety and other mental health issues. In creating said bond, he’s able to confront his own struggles head on and forgive himself while stepping forward into his own healings journey. I truly enjoyed this book and loved how each character was able to learn and deal with their own struggles. The later half of the book was so intense that at some point, survival had to kick in before anxiety and fear. Rated 4.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 Did not expect this to twist into a highstakes, survival mode, very cool ending. Having been diagnosed with anxiety I related a lot to these characters. We can act on adrenaline as well and survival mode kicks in, so yup we can help others, but I can guess a lot of downtime after. Eheh. Main themes: anxiety, mental health, grief, panic attacks, addiction, lack of communication due to fear (no safe family environment to be open). The author keeps the themes very contemporary, it's impossible not to have some breakdown with our current times, people being killed by authority that should protect us, climate, wildfires, and more. My favorite character was Troy. Ahah.
June 13, 2026
This was an interesting book to listen to. The 2nd person POV took a bit to get used to, but the book mentioned the Choose Your Own Adventure books from the 80s several times, so I guess it makes sense that the author chose that format.
This book is a survival story where the main character, Case, is also dealing with guilt and depression and anxiety after his brother's death. As we (you) go on the wilderness adventure trip with Case and his brother's girlfriend and a few other kids, we (you) also go back in time as Case works through everything around the death of his older brother.
There are some pretty dark themes throughout the book, but it ends on a hopeful note.
This book is a survival story where the main character, Case, is also dealing with guilt and depression and anxiety after his brother's death. As we (you) go on the wilderness adventure trip with Case and his brother's girlfriend and a few other kids, we (you) also go back in time as Case works through everything around the death of his older brother.
There are some pretty dark themes throughout the book, but it ends on a hopeful note.
June 20, 2026
This is a powerful story about grief and anxiety, in a unique voice and setting.
The main character, Case, is vividly brought to life in two very different places in his life: on a disastrous adventure trip, and in flashbacks to before his brother died. With these two timelines, we see so much of his growth and the progress of his anxiety.
The supporting characters are fully developed and empathetic, and the found-family dynamic makes the book hopeful despite the tragic subject matter.
The writing style is also excellent, with the choice to write in second-person (like a Choose Your Own Adventure book) providing an interesting metaphor.
The main character, Case, is vividly brought to life in two very different places in his life: on a disastrous adventure trip, and in flashbacks to before his brother died. With these two timelines, we see so much of his growth and the progress of his anxiety.
The supporting characters are fully developed and empathetic, and the found-family dynamic makes the book hopeful despite the tragic subject matter.
The writing style is also excellent, with the choice to write in second-person (like a Choose Your Own Adventure book) providing an interesting metaphor.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can you imagine reading a book three times and crying at the end, EVERY SINGLE TIME?!? Full disclosure: I'm married to the author. I read this novel in various forms over the course of three years, while he was writing it. But I'm totally serious when I say that the ending got me every single time. This story is like a swiftly moving current, equal parts adventure and introspection, with a killer love story that carries you to an absolutely incredible ending. SO good I'm now reading it a fourth time! And he doesn't even know I'm writing this review :)
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