What do you think?
The Long Road Home
Brooke never meant to survive, hoping that the suicide attempt would end all of her suffering. After years of rejection, pain, and heartbreak, she feels as though she's not good enough for anyone. Now she's stuck in a hospital, being forced to take antidepressants and is getting therapy for her issues.
And she hates it until she meets Matt.
Now Brooke must remember the past in order to better her future, while trying to keep her feelings for the new patient in check. In this heartbreaking novel, a young girl will laugh, cry, and fight to find her way home to the one place that's been ruined one too many times--her own heart.
And she hates it until she meets Matt.
Now Brooke must remember the past in order to better her future, while trying to keep her feelings for the new patient in check. In this heartbreaking novel, a young girl will laugh, cry, and fight to find her way home to the one place that's been ruined one too many times--her own heart.
Paperback
First published April 15, 2016
About the author
Alec John Belle
57 books71 followersAlec John Belle resides in Carson City, NV, where he is currently attending high school for his senior year. At the age of 16 he wrote his first novel, Before I Break. His hobbies include reading, writing, and obsessing over Pretty Little Liars. He writes about tough topics that many are too afraid to talk about like suicide, homosexuality, self harm, bullying, mental illness, among other teenage issues, and he often blends these ideas with the paranormal. Despite writing such topics, he is a very cheerful person who enjoys looking for the best in life, while trying to help others do the same.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 3, 2017
*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was an intense and emotionally gripping read. The author does not sugar coat mental illness and the ending is equal parts tragic and hopeful. The writing was quite beautiful and the plot was good but some of the characters seemed a bit cliche as well as the situations the main character Brooke finds herself in. I also wanted to know more about Matt and why he stopped talking to Brooke after they were released. I was especially intrigued as it was hinted in the book that his situation was more complex than it seemed and we are never really given any insight into exactly what caused hi to consider suicide. Overall, this was an emotional read that was quite well written but may contain triggers for people who have or are experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts/suicide and self-harm.
This was an intense and emotionally gripping read. The author does not sugar coat mental illness and the ending is equal parts tragic and hopeful. The writing was quite beautiful and the plot was good but some of the characters seemed a bit cliche as well as the situations the main character Brooke finds herself in. I also wanted to know more about Matt and why he stopped talking to Brooke after they were released. I was especially intrigued as it was hinted in the book that his situation was more complex than it seemed and we are never really given any insight into exactly what caused hi to consider suicide. Overall, this was an emotional read that was quite well written but may contain triggers for people who have or are experiencing depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts/suicide and self-harm.
November 19, 2016
This book isn't an easy read. It tackles with some serious things like self harm, suicide, depression, anxiety, dependency... and you can see it is something felt rather than especulated upon (and when you reach the end the author explains it).
All the book is pretty raw, there is no sugar coating the things like self harm with a knife, emotions, thoughts and pain... and so on.
We follow the protagonist of the book from her "then" to her "now", which has landed her onto a hospital after trying to off herself. There, she meets another patients and their stories. Quite the rollercoaster, I assure you.
All the book is pretty raw, there is no sugar coating the things like self harm with a knife, emotions, thoughts and pain... and so on.
We follow the protagonist of the book from her "then" to her "now", which has landed her onto a hospital after trying to off herself. There, she meets another patients and their stories. Quite the rollercoaster, I assure you.
March 27, 2016
First of, if you want to read this book, please be aware that the story might/is very triggering in different aspects such as cutting, suicide and abuse.
It's been a long time since I last read a book about depression and mental health. When I chose to read The Long Road Home, I didn't expect to go on such an emotional roller coaster:
The story is very intense and raw.
It's also very emotionals... (You'll probably need a few tissues while reading it).
I honestly feel like the story is a little bit too dark for people who are struggeling with depression, cutting, etc. They might be very triggered by the stry. Nevertheless, the story might help other people understand mental disorders a little better. Therefore I'd definitely recommend the book to them.
It's been a long time since I last read a book about depression and mental health. When I chose to read The Long Road Home, I didn't expect to go on such an emotional roller coaster:
The story is very intense and raw.
It's also very emotionals... (You'll probably need a few tissues while reading it).
I honestly feel like the story is a little bit too dark for people who are struggeling with depression, cutting, etc. They might be very triggered by the stry. Nevertheless, the story might help other people understand mental disorders a little better. Therefore I'd definitely recommend the book to them.
February 7, 2017
I enjoyed the book, but honestly did not like the ending. It was a dull end with too many unresolved issues. Also.....no one recovers miraculously within a week or two, so I would have loved if Brooke was given more time in the book to work through everything and really get better. Other than that, the book was good.
November 10, 2016
After trying to commit suicide for the second time, Brooke is sent to a psych hospital, only to find her nemesis is also a patient.
None of the characters felt particularly complex or unique; if anything they were beyond cliché. For example what psych hospital book is complete without an angry newcomer, hiding a world of pain and a mean girl who's really just hurting inside?
I believe that YA first person narratives should sound their stated age, not like adults writing teenage speak. THE LONG ROAD HOME distracted me with language I've never heard from teens. What seventh grader uses "whom" in her diary or talks about "conversing with"?
The plot explores no new territory nor does Alec John Belle tell a story we haven't read or seen in a movie multiple times.
For readers who enjoy mental health stories, they might enjoy THE LONG ROAD HOME, for those who want more unique, memorable stories, skip it.
December 13, 2016
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This book was SOOOOOO good..... OMG
Big triggers about cutting and suicide
This book hits home about issues that most teens are facing... BULLYING being the number one example. But the real question is...do we really know what is going on inside of other people. Do we know why people act the way they do????
This book totally explains about what bullying can do to someone and also it looks into why people bully other people.
This book is about brooke... a girl who attempted suicide twice..... she ended up in a mental hospital for teenagers...... little did she know...the person she hates the most...the person who caused all this grief.... is in there too.... Jennifer....
Jennifer is the typical popular pretty girl who is nothing but a bully and doesn't stop at all to make brooke's life a living hell.
And if it wasn't already bad enough that Jennifer is there, the next day Brooke meats Matt.
Will Matt be like Ian and Jason? Or will he be different?
The ending of this book is soooo good I would give it 100 stars.... it totally gets into your feels!!! I just couldn't put this book down so good.....
I can not wait to read another book by Alec Belle!!!!
Do yourself a favor and pick this book up along with some tissues and enjoy!!!!!
This book was SOOOOOO good..... OMG
Big triggers about cutting and suicide
This book hits home about issues that most teens are facing... BULLYING being the number one example. But the real question is...do we really know what is going on inside of other people. Do we know why people act the way they do????
This book totally explains about what bullying can do to someone and also it looks into why people bully other people.
This book is about brooke... a girl who attempted suicide twice..... she ended up in a mental hospital for teenagers...... little did she know...the person she hates the most...the person who caused all this grief.... is in there too.... Jennifer....
Jennifer is the typical popular pretty girl who is nothing but a bully and doesn't stop at all to make brooke's life a living hell.
And if it wasn't already bad enough that Jennifer is there, the next day Brooke meats Matt.
Will Matt be like Ian and Jason? Or will he be different?
The ending of this book is soooo good I would give it 100 stars.... it totally gets into your feels!!! I just couldn't put this book down so good.....
I can not wait to read another book by Alec Belle!!!!
Do yourself a favor and pick this book up along with some tissues and enjoy!!!!!
August 20, 2017
Sensitive yet enlightening...
This is my first time to read something about suicide. The topic itself is already sensitive but the author did an excellent job to convey the character's sufferings. I was saddened that in the end one of the character committed suicide. In my opinion, I just wished that Brooke could have replied to Jennifer's message as soon as she have read it. Maybe Jennifer was waiting for her reply. Maybe there is a chance that she might not have taken her life. But then again the author might simply conveying to the readers that when someone we loved committed suicide,we felt guilty and somewhat suffering too. Overall, it was good book to read. Thanks!
This is my first time to read something about suicide. The topic itself is already sensitive but the author did an excellent job to convey the character's sufferings. I was saddened that in the end one of the character committed suicide. In my opinion, I just wished that Brooke could have replied to Jennifer's message as soon as she have read it. Maybe Jennifer was waiting for her reply. Maybe there is a chance that she might not have taken her life. But then again the author might simply conveying to the readers that when someone we loved committed suicide,we felt guilty and somewhat suffering too. Overall, it was good book to read. Thanks!
May 21, 2019
Good read
Young girl, keeps falling in love. Unfortunately, the guys do not feel the same way. She starts cutting herself, and tried to commit suicide. Ends up in a mental institution. She finally gets help.
Young girl, keeps falling in love. Unfortunately, the guys do not feel the same way. She starts cutting herself, and tried to commit suicide. Ends up in a mental institution. She finally gets help.
December 17, 2016
This book really made me feel my depression again, as someone who has suffered I felt a connection to the main characters.
December 28, 2015
Thanks so much to the author for sending me an eGalley of this book for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.
I really loved this book. I wasn't too sure what to expect going in, but once I got into it, I knew I was hooked.
Similar to It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, this book takes place in a psychiatric hospital after the main character, Brooke, tries to commit suicide for the second time. By the way, I'm just going to warn you know, this book deals with very serious topics and triggers, such as suicide, and self-harm, such as cutting and overdosing, so if any of these affect you, maybe turn away now.
When this book first starts, you can tell that Brooke does not want to continue living. This was her second attempt and she's adamant on getting out to, in her words, "finish the job." The thing that is most important in this and other books dealing with suicide or mental illness is working through these tough topics, and incorporating hope as well. This was one of the truly grittiest novels on teen mental illness I have ever read, and the author works to bring in hope for the future.
I think what struck me most in this book was the writing style. It was so descriptive and when we were given insight to what was going through Brooke's head, you felt like you were in there with her. The struggles she was going through were your struggles. The writing style was so immersive, you felt like you were Brooke.
I really enjoyed the romantic elements of this book, and how Matt and Brooke interacted. You could just feel the connection between them, and along with Brooke's history with her past crushes, you could really see what was at stake for her if things went bad. Even when they just had daily banter, I could feel the tension between them.
Brooke for me was an interesting character. As someone who has never truly been in her shoes, and is not very familiar with cutting or the motives behind it, I was intrigued by her. Her descriptions were extremely vivid and I guess I never fully saw the extent of self-harm in this way. I really appreciated her growth, even though it was only for a week.
One of the other characters, Jennifer, a sort of antagonist with her own problems also ends up at the same hospital as Brooke. Through the THEN flashbacks, we see she has bullied Brooke non-stop for years, for no apparent reason. I disliked Jennifer from the beginning, but bad people aren't necessarily born, they are shaped that way. When the truth behind Jennifer is finally revealed, I was in shock. I definitely did not see any of that coming and pretty much sat in shock for a few minutes. My heart was broken for her after the end of the book, but that just shows that not everyone can beat their demons, no matter how hard they try.
I also appreciated the fact that this book was realistic and that not every ending is a happy one for every person.
I don't think I can give this book a full 5 stars just because of the timing. Brooke was only in the hospital for a week, but the story felt so much longer. It seemed like it went on for weeks, at least maybe that was because of the flashbacks to THEN. The other reason I didn't love this book as much as I could have was because of the flashbacks. Yes, they were helpful for backstory, and definitely necessary in some points, but it just felt too structured. NOW chapter, THEN chapter, NOW chapter, etc. There were points that I just wanted the NOW chapters, because I was so invested in the story, and it felt a little disjointed.
Overall, however, I very much enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to any and all. It deals with some LGBTQA+ issues as well as mental illness and is a book that I think many today could benefit from reading.
I really loved this book. I wasn't too sure what to expect going in, but once I got into it, I knew I was hooked.
Similar to It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini, this book takes place in a psychiatric hospital after the main character, Brooke, tries to commit suicide for the second time. By the way, I'm just going to warn you know, this book deals with very serious topics and triggers, such as suicide, and self-harm, such as cutting and overdosing, so if any of these affect you, maybe turn away now.
When this book first starts, you can tell that Brooke does not want to continue living. This was her second attempt and she's adamant on getting out to, in her words, "finish the job." The thing that is most important in this and other books dealing with suicide or mental illness is working through these tough topics, and incorporating hope as well. This was one of the truly grittiest novels on teen mental illness I have ever read, and the author works to bring in hope for the future.
I think what struck me most in this book was the writing style. It was so descriptive and when we were given insight to what was going through Brooke's head, you felt like you were in there with her. The struggles she was going through were your struggles. The writing style was so immersive, you felt like you were Brooke.
I really enjoyed the romantic elements of this book, and how Matt and Brooke interacted. You could just feel the connection between them, and along with Brooke's history with her past crushes, you could really see what was at stake for her if things went bad. Even when they just had daily banter, I could feel the tension between them.
