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All of Our Mental Cages
Not yet published
Expected 17 Apr 26Meet Marjorie, Freddie, and Will.
Marjorie is planning the perfect wedding, but behind the scenes, she’s quietly self-sabotaging everything, convinced she doesn’t deserve happiness.
Freddie has made a devastating, drunken confession at his work Christmas party. In the wake of his reckless actions, his perfectly curated life begins to unravel.
Will is trapped in a loop of toxic love and heartbreak with a much older man—and he can’t seem to break free.
As they stumble through the murky haze of their late twenties, each seeks comfort in all the wrong places. But life is finally catching up with them, and as they veer from one regretful decision to another, Marjorie, Freddie, and Will are forced to confront their broken pasts.
By reckoning with their vulnerabilities, can they rediscover who they really are and learn to fall in love with life again—or will they lose themselves for good?
Told from three intimate points of view, All Of Our Mental Cages is a disarmingly honest novel about relationships, addiction, dysfunctional families, and the sharp reality of figuring out how to be grown-ups.
Marjorie is planning the perfect wedding, but behind the scenes, she’s quietly self-sabotaging everything, convinced she doesn’t deserve happiness.
Freddie has made a devastating, drunken confession at his work Christmas party. In the wake of his reckless actions, his perfectly curated life begins to unravel.
Will is trapped in a loop of toxic love and heartbreak with a much older man—and he can’t seem to break free.
As they stumble through the murky haze of their late twenties, each seeks comfort in all the wrong places. But life is finally catching up with them, and as they veer from one regretful decision to another, Marjorie, Freddie, and Will are forced to confront their broken pasts.
By reckoning with their vulnerabilities, can they rediscover who they really are and learn to fall in love with life again—or will they lose themselves for good?
Told from three intimate points of view, All Of Our Mental Cages is a disarmingly honest novel about relationships, addiction, dysfunctional families, and the sharp reality of figuring out how to be grown-ups.
Paperback
Expected publication April 17, 2026
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Diana V. Fernandes
1 book5 followersDiana V. Fernandes is a self-publishing author whose work spans contemporary fiction to YA dystopia. Her stories explore grief, human connection, personal growth, and adventure -whether action-packed or an emotional rollercoaster.
Her debut novel, "All of Our Mental Cages," follows three people in their 20s who feel lost and struggle to reconnect with the best version of themselves. Inspired by personal experiences, travel, and favorite books, she writes to craft stories that resonate deeply with readers.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, and spending time with friends, family, and, of course, her cat.
Her debut novel, "All of Our Mental Cages," follows three people in their 20s who feel lost and struggle to reconnect with the best version of themselves. Inspired by personal experiences, travel, and favorite books, she writes to craft stories that resonate deeply with readers.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, and spending time with friends, family, and, of course, her cat.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 28, 2026
I'm sooo incredibly proud of Diana for writing this masterpiece.
At first, I struggled a little to connect with the characters, but as the story unfolded, everything clicked into place in the most satisfying way. The emotional depth and the way the threads intertwine are beautifully done.
I loved getting to know Marjorie, Freds, and Will - each of them complex, flawed, relatable, and deeply human. Without giving anything away, let’s just say this book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Expect brilliant plot twists, unexpected parallels, growing pains, family drama, the confusion of your twenties, and sharp, genuinely funny banter.
Do yourself a favor and go read it!
At first, I struggled a little to connect with the characters, but as the story unfolded, everything clicked into place in the most satisfying way. The emotional depth and the way the threads intertwine are beautifully done.
I loved getting to know Marjorie, Freds, and Will - each of them complex, flawed, relatable, and deeply human. Without giving anything away, let’s just say this book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. Expect brilliant plot twists, unexpected parallels, growing pains, family drama, the confusion of your twenties, and sharp, genuinely funny banter.
Do yourself a favor and go read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the story, and the character development made me feel like I actually knew these people. The struggles they face in their twenties made me happy to realize that it’s normal to feel lost during these years of so much confusion. My favorite was definitely Freddie, and the grief element was so well done—so real. Best of luck in your career, Diana. I would happily read all your ARCs!
Quotes I liked:
"The things is, when your house is a mess, you don't invite others into it. (...) They don't get to see the hoarding cupboards, the messy bedroom, or the dusty attic. They see the nice living room, the pristine kitchen, and the backyard. But when people care enough, they want to see the whole thing in its natural state.(...)"
"Sometimes, people save each other by simply being."
"Different types of friends with whom he does different things that now complement his life."
"(...)he is a house, and that each room represents a part of himself, which he either want people to enter or not."
"Parents just want what they think is best for us. It's our job to tell them what that best is."
"Because, you see, life isn't just a one flavored ice cream. You have to taste them all to properly enjoy it."
Quotes I liked:
"The things is, when your house is a mess, you don't invite others into it. (...) They don't get to see the hoarding cupboards, the messy bedroom, or the dusty attic. They see the nice living room, the pristine kitchen, and the backyard. But when people care enough, they want to see the whole thing in its natural state.(...)"
"Sometimes, people save each other by simply being."
"Different types of friends with whom he does different things that now complement his life."
"(...)he is a house, and that each room represents a part of himself, which he either want people to enter or not."
"Parents just want what they think is best for us. It's our job to tell them what that best is."
"Because, you see, life isn't just a one flavored ice cream. You have to taste them all to properly enjoy it."
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, I am so insanely proud of my Bookstagram friend Diana on her debut novel! I can really tell she put her blood, sweat, and tears into this novel and this is by far the best debut novel I have read. Majorie, Freddie, and Will are all interesting, important, complex characters that all went through very emotional and eye-opening changes in their lives. I felt that the story was so unique with a lot more plot twists than I thought it would have, making it much more interesting and compelling to read. I do think that it was a bit long, feeling drug out at some parts as well as being a little too wordy in others. Receiving a 4 star rating on a debut novel is absolutely incredible and I am so incredibly honored to have received this ARC. I wish Diana all the success in the world and would love to read more of her work in the future!🤩🤞🏼🍦
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews