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A Bitter Pill to Swallow
On the edge of the Chicago medical district, the Harrison School for Exceptional Youth looks like a castle in a snow globe. Janina has been there since she was ten years old, and now she's fourteen. She feels so safe inside its walls that she's afraid to leave.
Devante's parents bring him there after a tragedy leaves him depressed and suicidal. Even though he's in a different place, he can't escape the memories that come flooding back when he least expects them.
Dr. Gail Thomas comes to work there after quitting her medical residency. Frustrated and on the verge of giving up on her dreams, she sees becoming a counselor as her last chance to put her skills to the test.
When he founded the school, Dr. Lutkin designed its unique environment to be a place that would change the students' lives. He works hard as the keeper of other people's secrets, though he never shares any of his own.
But everything changes late in the winter of 1994 when these four characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways. None of them will ever be the same.
Devante's parents bring him there after a tragedy leaves him depressed and suicidal. Even though he's in a different place, he can't escape the memories that come flooding back when he least expects them.
Dr. Gail Thomas comes to work there after quitting her medical residency. Frustrated and on the verge of giving up on her dreams, she sees becoming a counselor as her last chance to put her skills to the test.
When he founded the school, Dr. Lutkin designed its unique environment to be a place that would change the students' lives. He works hard as the keeper of other people's secrets, though he never shares any of his own.
But everything changes late in the winter of 1994 when these four characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways. None of them will ever be the same.
330 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2016
22 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Tiffany Gholar
9 books29 followersI am a Chicago-based artist working in a variety of media. I have three primary bodies of work: The Doll Project, Post-Consumerism, and Recessionism. I studied art as an undergraduate at the University of Chicago and interior design at Harrington College of Design and hold a Masters Degree in Painting from Governors State University. My art has been exhibited in many Chicago-area venues, including group shows at Woman Made Gallery, The Chicago Children's Museum, and the Chicago Center for Green Technology, and in solo exhibitions at the Harold Washington Library and The Adler School for Professional Psychology.
I have written three books about my art: Post-Consumerism, Imperfect Things, and The Doll Project. When I am not painting, I work as a freelance interior designer and receptionist. In addition, I am a Jeopardy! champion.
To see my work online, visit http://www.TiffanyGholar.com
Hard copies of my art books are available from Blurb:
http://www.blurb.com/user/store/tjgholar
eBooks are for sale on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MixedMediaA...
I have written three books about my art: Post-Consumerism, Imperfect Things, and The Doll Project. When I am not painting, I work as a freelance interior designer and receptionist. In addition, I am a Jeopardy! champion.
To see my work online, visit http://www.TiffanyGholar.com
Hard copies of my art books are available from Blurb:
http://www.blurb.com/user/store/tjgholar
eBooks are for sale on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MixedMediaA...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 31, 2017
!!! review: https://africanbookaddict.com/2017/05...
This book is why we need to support Indie writers more. Loooooved this for so many reasons. I would give this 5 stars, but the words 'crazy' and 'normal' were over-used for a story of this nature. Other than that, this was a very timely read for me. I should read more YA!
Special thanks to Tiffany Gholar for this edition, as Dr. Gail Thomas's story intrigued me as a dental student.
4.5 stars
This book is why we need to support Indie writers more. Loooooved this for so many reasons. I would give this 5 stars, but the words 'crazy' and 'normal' were over-used for a story of this nature. Other than that, this was a very timely read for me. I should read more YA!
Special thanks to Tiffany Gholar for this edition, as Dr. Gail Thomas's story intrigued me as a dental student.
4.5 stars
February 9, 2017
This book was originally posted on my blog The Book Return BlogThe Book Return Blog
A Bitter Pill to Swallow’s’ storyline addresses a seldom discussed topic. The mental health of teens in America. The story has four very different points of view. All work or live in a treatment facility for teens with mental health issues. The first POV is that of ,Janina, a teen who is artistically talented but struggles with self-esteem and social anxiety issues. The second POV is that of Devante. He is an academically gifted teen who witnesses the murder of his girlfriend and struggles with the depression that follows. The third POV is that of Gail. She is a physician who has had family issues and now wishes to change her specialty to psychiatry. The last POV is that of Dr. Lutkin, a psychiatrist and the director of the facility. He has his own skeletons in his closet.
What I Loved
I really loved the freshness of the subject matter. I loved that this novel focused on an important topic (treatment of young adult mental health). This sadly seems to be an underrepresented topic in YA. Although I have read some YA novels where mental health is part of the storyline, treatment was not the central dialogue .
This story did have a small romantic subplot but it was a minor one and didn’t distract from the central theme.
I also love that this novel took place in the nineties. It helped to show how quickly the treatment of teenagers with mental health issues has advanced in the last twenty years. The author mentions that she did not use any psychiatry resources that post dated the era of the novel.
I also loved that three of the four main characters were African-American. The diversity of the characters definitely added to the depth of the story and made it more true to life.
I did also enjoy the prose. I think Choler’s writing is very smooth and easy to read.
I did connect with the characters and I think that each had their own unique voice. They were all flawed in different ways. This made them more human and relatable.
What Left Me Wanting More
I do think that the switching of POV without any breaks or sub titles made the writing seem a little jumbled. I didn’t get confused about whose POV was being represented but I do think it did make the writing a little choppy and a little harder to read. I also think that the storyline was a bit slow. I did take me quite awhile to finish but I did love the plot and the characters.
My Final Verdict
I really liked this novel. The writing was good and the story was well done. Although the story did lag a bit, I think the subject is important one.The characters were relatable enough to make it a good read. I would definitely recommend this book for teenagers. This is an important resource for anyone who is struggling with depression, loss, self-image or any other mental health issues.
This Review was also posted on Yabookscentral.comThis review was originally posted on The Book return...
A Bitter Pill to Swallow’s’ storyline addresses a seldom discussed topic. The mental health of teens in America. The story has four very different points of view. All work or live in a treatment facility for teens with mental health issues. The first POV is that of ,Janina, a teen who is artistically talented but struggles with self-esteem and social anxiety issues. The second POV is that of Devante. He is an academically gifted teen who witnesses the murder of his girlfriend and struggles with the depression that follows. The third POV is that of Gail. She is a physician who has had family issues and now wishes to change her specialty to psychiatry. The last POV is that of Dr. Lutkin, a psychiatrist and the director of the facility. He has his own skeletons in his closet.
What I Loved
I really loved the freshness of the subject matter. I loved that this novel focused on an important topic (treatment of young adult mental health). This sadly seems to be an underrepresented topic in YA. Although I have read some YA novels where mental health is part of the storyline, treatment was not the central dialogue .
This story did have a small romantic subplot but it was a minor one and didn’t distract from the central theme.
I also love that this novel took place in the nineties. It helped to show how quickly the treatment of teenagers with mental health issues has advanced in the last twenty years. The author mentions that she did not use any psychiatry resources that post dated the era of the novel.
I also loved that three of the four main characters were African-American. The diversity of the characters definitely added to the depth of the story and made it more true to life.
I did also enjoy the prose. I think Choler’s writing is very smooth and easy to read.
I did connect with the characters and I think that each had their own unique voice. They were all flawed in different ways. This made them more human and relatable.
What Left Me Wanting More
I do think that the switching of POV without any breaks or sub titles made the writing seem a little jumbled. I didn’t get confused about whose POV was being represented but I do think it did make the writing a little choppy and a little harder to read. I also think that the storyline was a bit slow. I did take me quite awhile to finish but I did love the plot and the characters.
My Final Verdict
I really liked this novel. The writing was good and the story was well done. Although the story did lag a bit, I think the subject is important one.The characters were relatable enough to make it a good read. I would definitely recommend this book for teenagers. This is an important resource for anyone who is struggling with depression, loss, self-image or any other mental health issues.
This Review was also posted on Yabookscentral.comThis review was originally posted on The Book return...
September 28, 2018
Goodness, this book is difficult to rate. On the one hand, it has some very important content that I've not seen in YA fiction before. It's multi-person viewpoints allowed us to see the trajectories of Devante who has PTSD, Janina who has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but also two adults who have had their own experience with mental illness: Gail and Dr Lutkin.
Maybe it was for this reason that a lot of the scenes felt incredibly choppy. I kept on coming to the end of chapters and double checking that I hadn't turned two pages at once, because things ended so suddenly to go off to the next bit of the story. Things felt too easy, not fleshed out enough. I felt as though this was an overview of a story, rather than the real thing.
Devante starts this story by attempting suicide. The next time we see him, he is in the Harrison institute, being treated for PTSD after having seen his almost girlfriend murdered by police in front of him. I've read a lot of novels about people of colour being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I really loved that this novel focused less on those facts, and more on the part where life still went on for him and he just wasn't coping.
I was confused the first time that we went from him to Janina's point of view, because there was no sign posting of it. Just a journal being written in her point of view. She was already in the Harrison Institute, and had been for four years already. She feels desperately separate from a lot of the people she's met and attributes that to her mental illness.
Again, when we first got Gail's point of view, it was through another journal entry. No sign posting. Although it was interesting that we found that she was writing to her deceased brother Shawn, for whom she got into psychiatry, the quality of the writing and indicators really let down the impact that I fell the author was going for.
Viewpoints between all four POV characters went back and forth, often multiple times in a scene. The take out that I had from this novel was that, although there were important narratives being shown, they were often difficult to understand, not fully fleshed out and very quickly resolved when it came to the end.
Maybe it was for this reason that a lot of the scenes felt incredibly choppy. I kept on coming to the end of chapters and double checking that I hadn't turned two pages at once, because things ended so suddenly to go off to the next bit of the story. Things felt too easy, not fleshed out enough. I felt as though this was an overview of a story, rather than the real thing.
Devante starts this story by attempting suicide. The next time we see him, he is in the Harrison institute, being treated for PTSD after having seen his almost girlfriend murdered by police in front of him. I've read a lot of novels about people of colour being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I really loved that this novel focused less on those facts, and more on the part where life still went on for him and he just wasn't coping.
I was confused the first time that we went from him to Janina's point of view, because there was no sign posting of it. Just a journal being written in her point of view. She was already in the Harrison Institute, and had been for four years already. She feels desperately separate from a lot of the people she's met and attributes that to her mental illness.
Again, when we first got Gail's point of view, it was through another journal entry. No sign posting. Although it was interesting that we found that she was writing to her deceased brother Shawn, for whom she got into psychiatry, the quality of the writing and indicators really let down the impact that I fell the author was going for.
Viewpoints between all four POV characters went back and forth, often multiple times in a scene. The take out that I had from this novel was that, although there were important narratives being shown, they were often difficult to understand, not fully fleshed out and very quickly resolved when it came to the end.
May 2, 2017
This book has such a wonderful message. So many people have been misunderstood and categorized as something they are not, especially those that are gifted. Just because you're different does not meant there is anything wrong with you.
I also love that this book does not focus on the pharmaceutical aspect of mental illness, as I am a firm believer that you do not necessarily need to medicate a mental illness. Talking or "talk therapy", among the many other therapies mentioned in this book are often just as effective, if not more so, than medication.
I recommend this book highly, especially if you are interested in psychology, but everyone will find something to love here.
I also love that this book does not focus on the pharmaceutical aspect of mental illness, as I am a firm believer that you do not necessarily need to medicate a mental illness. Talking or "talk therapy", among the many other therapies mentioned in this book are often just as effective, if not more so, than medication.
I recommend this book highly, especially if you are interested in psychology, but everyone will find something to love here.
June 13, 2023
An exceptional book...
As a victim (probably not the best choice of word) of mental health, this book was amazing to me. As well read as I think I am even I did not know all of the stuff that was in this book. I am giving props to the author whom put a lot of research into mental illness in the 90's into this book. You did a great job and should be very proud. Everyone needs to read this book in my opinion. It deserves 10 stars if I could...
As a victim (probably not the best choice of word) of mental health, this book was amazing to me. As well read as I think I am even I did not know all of the stuff that was in this book. I am giving props to the author whom put a lot of research into mental illness in the 90's into this book. You did a great job and should be very proud. Everyone needs to read this book in my opinion. It deserves 10 stars if I could...
December 14, 2016
See my original review on my blog: https://gamingforjustice.com/2016/12/...
I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
TW: suicide ideation, depression, depictions of mental illness treatment centers
A Bitter Pill to Swallow by Tiffany Gholar is a young adult novel set in Chicago. The story follows multiple characters in story lines that intertwine as the novel progresses; however the main story follows Devante and Janina and their experiences at the Harrison School for Exceptional Youth. Janina has been at the school for four years, while Devante started attending the school recently after experiencing a traumatic event. The story explores individual journeys as well as the relationships that form in between the characters. This includes Dr. Lutkin, one of the founders of the school, Dr. Gail Thomas, a medical resident with her own traumatic experience, the other students attending the school, and of course the big bad evil company who owns and influences the Harrison School.
I have one major gripe and I will get it out of the way up front. The one story line I felt did not add to the overall experience with the novel was the one about the evil company controlling the school. There were two or three shorter chapters on this story line before the issues were resolved. I felt this really did not have an impact of the overarching plot because the subplot line was not developed as in depth as I was hoping. Why was the decision to sell the school to the company made in the first place? Why didn't the company provide any resistance in the final outcome? I think the author was trying to illustrate and expose that companies in real life do control treatment facilities with the sole goal of profiting. For me, this could have been a more intricate and powerful story line, but without much focus on it, the interactions with the company and Lutkin's decisions around sacrifice fell flat.
I am not an expert on mental health and mental ability, and definitely do not have statistical knowledge around diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and over-diagnosis. There are narratives around diagnosis and misdiagnosis in A Bitter Pill to Swallow. While the plot seemed to work out too smoothly, in the sense of how Dr. Gail Thomas found a particular article that pointed to one of the resolutions, I think it worked to talk about how systemically we diagnose and assign treatment plans to folks. Do I think representation of marginalized communities was done well? Yes and no. All the characters were people of color, yet the author did not harp on those facts. To me, this is a nice and refreshing way to experience diverse characters -> yes, they are people of color but the story is not solely about race or because of their race. I am still unsure how I think ability was represented in the book and I recognize I am a part of the privileged temporarily able-bodied community. Throughout my reading, I saw both personal narratives and general stereotypes when it came to certain characters and their experiences. I see the Harrison School as a piece of the story to challenge dominant narratives around mental ability whereas the Haven House, another "school" talked about in the book, represented the dominant narrative. As I mentioned in another recent book review, it is important to remember these stories are not the entire experience or the only experience of a community. These stories may reflect certain individuals experiences or even general struggles; however, these communities are complex and diverse within itself.
One of the aspects I was hoping the book to address more in depth is the socioeconomic disparity between different communities seeking help. There was a piece in Dr. Gail Thomas's story about this disparity when she worked at the Haven House. This facility lack resources and competent professionals, and was portrayed as a heartless facility that provided outdated treatments with a "get in, get out" mentality. This is contrasted with the Harrison School that provides customizable treatment and curriculum for students with no time crunch. I cannot even begin to imagine the cost of a bed at a facility like the Harrison School. And even if the cost was waved (paid for by government grants or another means), the knowledge of how the system works is limited. Only a select group of people might have the money or connections to get into the Harrison School and further, we know that access to quality resources is not equitable across communities. This mainly and disproportionately affects communities of color, folks from low socioeconomic status, and the LGBTQ+ community. As I read about the Haven House and the Harrison School, I was hoping for more of a dive into a critical look at the disparity.
The title of the novel works on many levels and sums up the book well: the literal bitterness of the medicine administered to the students and the bitter situations each character finds themselves in. By no means did I dislike the book, but between the multiple points of views and story lines that did not intertwine as much as I expected, I found myself disengaging for many of the characters. There were times throughout the book where I felt like the stories were all over the place with no common thread to bring it together. I tend to like books with multiple perspectives, but for some reason I could not get into A Bitter Pill to Swallow in the same way. The two main characters, Janina and Devante, I felt the most connected to and it is in their narratives is where I think the book shines. While I am critical in my review, I do think this book has value. If it seems interesting to you, I would encourage you to pick up a copy!
Final Rating: 3.7/5
August 27, 2018
I have a full review written here:
https://kimberlyreads97.wordpress.com...
Here are my initial thoughts after I finished reading the story.
I found this to be a wonderful book. The characters were so well written (to the point I felt like I was in their very shoes) and all I wanted to do throughout this story is say how proud of everyone I am for how far they’ve come.
I want to thank the author, Tiffany Gholar, for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for a review and I can’t wait to see what stories you’ll write in the future!
https://kimberlyreads97.wordpress.com...
Here are my initial thoughts after I finished reading the story.
I found this to be a wonderful book. The characters were so well written (to the point I felt like I was in their very shoes) and all I wanted to do throughout this story is say how proud of everyone I am for how far they’ve come.
I want to thank the author, Tiffany Gholar, for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for a review and I can’t wait to see what stories you’ll write in the future!
January 2, 2017
A Bitter Pill to Swallow is a book that brings together four very different characters. The premise of this book was intriguing and was one of the reasons I wanted to read it. Books about mental illness are important and something I want to read more of. This was actually the first novel that I've read that revolved around mental health.
There are many things this book does well:
A diverse set of characters with diverse issues. Tiffany Gholar did a great job including racial diversity in the book. And not only that but I liked seeing all the different types of mental health issues that were represented. The book explored depression, PTSD, OCD and Schizophrenia among others and how deeply they can affect and disrupt kids.
Character relationships. A Bitter Pill to Swallow is ultimately also a book about connection and all the different ways humans can change other humans. The four main characters help each other grow and mature and are each other's support system. It shows how one person's actions towards another can have some profound effects in their lives.
If you're someone who wants to start reading more YA contemporary about mental health issues, I think A Bitter Pill to Swallow would be a nice introductory novel into this trope.
That said, I did not love this book. If I were to only rate the first half of the book, I would've given a one star rating. The story started off slow, I felt no real connection to any of the four main characters, and I'm just SUPER picky when it comes to writing style. I need a perfect balance of description, world building and character development and I felt like I wasn't getting enough of any of those.
BUT the second half of the book surprised me and some parts I thoroughly enjoyed. The plot picked up and I felt like I understood the characters more. The writing bothered me less and less as I got more used to it.
Overall, it was a nice read but it wasn't anything exceptional. I understood what the story was trying to do and the feelings it was trying to provoke, but I personally didn't connect with the story enough to truly feel for the characters and their situation.
**A huge thank you to the author Tiffany Gholar for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review also found in Through The Book Portal
September 26, 2016
I was sent a copy of A Bitter Pill to Swallow by the author Tiffany Gholar in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Tiffany!
This book was a bit of a slow start for me, but it ended up picking up and I really enjoyed it. It’s set in Chicago in 1994. It follows for characters (Janina, Devante, Dr. Gail, and Dr. Lutkin) and their stories intertwine. It deals mental illness, which I think is very important for readers to read about. It gives you an insight into mental illness and how it was treated back then and even further into the past. I’m not going to lie, reading about the way mental illness was treated in the past was pretty scary to think about! We have definitely come a long way since then.
At first I found it a little hard to connect with the characters, but that changed once I got further into the story. They are all struggling with their own issues throughout the book. Janina and Devante really grew on me and they grew as characters throughout the story. It was sad reading about them and what they had to go through, but I continued to root for them and hoped for the best. I loved that Dr. Lutkin cared so much about his patients and genuinely wanted them to get better. Gail played a pretty important role in this book and I really liked her.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much. I liked the characters and I love that their stories intertwined in the end. It was easy to read and even with a slow start, it still kept you wanting to read more and to find out what was happening. I laughed and I even teared up a bit! I would recommended reading this book. I don’t want to give anything away, but I feel like it’s a really important read. I am so glad I given the opportunity to read this book! A Bitter Pill to Swallow is out now, so go check it out!
This book was a bit of a slow start for me, but it ended up picking up and I really enjoyed it. It’s set in Chicago in 1994. It follows for characters (Janina, Devante, Dr. Gail, and Dr. Lutkin) and their stories intertwine. It deals mental illness, which I think is very important for readers to read about. It gives you an insight into mental illness and how it was treated back then and even further into the past. I’m not going to lie, reading about the way mental illness was treated in the past was pretty scary to think about! We have definitely come a long way since then.
At first I found it a little hard to connect with the characters, but that changed once I got further into the story. They are all struggling with their own issues throughout the book. Janina and Devante really grew on me and they grew as characters throughout the story. It was sad reading about them and what they had to go through, but I continued to root for them and hoped for the best. I loved that Dr. Lutkin cared so much about his patients and genuinely wanted them to get better. Gail played a pretty important role in this book and I really liked her.
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much. I liked the characters and I love that their stories intertwined in the end. It was easy to read and even with a slow start, it still kept you wanting to read more and to find out what was happening. I laughed and I even teared up a bit! I would recommended reading this book. I don’t want to give anything away, but I feel like it’s a really important read. I am so glad I given the opportunity to read this book! A Bitter Pill to Swallow is out now, so go check it out!
November 6, 2019
This is a powerful and emotional book. It's message and it's contents are hugely important. So it's a four star, because whilst I had issues, this is actually a well written look into youth mental illness. There were moments when the author jarred me out of the narrative with her writing style. There were moments when the journal entries just seemed boring. But overall, this is a book that caught me and kept me.
Mental health is difficult. Adolescent mental health even more so. This really delves into that and it does it in a way that is truly accessible. It compares different treatment types, it offers a different view and it shows what can be achieved if profit is not the main factor. What good can be done, if health is truly put above dollars. But it shows that through individuals; these fictional characters who you live and breathe with. And I'll be honest, I couldn't stop thinking of these characters.
The mental health issues are discussed in a remarkably refreshing way. The different ways each finds to cope, likewise. And I enjoyed how this wasn't 'just' about adolescents. The adults had their own narratives and their own issues which is something that many of us struggled to realise at that time. I do have to admit to being disappointed in the ending however... it was almost a 'bored now' moment where the author decided to finish it quickly.
Mental health is difficult. Adolescent mental health even more so. This really delves into that and it does it in a way that is truly accessible. It compares different treatment types, it offers a different view and it shows what can be achieved if profit is not the main factor. What good can be done, if health is truly put above dollars. But it shows that through individuals; these fictional characters who you live and breathe with. And I'll be honest, I couldn't stop thinking of these characters.
The mental health issues are discussed in a remarkably refreshing way. The different ways each finds to cope, likewise. And I enjoyed how this wasn't 'just' about adolescents. The adults had their own narratives and their own issues which is something that many of us struggled to realise at that time. I do have to admit to being disappointed in the ending however... it was almost a 'bored now' moment where the author decided to finish it quickly.
August 20, 2018
Set at a therapeutic boarding school, A Bitter Pill to Swallow tells the story of two teens and two adults both overcoming their own problems. Janina has trouble fitting in, and Devante has anxiety from a traumatic experience. Gail is frustrated by the cruel place she was working, and Dr. Lutkin is haunted by the mistakes of his past. As each person goes about their journey of healing, they will begin to unravel a medical mystery. Will this mystery change the life of one patient and doctor forever? Or will the school be shut down forever?
Opinion:
A Bitter Pill to Swallow is a page-turner that leaves you wanting more. It was easy to relate to the characters because they all had problems and none of them were perfect. I found this book moving since it was about people overcoming mental health problems. One thing I didn't like about the book was how sometimes you couldn't tell which character's point of view you were reading since it never told you. I would recommend this book to others because it is a heartwarming story of people overcoming what some might say is impossible.
Reviewed by a LitPick Student Book Reviewer, Age 12
Opinion:
A Bitter Pill to Swallow is a page-turner that leaves you wanting more. It was easy to relate to the characters because they all had problems and none of them were perfect. I found this book moving since it was about people overcoming mental health problems. One thing I didn't like about the book was how sometimes you couldn't tell which character's point of view you were reading since it never told you. I would recommend this book to others because it is a heartwarming story of people overcoming what some might say is impossible.
Reviewed by a LitPick Student Book Reviewer, Age 12
October 25, 2017
What a book! This one was a bit off the normal path for me but I was sold from the moment I read the description. The characters were so... human.... so real.... so relatable. I felt as if I were cheering them on every step as they journeyed to recovery, while I mourned for them and fell in love with them along the way.
I was at first confused by - but ultimately grateful for the character of Gail. I felt a bit like the storyline concerning the PHEA and PharmCo could open a lot of doors and be expounded upon (SEQUEL PLEASE?!? 👏🏻) to create something entirely new.
I also would love to have seen Dr. Lutkin's story expanded in more detail (PREQUEL PLEASE?!? 👏🏻)
So glad I found this book.
I was at first confused by - but ultimately grateful for the character of Gail. I felt a bit like the storyline concerning the PHEA and PharmCo could open a lot of doors and be expounded upon (SEQUEL PLEASE?!? 👏🏻) to create something entirely new.
I also would love to have seen Dr. Lutkin's story expanded in more detail (PREQUEL PLEASE?!? 👏🏻)
So glad I found this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2017
This book is an important book about two mentally ill Black teens & two doctors dealing with mental health in the 90's. The book's use of the word "crazy" is stigmatizing, but it is still an emotionally moving story. As a creative Black person battling depression, I found the character Janina especially relatable. Although the book is a bit dated due to the time period it is set in, it is still a great read.
September 12, 2023
I love a YA novel that addresses themes related to mental health, but I felt that this one had a lot of misinformation about it, particularly parts of the plot that added to the stigma of taking medication.
November 12, 2017
Great and empowering story!
I love that this book has a positive yet realistic look into mental illnesses and how that sometimes a disorder isn't always an impossible curse
I love that this book has a positive yet realistic look into mental illnesses and how that sometimes a disorder isn't always an impossible curse
January 19, 2018
A great book tackling mental illness. Though fictional, it was really well researched and had great characters!
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July 11, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Racism
Suicide
Self harm
Racism
Suicide
Self harm
March 7, 2017
I received an e-copy of this book from the author in return for a review. This does not affect my review.
The book is written mainly in four POVs of Janina, Dr. Lutkin, Gail and Devante. Janina has been in the The Harrison School for about four years and Devante has just joined. The plot takes us through mental health problems and healing of all the students, Gail’s struggle to find a psychiatric place where she wants to work and Dr. Lutkin keeping the school how it is against others who want to change the way it works. The main highlight is given to Janina and Devante, and them liking each other.
What I liked:
Concept of The Harrison School. It’s like a boarding school cum therapy for students. The kids who are in depression, have anxiety etc enroll in. The best part is that it’s not a mental institution like the usual ones around, where kids are sent. The school totally revolves around helping the kids heal and get them back out into life, while also not falling behind school when they’re in. The difference between rare institutions like this and the usual ones is also shown by describing a place called Haven House—where the patients are locked up and put on pills all the time. In Harrison, it’s okay to cry and taking pills is not looked down upon. You can be YOU here, with all your problems.
All the mental health highlights. This book shows that its OKAY to not be mentally perfect and that you are heard. There is even a boy who wears gloves all the time because he’s afraid of germs due to an incident. Anxiety, depression, cutting—all of them are shown. And the right way to deal with it is also portrayed. Not by pushing them down or punishing them for it; but caring a little bit more.
POC representation. Both Janina and Devante are African. The only time it’s mentioned as something different is when there’s a small part in the POV of someone else. He said that kids like them should be locked up and not roaming about in the school. Other than that, the skin colour was completely normal and there was absolutely no talking about it much. Unlike a few books where they keep mentioning it as if to show that there’s POC. (Am I making sense? Argh, I hope so.)
What I didn’t like:
JANINA. Only after about 90 pages could I properly get into the book but I simply couldn’t get past Janina and how in-over-her-head she is! The first time she saw him, she immediately took interest in him, and kept seeking him out. At a point, she said that she’s fallen so much in love with him and that was an over-reaction. She hardly knew Devante! All she thought about, most of the times, was him! Also, she showed signs of feeling better once Devante showed up?! Like, just being around him and thinking about him. I hate stories where characters lose all their problems after meeting their love interest. Does one start becoming better immediately after meeting someone?! Especially when there’s been no improvement in 4 years?
Little after halfway through, Janina became very attached to Devante. He was normal and fine, but she was totally in. Within a month! Classic case of one-sided obsession. At least Fr. Lutkin had his thoughts straight when he said “Before you can love anyone else, you have to learn to love yourself.”
Overall
Definitely a book to read when you want something about mental health and/or a diverse read.
More reviews on my blog
The book is written mainly in four POVs of Janina, Dr. Lutkin, Gail and Devante. Janina has been in the The Harrison School for about four years and Devante has just joined. The plot takes us through mental health problems and healing of all the students, Gail’s struggle to find a psychiatric place where she wants to work and Dr. Lutkin keeping the school how it is against others who want to change the way it works. The main highlight is given to Janina and Devante, and them liking each other.
What I liked:
Concept of The Harrison School. It’s like a boarding school cum therapy for students. The kids who are in depression, have anxiety etc enroll in. The best part is that it’s not a mental institution like the usual ones around, where kids are sent. The school totally revolves around helping the kids heal and get them back out into life, while also not falling behind school when they’re in. The difference between rare institutions like this and the usual ones is also shown by describing a place called Haven House—where the patients are locked up and put on pills all the time. In Harrison, it’s okay to cry and taking pills is not looked down upon. You can be YOU here, with all your problems.
All the mental health highlights. This book shows that its OKAY to not be mentally perfect and that you are heard. There is even a boy who wears gloves all the time because he’s afraid of germs due to an incident. Anxiety, depression, cutting—all of them are shown. And the right way to deal with it is also portrayed. Not by pushing them down or punishing them for it; but caring a little bit more.
POC representation. Both Janina and Devante are African. The only time it’s mentioned as something different is when there’s a small part in the POV of someone else. He said that kids like them should be locked up and not roaming about in the school. Other than that, the skin colour was completely normal and there was absolutely no talking about it much. Unlike a few books where they keep mentioning it as if to show that there’s POC. (Am I making sense? Argh, I hope so.)
What I didn’t like:
JANINA. Only after about 90 pages could I properly get into the book but I simply couldn’t get past Janina and how in-over-her-head she is! The first time she saw him, she immediately took interest in him, and kept seeking him out. At a point, she said that she’s fallen so much in love with him and that was an over-reaction. She hardly knew Devante! All she thought about, most of the times, was him! Also, she showed signs of feeling better once Devante showed up?! Like, just being around him and thinking about him. I hate stories where characters lose all their problems after meeting their love interest. Does one start becoming better immediately after meeting someone?! Especially when there’s been no improvement in 4 years?
Little after halfway through, Janina became very attached to Devante. He was normal and fine, but she was totally in. Within a month! Classic case of one-sided obsession. At least Fr. Lutkin had his thoughts straight when he said “Before you can love anyone else, you have to learn to love yourself.”
Overall
Definitely a book to read when you want something about mental health and/or a diverse read.
More reviews on my blog
January 31, 2016
Edition: Paperback, 330 pages, published January 20th 2016
Disclaimer: I reviewed this book on behalf of Tiffany Gholar, the author. I received a paperback copy in return for an honest review.
The plot...is solid, definite and perfect for the book. Although there is not much action, there is definitely enough plot-twists to keep it interesting!
The characters...were really interesting. I loved Janina, one of the main characters, and I felt I could relate to her in some ways. I found it absolutely outstanding that Gholar has so much skill to make so many characters understandable to the reader.
The writing...is really good, and not just that, but clever. The thing I found the most amazing is the change in writing with each character. This book has several POV & is written is several tenses, and this book is possibly the first I've read that not only writes that extremely well, but celebrates it.
Something I liked...is the plot-twist with Janina. I will say no more, people! You better read this book to find out! I found it not only really interesting, but perfect for the plot.
Something I disliked...I don't know...I'm trying to be find something to critisize, but I don't think I can't! And I'm not even just saying that!
My rating is...
☽ ☽ ☽ ☽ ☽
5 out of 5 moons
Honestly, I felt like I could really relate to this book, and because of that I really enjoyed it. I also really appreciated the writing and the research that must have gone in to making this novel what it is.
If you have suffered any sort of mental illness, diagnosed or not, or know someone that has, I really believe you should read this book.
Because it's not just a book - it's a life lesson.
December 14, 2017
The Harrison School helps children and teenagers struggling with their mental health to continue with their education whilst being treated for the issues that they are experiencing. At the school, we meet Janina who has been diagnosed with depression and has been at the school for four years and is afraid to leave the schools safety.
Devante has been a witness to a life changing traumatic shooting in which the girl he cared about lost her life and he is finding life difficult. He attempts suicide but is stopped and decides to enrol at the Harrison School. Devante is diagnosed with acute stress disorder and he meets Janina. Their friendship helps them both on their journey to recovery.
As a result of a new addition to the Harrison School team is given a select group of students to look after and as a result starts to question Janina’s diagnosis. After investigation and new research it is decided that Janina is not mentally unwell but has been mis-diagnosed because the people around her failed to acknowledge her intellect. Showing that the labels we take on are fluid and can change over time.
Whilst at the Harrison School Devante begins to see that there are others in a similar situation to him, he is not alone and there are other people who are in a worst position than him.
This book shows the differences between different mental health conditions and their durations. It also shows the fluidity of mental health diagnosis and that labels are not necessarily everything and that treating teenagers as people has a huge beneficial effect.
Listen to our full review at:
Mental Health Book Club Episode 15
Devante has been a witness to a life changing traumatic shooting in which the girl he cared about lost her life and he is finding life difficult. He attempts suicide but is stopped and decides to enrol at the Harrison School. Devante is diagnosed with acute stress disorder and he meets Janina. Their friendship helps them both on their journey to recovery.
As a result of a new addition to the Harrison School team is given a select group of students to look after and as a result starts to question Janina’s diagnosis. After investigation and new research it is decided that Janina is not mentally unwell but has been mis-diagnosed because the people around her failed to acknowledge her intellect. Showing that the labels we take on are fluid and can change over time.
Whilst at the Harrison School Devante begins to see that there are others in a similar situation to him, he is not alone and there are other people who are in a worst position than him.
This book shows the differences between different mental health conditions and their durations. It also shows the fluidity of mental health diagnosis and that labels are not necessarily everything and that treating teenagers as people has a huge beneficial effect.
Listen to our full review at:
Mental Health Book Club Episode 15
January 16, 2017
This is the story of two teenagers who are misdiagnosed and misunderstood by friends and family, and the adults who seek to help them. Devante has lost his best friend and falls into a deep depression. After barely being rescued from a suicide attempt he finds himself at the Harrison School, a facility for children with mental illness for instead of being medicated they are coached and mentored to understand themselves and their individual challenges. At Harrison, he meets Janina, a young lady who has been there a long time. Janina is shy and insecure but she stretches herself as she gives Devante a tour and they become friends. The book tells their story as they work through their issues and face the future.
I found the characters in this book to be very believable and real. The author has done a great job of developing their personalities and also their backstory. The book is very honest about the ways that their support networks let them down, but is also very hopeful as the family and friends start to realize how they can do better. These characters are African-American but that was not the main theme of the book. The struggles Devante and Janina face could be true of anybody of any race and for that I think this book would appeal to a broad range of young adults. Overall, I applaud the author for the creativity of the storyline, which kept me engaged, and the depth of the characters, which made them feel real. This would be appropriate for older teens but younger ages may have difficulty understanding the mental health aspects of the story.
I found the characters in this book to be very believable and real. The author has done a great job of developing their personalities and also their backstory. The book is very honest about the ways that their support networks let them down, but is also very hopeful as the family and friends start to realize how they can do better. These characters are African-American but that was not the main theme of the book. The struggles Devante and Janina face could be true of anybody of any race and for that I think this book would appeal to a broad range of young adults. Overall, I applaud the author for the creativity of the storyline, which kept me engaged, and the depth of the characters, which made them feel real. This would be appropriate for older teens but younger ages may have difficulty understanding the mental health aspects of the story.
Read
April 28, 2016The Harrison School for Exceptional Youth is a world apart from traditional mental health facilities. Rather than drugs and discipline, there are art therapy classes and life skills classes. In charge of the Harrison School for Exceptional Youth is Dr. Lutkin, a man who wanted to create a unique and fulfilling environment which would allow the students to grow and learn to cope with their illnesses in a way which lets them lead productive lives in the outside world. Janina has been a student for four years and is afraid to leave because of how she is treated at home and at her former school for her creativity and different approach to life. Devante has recently come to the school after witnessing the death of a close friend, leaving him with PTSD, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Together with Dr. Gail Thomas, a new addition to the school, Dr. Lutkin strives to do his best for these kids. A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW is a moving story about mental illness, genius, hope, and healing. The characters were so real; you could feel their pain and rejoice in their discovery of happiness. I feel a lot of kids should read this to know they aren’t alone in the world and they can find their own path to happiness.
April 9, 2016
I really loved A Bitter Pill to Swallow. I took Psychology in high school and college and loved the subject. I am not cut out to be a doctor or a nurse, but that doesn't mean I can't help people and its something that brings me a lot of fulfillment. Some people don't need physical help, they just need emotional or mental help. Sometimes they just need to know they are not alone in the troubles they face, even though they feel as if they are. This book shows that.
A Bitter Pill to Swallow follows a group of kids that are currently in a school for children with disabilities, some mental, some emotional. We are given a very sad depiction of their lives and the problems they face, I couldn't help but to feel moved. I was struck by the realism of the characters and I was touched on a profound level. I think this would be a great book for teens who have dealt with any issues of this nature. Sometimes you just have to know you are not alone.
The "gifted" portion really helps in understanding some things. I have studied Psychology and misdiagnosing is something that comes up more often then most would believe. I really Loved that part.
Excellent book start to finish....Stormi
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A Bitter Pill to Swallow follows a group of kids that are currently in a school for children with disabilities, some mental, some emotional. We are given a very sad depiction of their lives and the problems they face, I couldn't help but to feel moved. I was struck by the realism of the characters and I was touched on a profound level. I think this would be a great book for teens who have dealt with any issues of this nature. Sometimes you just have to know you are not alone.
The "gifted" portion really helps in understanding some things. I have studied Psychology and misdiagnosing is something that comes up more often then most would believe. I really Loved that part.
Excellent book start to finish....Stormi
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
September 13, 2016
During the process of reading this book I talked to SOO MANY people about it! Tiffany tells the story of 4 individuals intertwined by the Harrison school for the “mentally ill”. By narrating through each individual’s eyes and bringing them all together – you get a whole new sense of the term “you never know what someone is going through”. Janina, Devante, Dr. Lutkin and Gail all have their own internal struggles to deal with as well as concern for each other.
Every chapter I read I felt more and more connected to Janina and the other characters. I couldn’t help but find myself analyzing her actions myself and trying to come up with my own explanations and jump to the conclusion. I just had to keep reading – I had to understand and get to know these characters and their stories more and more.
I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, I felt connected. The experience that is this book was powerful.
I also found myself comparing some of the traits of the patients in this book with people I know. I grew a higher understanding of “gifted” individuals in my life. This book honestly opened my eyes and touched my heart in more ways than one.
I highly recommend.
http://girlplusbook.com/review/bitter...
Every chapter I read I felt more and more connected to Janina and the other characters. I couldn’t help but find myself analyzing her actions myself and trying to come up with my own explanations and jump to the conclusion. I just had to keep reading – I had to understand and get to know these characters and their stories more and more.
I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, I felt connected. The experience that is this book was powerful.
I also found myself comparing some of the traits of the patients in this book with people I know. I grew a higher understanding of “gifted” individuals in my life. This book honestly opened my eyes and touched my heart in more ways than one.
I highly recommend.
http://girlplusbook.com/review/bitter...
December 2, 2016
I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book and it didn't immediately grab me, but by page 20 or so I became hooked. Told through alternating perspectives, this story follows two young patients in a mental illness facility for youth, a promising med student, and the director of the facility. Each of their voices help flesh out this small contained world of confusion, pain, and hope. Devante is admitted after he tries to commit suicide for being unable to deal with the death of his close friend. Janina has been a resident for four years and is extra sensitive and hard on herself. Gail is unsure if she's in the right career, but she knows that she has to help people as a promise to her brother. Finally Dr. Lutkin has to find a way to keep his residents safe from big companies that threaten to take over his home and turn it into a hospital with unsavory methods. The perspectives are told in letters, thoughts, and journal entries, and really offer a fresh look at what it's like to have a mental illness; the stigma, fear, and confusion are hard to bear. A wonderful novel for teens and adults alike.
I received this book for free from the author in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
I received this book for free from the author in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
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