Brooke for me was an interesting character. As someone who has never truly been in her shoes, and is not very familiar with cutting or the motives behind it, I was intrigued by her. Her descriptions were extremely vivid and I guess I never fully saw the extent of self-harm in this way. I really appreciated her growth, even though it was only for a week.
One of the other characters, Jennifer, a sort of antagonist with her own problems also ends up at the same hospital as Brooke. Through the THEN flashbacks, we see she has bullied Brooke non-stop for years, for no apparent reason. I disliked Jennifer from the beginning, but bad people aren't necessarily born, they are shaped that way. When the truth behind Jennifer is finally revealed, I was in shock. I definitely did not see any of that coming and pretty much sat in shock for a few minutes. My heart was broken for her after the end of the book, but that just shows that not everyone can beat their demons, no matter how hard they try.
I also appreciated the fact that this book was realistic and that not every ending is a happy one for every person.
I don't think I can give this book a full 5 stars just because of the timing. Brooke was only in the hospital for a week, but the story felt so much longer. It seemed like it went on for weeks, at least maybe that was because of the flashbacks to THEN. The other reason I didn't love this book as much as I could have was because of the flashbacks. Yes, they were helpful for backstory, and definitely necessary in some points, but it just felt too structured. NOW chapter, THEN chapter, NOW chapter, etc. There were points that I just wanted the NOW chapters, because I was so invested in the story, and it felt a little disjointed.
Overall, however, I very much enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to any and all. It deals with some LGBTQA+ issues as well as mental illness and is a book that I think many today could benefit from reading.
October 15, 2015
Original review
First of all I want thank Alec for giving me a beta copy, you truly are an amazing person!
The Long Road Home is a book about Brooke. Brooke isn't your average happy girl in high school, no Brooke is depressed and struggles with a lot of issues. Every time Brooke falls in love with a boy, it ends terrible. It ends deadly. It all started with Ian, and there were other guys too, but Jason triggered her suicidal thoughts.
Love is a vile thing. It's a disease, catching you by the throat, suffocating you until there's no air left inside. As you gasp for air, it pulls you down, further into the abyss of your heart.
After Brooke's suicide attempt, she had to go to a mental hospital. And her first day at the mental hospital already starts bad when she sees her bully, Jennifer. Jennifer is your typical popular girl and she made Brooke's life miserable. But it must mean something that she's staying there, right?
And if it wasn't already bad enough that Jennifer is there, the next day Brooke meets Matt.
He was feeding the desire, the darkness inside me; the monster waiting to become unleashed. He was the madness in me.
Will Matt be like Ian and Jason? Or will he be different?
I L O V E D The Long Road Home, it's raw, emotional and so so beautiful. There were times when I was reading with a smile but there were also times when I was on the verge of crying. The Long Road Home is an emotional rollercoaster and I cannot wait for another book written by Alec John Belle!
First of all I want thank Alec for giving me a beta copy, you truly are an amazing person!
The Long Road Home is a book about Brooke. Brooke isn't your average happy girl in high school, no Brooke is depressed and struggles with a lot of issues. Every time Brooke falls in love with a boy, it ends terrible. It ends deadly. It all started with Ian, and there were other guys too, but Jason triggered her suicidal thoughts.
Love is a vile thing. It's a disease, catching you by the throat, suffocating you until there's no air left inside. As you gasp for air, it pulls you down, further into the abyss of your heart.
After Brooke's suicide attempt, she had to go to a mental hospital. And her first day at the mental hospital already starts bad when she sees her bully, Jennifer. Jennifer is your typical popular girl and she made Brooke's life miserable. But it must mean something that she's staying there, right?
And if it wasn't already bad enough that Jennifer is there, the next day Brooke meets Matt.
He was feeding the desire, the darkness inside me; the monster waiting to become unleashed. He was the madness in me.
Will Matt be like Ian and Jason? Or will he be different?
I L O V E D The Long Road Home, it's raw, emotional and so so beautiful. There were times when I was reading with a smile but there were also times when I was on the verge of crying. The Long Road Home is an emotional rollercoaster and I cannot wait for another book written by Alec John Belle!
December 15, 2015
I received an early copy in exchange for a honest review.
This is a heart wrenching book about a teenage girl named Brooke. It has raw and real emotions placed on each page. This haunting book will stay with me for awhile. I found it to be more intense than 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. The characters were believable and each had a story to share. It was hard to read without a tissue box next to you. I have been a fan of this author for awhile and he just took it to the next level. I loved the way the story flowed and found myself pondering life issues while reading this. It is a realistic look to many issues that can easily go unnoticed. I feel like the information in this book could help many people. I recommend this book to any dark contemporary reader or someone struggling with depression.
This is a heart wrenching book about a teenage girl named Brooke. It has raw and real emotions placed on each page. This haunting book will stay with me for awhile. I found it to be more intense than 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. The characters were believable and each had a story to share. It was hard to read without a tissue box next to you. I have been a fan of this author for awhile and he just took it to the next level. I loved the way the story flowed and found myself pondering life issues while reading this. It is a realistic look to many issues that can easily go unnoticed. I feel like the information in this book could help many people. I recommend this book to any dark contemporary reader or someone struggling with depression.
April 15, 2016
Great story about a couple of subjects that some people would rather avoid, from bullying to depression and having her happiness dependant on another person. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions for me. Brooke was a great, believable and relatable character and I loved following her journey through all of her problems and seeing the end result. I think that many people can relate to Brooke in one way or another. I cried a lot through the book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 1, 2017
Such a deep, heart wrenching book. very in depth to what young teens go through with depression and suicidal thoughts. I really enjoyed Brooke's journey. Truly a great read for those who need hope, and especially for those who have never felt these kind of emotions, it will help develop a little understanding as to what someone goes through and the thoughts they have. You never truly know what someone is going through. Can't wait to read other works from this Author :-)
January 31, 2017
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaways contest, and I am glad I did. This isn't a book I would usually pick up on my own, but I found the story line very well written and an easy read. Also a topic that is very pertinent with today's teenagers and young adults. I recommend it especially for parents of teenagers and teenagers facing problems today.
April 27, 2016
This story is about Brooke and her road about surviving suicide and how she learns to deal with her mental disorder.
January 19, 2017
I like that this book emphasizes that everyone's journey to recovery is different. Everyone has something going on in their lives that they need to cope with.
November 22, 2017
**I copied this from another reviewer, it said perfectly what I was thinking**
After trying to commit suicide for the second time, Brooke is sent to a psych hospital, only to find her nemesis is also a patient.
None of the characters felt particularly complex or unique; if anything they were beyond cliché. For example what psych hospital book is complete without an angry newcomer, hiding a world of pain and a mean girl who's really just hurting inside?
I believe that YA first person narratives should sound their stated age, not like adults writing teenage speak. THE LONG ROAD HOME distracted me with language I've never heard from teens. What seventh grader uses "whom" in her diary or talks about "conversing with"?
The plot explores no new territory nor does Alec John Belle tell a story we haven't read or seen in a movie multiple times.
For readers who enjoy mental health stories, they might enjoy THE LONG ROAD HOME, for those who want more unique, memorable stories, skip it.
After trying to commit suicide for the second time, Brooke is sent to a psych hospital, only to find her nemesis is also a patient.
None of the characters felt particularly complex or unique; if anything they were beyond cliché. For example what psych hospital book is complete without an angry newcomer, hiding a world of pain and a mean girl who's really just hurting inside?
I believe that YA first person narratives should sound their stated age, not like adults writing teenage speak. THE LONG ROAD HOME distracted me with language I've never heard from teens. What seventh grader uses "whom" in her diary or talks about "conversing with"?
The plot explores no new territory nor does Alec John Belle tell a story we haven't read or seen in a movie multiple times.
For readers who enjoy mental health stories, they might enjoy THE LONG ROAD HOME, for those who want more unique, memorable stories, skip it.
Did Not Finish
February 4, 2018Dnf‘ed at 27%
The idea for this story sounded great, actually exactly what I had been looking for, but I could not deal with the writing and especially with the characters!! I honestly thought about dnfing after 10% but tried to give the book a bit more of a chance.
Sorry, but the characters were annoyingly in-fleshed out, the writing was both too immature and too superficial (what’s with all the descriptions of clothes?!), and I lost count of the many mistakes I found on just these first 60 pages.
Just, no.
The idea for this story sounded great, actually exactly what I had been looking for, but I could not deal with the writing and especially with the characters!! I honestly thought about dnfing after 10% but tried to give the book a bit more of a chance.
Sorry, but the characters were annoyingly in-fleshed out, the writing was both too immature and too superficial (what’s with all the descriptions of clothes?!), and I lost count of the many mistakes I found on just these first 60 pages.
Just, no.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews