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The Definition Of Us
Normal
(adj.) Conforming to a standard; regular, typical or expected
(urban) A word inapplicable to human beings
(Florence) Round, smooth and bumpy like a cobbled street
Florence doesn't always see things the way other people do. She feels different.
When Florence meets Jasper, Andrew and Wilf she can't imagine they'd have much in common - with at least five mental health conditions between them, they all have very different reasons for being referred to Manor Lane Therapy Centre.
It's only when their therapist, Howard, goes missing that they find a common purpose. Worried by his disappearance and wanting answers, the four of them decide to track him down.
As they cross the country in a 'borrowed' van, asking each other Ultimate Questions and facing a series of challenges along the way, they start to reveal their true selves - and Florence realises there's more to all of them than just a diagnosis . . .
Maybe they're not so different after all?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2018
12 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
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July 3, 2018
You can find this review and more on my blog at My Endless Shelf.
I really wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did!
I absolutely love the characters and their varying personalities. Each one is so distinct, diverse and compelling and I love how well the author portrays mental health in all its variations.
The book is set in the UK, which I really enjoyed. Since I'm British, I find I sometimes relate more to books with familiar settings etc, and it definitely felt that way with The Definition of Us.
Whilst reading this book it gave me a bit of a Breakfast Club vibe whilst also reminding me a little of Clean by Juno Dawson (which I highly recommend if you haven't read it!)
What I truly love the most about this book is how realistic the characters are, they were so relatable, and their journey both together and as individuals is really beautiful.
I can honestly say that this is the best book about mental health that I've read to date. The representation, understanding, acceptance and relatability of mental health portrayed in this book was, in my opinion, flawless.
It's juxtaposed with sweetness, humour, romance and friendship and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I was so caught up in these characters and their stories that it was only when I'd finish did I realise I saw so much of myself in them. Different insecurities, worries, and problems that I've struggled with throughout my life, reflected back at me in these characters, and I was left feeling better about myself.
This book is about hope, about strength and about how being human is complicated and that absolutely no one is perfect, everyone is facing some form of internal struggle, no matter how put together they seem on the outside.
I'm going to finish with a truly beautiful quote, and encourage you all to read this book!
"There is always a moment in the future you'll be glad you stuck around for."
I really wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did!
I absolutely love the characters and their varying personalities. Each one is so distinct, diverse and compelling and I love how well the author portrays mental health in all its variations.
The book is set in the UK, which I really enjoyed. Since I'm British, I find I sometimes relate more to books with familiar settings etc, and it definitely felt that way with The Definition of Us.
Whilst reading this book it gave me a bit of a Breakfast Club vibe whilst also reminding me a little of Clean by Juno Dawson (which I highly recommend if you haven't read it!)
What I truly love the most about this book is how realistic the characters are, they were so relatable, and their journey both together and as individuals is really beautiful.
I can honestly say that this is the best book about mental health that I've read to date. The representation, understanding, acceptance and relatability of mental health portrayed in this book was, in my opinion, flawless.
It's juxtaposed with sweetness, humour, romance and friendship and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I was so caught up in these characters and their stories that it was only when I'd finish did I realise I saw so much of myself in them. Different insecurities, worries, and problems that I've struggled with throughout my life, reflected back at me in these characters, and I was left feeling better about myself.
This book is about hope, about strength and about how being human is complicated and that absolutely no one is perfect, everyone is facing some form of internal struggle, no matter how put together they seem on the outside.
I'm going to finish with a truly beautiful quote, and encourage you all to read this book!
"There is always a moment in the future you'll be glad you stuck around for."
November 4, 2019
A wonderful funny unique and enjoyable story about four young people who attend a Therapy centre for mental health issues.
When one of their favourite therapists goes missing they decide to join together and go to look for him.
Florence, Jasper, Andrew and Wilf are wonderful, colourful and struggling with life. Their journey is fraught with issues, some danger and a bit of a struggle for them. They learn to help and support each other and grow closer as a result. They are warm hearted, witty, humorous and reveal more about themselves along the way.
A great read and I highly recommend it to YA and Adults alike.
When one of their favourite therapists goes missing they decide to join together and go to look for him.
Florence, Jasper, Andrew and Wilf are wonderful, colourful and struggling with life. Their journey is fraught with issues, some danger and a bit of a struggle for them. They learn to help and support each other and grow closer as a result. They are warm hearted, witty, humorous and reveal more about themselves along the way.
A great read and I highly recommend it to YA and Adults alike.
July 9, 2018
The Definition of Us is about four interesting characters who are going on a road-trip to find their therapist, who suddenly has disappeared. During this trip, they really get to know each other and I really liked this concept! Each character had their own issues, and I really liked how they sort of dealt with it during this trip.
September 28, 2018
A gentle positive exploration of the concept of normal and what that looks like (spoiler: there's no such thing).
Florence is a shy, thoughtful narrator, unaware of her steadying influence over a car load of anxious boys. The love story is lovely.
Strong and engaging.
Florence is a shy, thoughtful narrator, unaware of her steadying influence over a car load of anxious boys. The love story is lovely.
Strong and engaging.
July 21, 2018
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
Trigger Warning: This book features discussion of suicide.
The Definition of Us by Sarah Harris sounded like it would be right up my street, but unfortunately, I found it very disappointing.
When the patients at Manor Lane Diagnostic & Therapy Centre are told that their psychotherapist Howard isn't going to be at their therapy sessions for the foreseeable, Florence, Wilf, Jasper and Andrew are left feeling lost. Howard is the only person they've really been able to talk to, the only person who has helped them. Worried that something might be wrong, the four decide to try and track him down to make sure he's ok. On their journey, the four form a friendship they never thought they would, as they are all are so different.
So, firstly, the story is unrealistic. These four teens, who don't really know each other, decide to take it on themselves to go and find Howard. Andrew, who has ASD and needs routine, and is having trouble dealing with Howard's disappearance the fact that he isn't going to have his therapy sessions when he's supposed to, manages to convince the other - though it doesn't take much - to go and find Howard on their own. There is very little conversation about it, very little thought about how it might not be a great idea. Very soon, they're off, on their way to search for him, with the belief that he'll be at his sister's in Cambridge, after overhearing a conversation between the staff.
Then there's the fact that, in the great scheme of things, not a huge amount happens. Yes, it's a road trip kind of story, but still, there are meant to be things that happen along the way, to keep you interested. I think maybe two things of any real note happen. Mostly, it's just conversation. And this is the major problem for me: the whole story felt forced and unnatural. The heart-to-hearts the characters have felt very patronising; those trying to comfort others saying cliché things that mean very little. They're meant to actually care, but it's just not believable. It's all surface concern, but doesn't feel genuine.
Then there are the characters themselves, who, for the most part, do not feel like real people. They're aged between 16 and 18, but they all felt so much younger - the whole story felt like it was aimed more at 13-year-olds, and written for 13-year-olds whose intelligence the author had made assumptions about, and dumbed the writing down for them. We learn very little about the characters as people. There is no chemistry of any kind between them, not even for friendship, let alone the romance that is supposedly blossoming between Florence and Jasper. I did not believe in any of the relationships, that any of them genuinely cared about the others.
There doesn't seem to be much depth to the characters, or to the story, and I felt like even their mental illnesses and other conditions are really explored properly - accept for maybe Andrew, but part of me thinks that's only because he has ASD, and so he has to be seen to be acting/reacting/thinking/behaving differently from what we're used to. He seemed like the most fully-formed character, and yet, beside having ASD, all we really know about him is he's interested in maths and science. That's it. The only other character that felt somewhat real is Wilf, because he had some personality. He can be inappropriate and bold, he gets wound up fairly easily and is honest with it, and he makes some amusing comments. But it's the fact that he has anger issues that makes him seem more real than the others, because he's reacting all the time - even though, to me, he just seemed to get annoyed a lot. I wouldn't have said he had anger issues. So again, it's where their conditions are not explored enough. If I didn't know already that Wilf had ADHD, there's nothing in the story that would make me think there was something about himself he was dealing with.
But onto the mental illnesses covered, and the discussion of mental illness. Florence has depression, and Jasper has anorexia. For the most part, unless they were particularly talking about or focusing on mental illness, none of them really seemed like they had a mental illness. Of course, there is no "right" way to act when you have a mental illness, but having read a number of books on mental illness now, most of these characters don't show many of the symptoms you'd expect. They seem fine, until they're talking about it, or Florence is thinking back, or thinking about someone else's mental illness. When they are, though, there are some interesting things said or thought about, but it still doesn't go into that much depth overall. Here is Florence thinking about her depression.
In an of itself, this is really insightful, and I guess also shows how treatment and therapy can help. But other than being worried about an anniversary that's coming up, there's no other real discussion of her mental illness. The Definition of Us may not be specifically about mental illness, but it's about finding their psychotherapist because they have issues they need his help with. But on the whole, they're only touched on, once or twice maybe. I just expected more. Here's Florence thinking about Jasper's anorexia.
Again, there are a few interesting conversations about mental illness in general, but again, they're just touched on.
There is an interesting look at ASD, and how Andrew feels most of the time...
...but at the same time, there isn't a huge amount more to Andrew. He is his ASD. And it kind of felt to me that he was used on occasion to create humour. Not that we were laughing at him, but that he would say things he probably shouldn't and create awkward, humorous situations - like when he mentions he didn't think Jasper was gay because of how he acts around Florence. And although we're not laughing at him, it did feel like he and his ASD were used to create awkward, funny situations. Like the author thought, "Ok, we need something funny to happen now. Let's have Andrew say something no-one else would." Which is really unfair. Sure these things may happen in real life, but don't use the autistic character to create humour.
There are a few other elements to the story that were good to see. Though she doesn't find out until later on in the book, Florence has synaesthesia, and it's a kind of synaesthesia I've not come across before, in relation to words:
And, although it's not said on page, it looks like Andrew may be aromantic and asexual:
It's always good to see asexual rep, so this was pretty awesome.
However, overall, The Definition of Us was a huge let down. To me, the whole story felt like it was written with a teenage audience in mind, and wrote in what they thought would be their level. It was pretty embarrassing, really, and so difficult to read without feeling so frustrated. This could have been such an incredible book if it wasn't so patronising, and if it explored the characters, their conditions, and their home lives in more depth. It was just really not for me. However, a lot of people seem to have loved it, so do read some other reviews before deciding whether you'll read it or not.
Thank you to Piatkus via NetGalley for the eProof.
Trigger Warning: This book features discussion of suicide.
The Definition of Us by Sarah Harris sounded like it would be right up my street, but unfortunately, I found it very disappointing.
When the patients at Manor Lane Diagnostic & Therapy Centre are told that their psychotherapist Howard isn't going to be at their therapy sessions for the foreseeable, Florence, Wilf, Jasper and Andrew are left feeling lost. Howard is the only person they've really been able to talk to, the only person who has helped them. Worried that something might be wrong, the four decide to try and track him down to make sure he's ok. On their journey, the four form a friendship they never thought they would, as they are all are so different.
So, firstly, the story is unrealistic. These four teens, who don't really know each other, decide to take it on themselves to go and find Howard. Andrew, who has ASD and needs routine, and is having trouble dealing with Howard's disappearance the fact that he isn't going to have his therapy sessions when he's supposed to, manages to convince the other - though it doesn't take much - to go and find Howard on their own. There is very little conversation about it, very little thought about how it might not be a great idea. Very soon, they're off, on their way to search for him, with the belief that he'll be at his sister's in Cambridge, after overhearing a conversation between the staff.
Then there's the fact that, in the great scheme of things, not a huge amount happens. Yes, it's a road trip kind of story, but still, there are meant to be things that happen along the way, to keep you interested. I think maybe two things of any real note happen. Mostly, it's just conversation. And this is the major problem for me: the whole story felt forced and unnatural. The heart-to-hearts the characters have felt very patronising; those trying to comfort others saying cliché things that mean very little. They're meant to actually care, but it's just not believable. It's all surface concern, but doesn't feel genuine.
Then there are the characters themselves, who, for the most part, do not feel like real people. They're aged between 16 and 18, but they all felt so much younger - the whole story felt like it was aimed more at 13-year-olds, and written for 13-year-olds whose intelligence the author had made assumptions about, and dumbed the writing down for them. We learn very little about the characters as people. There is no chemistry of any kind between them, not even for friendship, let alone the romance that is supposedly blossoming between Florence and Jasper. I did not believe in any of the relationships, that any of them genuinely cared about the others.
There doesn't seem to be much depth to the characters, or to the story, and I felt like even their mental illnesses and other conditions are really explored properly - accept for maybe Andrew, but part of me thinks that's only because he has ASD, and so he has to be seen to be acting/reacting/thinking/behaving differently from what we're used to. He seemed like the most fully-formed character, and yet, beside having ASD, all we really know about him is he's interested in maths and science. That's it. The only other character that felt somewhat real is Wilf, because he had some personality. He can be inappropriate and bold, he gets wound up fairly easily and is honest with it, and he makes some amusing comments. But it's the fact that he has anger issues that makes him seem more real than the others, because he's reacting all the time - even though, to me, he just seemed to get annoyed a lot. I wouldn't have said he had anger issues. So again, it's where their conditions are not explored enough. If I didn't know already that Wilf had ADHD, there's nothing in the story that would make me think there was something about himself he was dealing with.
But onto the mental illnesses covered, and the discussion of mental illness. Florence has depression, and Jasper has anorexia. For the most part, unless they were particularly talking about or focusing on mental illness, none of them really seemed like they had a mental illness. Of course, there is no "right" way to act when you have a mental illness, but having read a number of books on mental illness now, most of these characters don't show many of the symptoms you'd expect. They seem fine, until they're talking about it, or Florence is thinking back, or thinking about someone else's mental illness. When they are, though, there are some interesting things said or thought about, but it still doesn't go into that much depth overall. Here is Florence thinking about her depression.
'In her twelve weeks at Manor Lane she'd come a long way. Fortunately Jasper hadn't seen her when she first arrived. When she was switched off and just wanted to be left alone. At that point she didn't communicate, she rarely washed her hair or changed her clothes, she didn't taste the food that was put in front of her. What was the point?
Over the following weeks at Manor Lane things began to change. CBT, hours of conversations with Howard, enforced routine, yoga and meditation, meeting other people like herself, who didn't fit in and probably never would. They started to have an effect. She started feeling things again, remembering herself, wanting to join in more. She'd find herself talking, asking questions, wanting to know things. She sometimes even caught a glimpse of a feeling, an intense feeling like excitement, passion or joy, and it was like the sudden burst of a firework. A brief and unexpected flash of colour and life would quickly vanish and leave her wondering where it had come from and hoping it would come back. She was remembering who she was and the things she liked. She was slowly becoming a person again, but she wasn't fully formed and solid yet. She was an apparition, and sometimes she worried if she looked too hard she might vanish again.' (45%)
In an of itself, this is really insightful, and I guess also shows how treatment and therapy can help. But other than being worried about an anniversary that's coming up, there's no other real discussion of her mental illness. The Definition of Us may not be specifically about mental illness, but it's about finding their psychotherapist because they have issues they need his help with. But on the whole, they're only touched on, once or twice maybe. I just expected more. Here's Florence thinking about Jasper's anorexia.
'On Jasper's second day at Manor Lane, Wilf had made a typically inappropriate comment about the calories in the chocolate bar Jasper was eating. Jasper countered it by pointing out that he wasn't actually anorexic. Instead he described himself as "a bit fussy" and said with what sounded like false bravado that he "functioned better on an empty stomach".
Florence soon figured out that Jasper's real problem was anxiety. He was running high on adrenaline, like a care being revved in neutral. Avoiding food was one of his ways of managing it. He'd got used to eating less and a habit had set in. Now eating would cause him to react as thought he was being confronted with a phobia.' (44%)
Again, there are a few interesting conversations about mental illness in general, but again, they're just touched on.
'"It's like, as soon as people know you've got problems it's all they see. They don't take the time to find out what you're really about."
"Yeah, I get that," Florence said. "People are either scared of talking to me or they're asking if I'm okay all the time, like I might just crack up in front of them. Even my own parents. No one treats me like a normal person any more. I can see it in their faces when they talk to me. They're thinking, you're that depressed girl. It's all they see."
"It's true. People have taken the piss out of me for years," Jasper said. "Guys aren't allowed to get anxious about stuff, are they? They're supposed to be tough. Man up and all that. Guys with eating disorders can't be taken seriously. They see an anxious guy with an eating disorder who takes drama and they either laugh at me or assume I'm gay."' (39-40%)
'"...What of he's ill, or depressed, or something?"
"Poor Howard," Jasper said.
"Hmm," Wilf screwed up his face. "I dunno. Howard's not the sort to be depressed or anything like that. He's sorted. He's got an answer for everything. He'd just psych himself back on the straight and narrow."
"I'm not so sure," Jasper said. "He told me once that he had depression and anxiety before he went to university. That's why he wanted to be a therapist."
"He told me the same," Florence said. "I always thought it was hard to imagine but no one's immune to it. You can't go by how people come across on the outside."' (12-13%)
'"And I'm coming to the conclusion that we're all surprisingly normal."
"You're right, you know. I never felt normal till I came to Manor Lane."
"Me too, but what about when we're not in Manor Lane?"
He shrugged. "I feel normal right now."
"Then maybe normal is just a state of mind?"
"Or maybe normal is everything and everything is normal?"
"You've totally just expanded on the definition of normal."
"I always thought it should be more inclusive."' (33%)
There is an interesting look at ASD, and how Andrew feels most of the time...
'"[Wilf] is your friend," Jasper said firmly. "We all are."
Andrew sniffed and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Why don't you take me seriously then?"Wilf was pacing. "Oh, believe me, I take you very seriously, Andrew.""Not how I feel about things. You think that I'm autistic so that means I don't care about stuff but I do. All I've ever wanted is to have friends like everyone else. Friends I can trust not to laugh at me or treat me like I'm nothing."
Wilf looked like he was going to argue but Andrew continued.
"At school the only kind of friends I made were the sort who'd talk about a party and invite me but then give me the wrong address on purpose. Friends who'd do things to wind me up so they could watch me get in trouble. Friends who'd write swear words in my notes and change my name to Android in the school paper just before it got send to the printers."
Wilf made a noise like a snort then quickly cleared his throat.
Andrew stared at him angrily. "It's not funny. You think I'm just one big joke but it's not funny to me. You call me names and put me down but I'm not a robot. I do care. I spend a lot of time trying to understand people because I want them to like me. I don't want to annoy people or say the wrong thing. I really am trying, but I feel like I'm always failing or disappointing people. Why does no one ever try to understand me?"' (38-39%)
...but at the same time, there isn't a huge amount more to Andrew. He is his ASD. And it kind of felt to me that he was used on occasion to create humour. Not that we were laughing at him, but that he would say things he probably shouldn't and create awkward, humorous situations - like when he mentions he didn't think Jasper was gay because of how he acts around Florence. And although we're not laughing at him, it did feel like he and his ASD were used to create awkward, funny situations. Like the author thought, "Ok, we need something funny to happen now. Let's have Andrew say something no-one else would." Which is really unfair. Sure these things may happen in real life, but don't use the autistic character to create humour.
There are a few other elements to the story that were good to see. Though she doesn't find out until later on in the book, Florence has synaesthesia, and it's a kind of synaesthesia I've not come across before, in relation to words:
'A few years later she stared to realise she experienced [words] differently to other people. Sometimes they just made her feel something: pleasure, disgust, calm, intrigued. Sometimes they formed shapes, patterns, colours. Sometimes they were clear enough to form objects or scenes. Nouns were the most confusing because the words in her head didn't fit their definition. Brick was a fist. Flower looked like cotton wool. Paper was shiny. When you said things like that out loud you tended to get looked at strangely. There were sniggers in the classroom. People thought you were making it up. After a while Florence learned to keep her words to herself.' (34%)
And, although it's not said on page, it looks like Andrew may be aromantic and asexual:
'Andrew looked impatiently at Wilf. "Megan's not my girlfriend. She's gay."
Wilf's eyes widened. "Seriously? Wow, what a waste. Bad luck, mate."
"I'm sure her girlfriend doesn't think it's a waste and anyway, I don't see how it's bad luck. I don't want a girlfriend."
Wilf's eyes grew even wider. "You want a boyfriend?"
"No! I've told you before, I don't want that sort of relationship with anyone. I just want a friend."' (80%)
It's always good to see asexual rep, so this was pretty awesome.
However, overall, The Definition of Us was a huge let down. To me, the whole story felt like it was written with a teenage audience in mind, and wrote in what they thought would be their level. It was pretty embarrassing, really, and so difficult to read without feeling so frustrated. This could have been such an incredible book if it wasn't so patronising, and if it explored the characters, their conditions, and their home lives in more depth. It was just really not for me. However, a lot of people seem to have loved it, so do read some other reviews before deciding whether you'll read it or not.
Thank you to Piatkus via NetGalley for the eProof.
July 4, 2018
I received an ARC of The Definition of Us from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion of the book.
I tend to shy away from books that have mental health as the main plot. I’ve struggled with a few things for over four years, and I still find myself unable to face it all. I read to distract myself from them, so I try not to bleed the lines together. I think mental health is something that people should write, read and talk about more, but my avoidant personality makes it difficult to really let it in, and I don’t have many good memories or experiences with hospitals and therapy, either. I don’t like to think back on them at all, but this story was so different. So beautiful and refreshing. It made me feel hopeful. Like I can try again and not have a shit time. I’m lucky that the past few contemporaries about mental health have had nothing but positive, hopeful influences on me. And this book is definitely one of them!
In The Definition of Us, I met characters that struggled with mental health issues, but were not their illnesses. There was so much depth to them, so much more. For example, Florence wasn’t her depression. She was a curious girl who loved words; the sound and feel of them. She was headstrong and brave, thoughtful to the point of my breaking my heart, and considerate. Her voice was so distinct and interesting, I often felt myself echoed in her. You could really empathize with her and her way of thinking and seeing things made it so easy to love her. She was so…real. I understood her perfectly. Some chapters really made my chest ache because so many of it was real for me as well. Depression takes a lot out of someone. It has taken more of me than I want it to, but with Florence, she took back from it. I was so proud. I teared up because she was crazy amazing towards the end. Brave and incredible. GOD, I LOVED HER.
Then we have Jasper, who was – is – one of my favourite characters in contemporary YA. There was so much to like about him – he was quirky, funny, sweet. He liked to say he was 90% happy most of the time but the other 10% would sometimes take hold. This is how I feel all the time. One of my favourite things about his character was that he was a boy with an eating disorder. Harris was able to raise the fact that boys and men suffer from eating disorders just as much as girls and women – this is something I wish there was more of. And it wasn’t that he lived off salad and wouldn’t eat unhealthy things – no, he loved chocolate, an unhealthy food. He simply struggled to eat other things and sometimes experienced anxiety from the thought of them. Harris did a brilliant job of raising the fact that eating disorders are beyond a certain confined criteria – there is more to our relationship with food than others see. As someone who has an eating disorder, Jasper was – is – a well-loved character who allowed me to face a few of my fears without letting them take over. And though this story is told in Florence’s perspective, Jasper existed between the lines and the way she saw him made him so vibrant and alive on the page.
Andrew had ASD and often spiraled quickly into anxiety when things didn’t go to plan. But, boy, he was amazing, I tell you. He was a highly intelligent boy filled to the brim with random, interesting facts, who was always honest even though his truths were brutal, and all he wanted was to be liked by the people around him. He didn’t understand many social situations the way the others did, but that’s not to say he didn’t try. He did, and I was so proud of him in the latter half. He was the brain of the adventure and it was just so fun to read him experience new things – it really made you root for him, really made you appreciate him. He was honestly the nicest, sweetest boy. I wished and wished that the people who bullied him in the past had just taken the time to see him, talk to him. Get to know him. He was bright and brilliant, and I just really wanted him to be happy.
And then we have Wilf, who had ADHD and a fiery temper. But beneath all his false bravado was a vulnerable, scared boy who was terrified of ending up alone and stuck in a job that wasn’t him. He was so…real and raw. I really felt for him. He was more considerate and thoughtful than people gave him credit for. He was funny and honest, and the banter between him and Andrew made way for a bright friendship that really lifted my spirits. It was also great to see him through Florence’s eyes. He was difficult at first, but along the way he began to shed his armor and really lay himself bare with them, which goes to show how much he came to trust them and consider them as friends. He was truly wholesome and heartfelt. Even now, my chest aches for him.
The characters…are so incredibly wonderful. They were mentally ill characters who actually wanted to get better, and I found that so, so inspiring. Hopeful. It was easy to read this book, unlike others I’ve read in the past, because it didn’t feel like I was reading about mental health and the spiral into darkness – it was them finding the light and each other. It read like a roadtrip, a really fun one full of crazy blunders and a thrilling chase.
The writing was beautiful! I especially enjoyed the snippets of Florence’s notebook in between the chapters. It allowed another look into her life and their awesome conversations – the ultimate question thing was brilliant. I also found the focus and representation of therapy and the hospital, their positive effects on these characters, refreshing. Hospitals and therapy are often portrayed tragically and darkly, but it’s more supportive than what I’ve read. Though my experiences weren’t as positive as theirs, it made me happy for the characters.
The whole point of it wasn’t how their mental illnesses broke them, but how they’re trying to be beyond them. Their definition of normal, which is happy, content, satisfied. I could go on about it forever, but it just made me feel grateful for many things. The characters, the story, the writing – all of it was endearing and wonderful, and now I hold this book so close to my heart.
I tend to shy away from books that have mental health as the main plot. I’ve struggled with a few things for over four years, and I still find myself unable to face it all. I read to distract myself from them, so I try not to bleed the lines together. I think mental health is something that people should write, read and talk about more, but my avoidant personality makes it difficult to really let it in, and I don’t have many good memories or experiences with hospitals and therapy, either. I don’t like to think back on them at all, but this story was so different. So beautiful and refreshing. It made me feel hopeful. Like I can try again and not have a shit time. I’m lucky that the past few contemporaries about mental health have had nothing but positive, hopeful influences on me. And this book is definitely one of them!
In The Definition of Us, I met characters that struggled with mental health issues, but were not their illnesses. There was so much depth to them, so much more. For example, Florence wasn’t her depression. She was a curious girl who loved words; the sound and feel of them. She was headstrong and brave, thoughtful to the point of my breaking my heart, and considerate. Her voice was so distinct and interesting, I often felt myself echoed in her. You could really empathize with her and her way of thinking and seeing things made it so easy to love her. She was so…real. I understood her perfectly. Some chapters really made my chest ache because so many of it was real for me as well. Depression takes a lot out of someone. It has taken more of me than I want it to, but with Florence, she took back from it. I was so proud. I teared up because she was crazy amazing towards the end. Brave and incredible. GOD, I LOVED HER.
Then we have Jasper, who was – is – one of my favourite characters in contemporary YA. There was so much to like about him – he was quirky, funny, sweet. He liked to say he was 90% happy most of the time but the other 10% would sometimes take hold. This is how I feel all the time. One of my favourite things about his character was that he was a boy with an eating disorder. Harris was able to raise the fact that boys and men suffer from eating disorders just as much as girls and women – this is something I wish there was more of. And it wasn’t that he lived off salad and wouldn’t eat unhealthy things – no, he loved chocolate, an unhealthy food. He simply struggled to eat other things and sometimes experienced anxiety from the thought of them. Harris did a brilliant job of raising the fact that eating disorders are beyond a certain confined criteria – there is more to our relationship with food than others see. As someone who has an eating disorder, Jasper was – is – a well-loved character who allowed me to face a few of my fears without letting them take over. And though this story is told in Florence’s perspective, Jasper existed between the lines and the way she saw him made him so vibrant and alive on the page.
Andrew had ASD and often spiraled quickly into anxiety when things didn’t go to plan. But, boy, he was amazing, I tell you. He was a highly intelligent boy filled to the brim with random, interesting facts, who was always honest even though his truths were brutal, and all he wanted was to be liked by the people around him. He didn’t understand many social situations the way the others did, but that’s not to say he didn’t try. He did, and I was so proud of him in the latter half. He was the brain of the adventure and it was just so fun to read him experience new things – it really made you root for him, really made you appreciate him. He was honestly the nicest, sweetest boy. I wished and wished that the people who bullied him in the past had just taken the time to see him, talk to him. Get to know him. He was bright and brilliant, and I just really wanted him to be happy.
And then we have Wilf, who had ADHD and a fiery temper. But beneath all his false bravado was a vulnerable, scared boy who was terrified of ending up alone and stuck in a job that wasn’t him. He was so…real and raw. I really felt for him. He was more considerate and thoughtful than people gave him credit for. He was funny and honest, and the banter between him and Andrew made way for a bright friendship that really lifted my spirits. It was also great to see him through Florence’s eyes. He was difficult at first, but along the way he began to shed his armor and really lay himself bare with them, which goes to show how much he came to trust them and consider them as friends. He was truly wholesome and heartfelt. Even now, my chest aches for him.
The characters…are so incredibly wonderful. They were mentally ill characters who actually wanted to get better, and I found that so, so inspiring. Hopeful. It was easy to read this book, unlike others I’ve read in the past, because it didn’t feel like I was reading about mental health and the spiral into darkness – it was them finding the light and each other. It read like a roadtrip, a really fun one full of crazy blunders and a thrilling chase.
The writing was beautiful! I especially enjoyed the snippets of Florence’s notebook in between the chapters. It allowed another look into her life and their awesome conversations – the ultimate question thing was brilliant. I also found the focus and representation of therapy and the hospital, their positive effects on these characters, refreshing. Hospitals and therapy are often portrayed tragically and darkly, but it’s more supportive than what I’ve read. Though my experiences weren’t as positive as theirs, it made me happy for the characters.
The whole point of it wasn’t how their mental illnesses broke them, but how they’re trying to be beyond them. Their definition of normal, which is happy, content, satisfied. I could go on about it forever, but it just made me feel grateful for many things. The characters, the story, the writing – all of it was endearing and wonderful, and now I hold this book so close to my heart.
July 9, 2018
Mental health is high on the agenda of things to talk about...but living with the impact of mental health issues can be draining. Anything that gets teens talking about their interactions and mindset has to be a good thing.
Our ragtag bunch of characters are all part of a clinic for teens. When they learn their therapist has gone missing they decide to hunt for him. And so begins one of the oddest books I’ve read for a while.
A road trip with a difference. Along the way we learn a little more about Florence, Jasper, Wilf and Andrew. We discover a little more about their background, and start to look at how they forge friendships.
Great fun, but also a timely exploration of how we treat mental health. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my thoughts.
Our ragtag bunch of characters are all part of a clinic for teens. When they learn their therapist has gone missing they decide to hunt for him. And so begins one of the oddest books I’ve read for a while.
A road trip with a difference. Along the way we learn a little more about Florence, Jasper, Wilf and Andrew. We discover a little more about their background, and start to look at how they forge friendships.
Great fun, but also a timely exploration of how we treat mental health. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my thoughts.
August 30, 2019
Normal is overrated anyway.
I picked this up at one of those "pop-up" book shops that appear in various shopping malls around our country. You know the ones where every book is just $7. It wasn't until I started reading it that I realised it's a Young Adults story. Oh well. At least I'm young-at-heart despite the fact that my joints tell me I'm otherwise.
Look - it's not a bad story and it's aimed at raising the awareness of teens with disabilities of thought processing. I liked the concept of an ADHD kid with anger issues, an autistic kid, a kid with anxiety and eating disorder and a girl with depression and anxiety, all getting together for a "field trip" to find where their therapist disappeared to. Of course, the journey itself proves to be more therapeutic than the therapist himself. However, a great concept does not make a great book. The writing style was a bit bland at times, but quite interesting at others. I liked that Florence kept a list of words she liked, and some she didn't. She also kept a list of names of her favourite characters which I liked a LOT; Boo Radley and Pippi Longstocking in particular.
I feel the whole thing could have been pepped up a bit with some more drama, and the ending was a bit too sudden. However, I read the whole thing, not just because I wanted my seven bucks worth, but because it was reasonably entertaining.
I picked this up at one of those "pop-up" book shops that appear in various shopping malls around our country. You know the ones where every book is just $7. It wasn't until I started reading it that I realised it's a Young Adults story. Oh well. At least I'm young-at-heart despite the fact that my joints tell me I'm otherwise.
Look - it's not a bad story and it's aimed at raising the awareness of teens with disabilities of thought processing. I liked the concept of an ADHD kid with anger issues, an autistic kid, a kid with anxiety and eating disorder and a girl with depression and anxiety, all getting together for a "field trip" to find where their therapist disappeared to. Of course, the journey itself proves to be more therapeutic than the therapist himself. However, a great concept does not make a great book. The writing style was a bit bland at times, but quite interesting at others. I liked that Florence kept a list of words she liked, and some she didn't. She also kept a list of names of her favourite characters which I liked a LOT; Boo Radley and Pippi Longstocking in particular.
I feel the whole thing could have been pepped up a bit with some more drama, and the ending was a bit too sudden. However, I read the whole thing, not just because I wanted my seven bucks worth, but because it was reasonably entertaining.
June 10, 2020
This was a total random buy for me, I think it was a quid in The Works so i thought 'why not?'
I'm really glad I picked it up on a whim though, because I really enjoyed reading this book. We follow a group of teenagers who all go to therapy for one reason or another ( at least 5 mental health conditions between the four of them) When their favourite therapist doesn't show up for work one day they decide to hop in a van and go on a round trip to track him down.
This was just extremely easy to read, all the characters were nuanced and had their own backstories. This is told from the perspective of Florence, who is dealing with depression, anxiety and something that happened in her life almost exactly a year ago. She has a bit of a crushy crush on Jasper, who has an eating disorder (it's great to see this from a male perspective). Wilf has ADHD and gets angry easy (a lot of his story revolves around his family and wanting to be more than people think he can be) And last but not least we have Andrew, who is on the autism spectrum. I don't personally have any experience with this but he seems extremely well written and is a beautifully rounded character, rather than a stereotype.
The story is fun, they have some really personal moments of growth, but also get into some wacky antics along the way.
It's also great to see a book about mental health that revolves around people getting help and normalising counselling and therapy.
I'm really glad I picked it up on a whim though, because I really enjoyed reading this book. We follow a group of teenagers who all go to therapy for one reason or another ( at least 5 mental health conditions between the four of them) When their favourite therapist doesn't show up for work one day they decide to hop in a van and go on a round trip to track him down.
This was just extremely easy to read, all the characters were nuanced and had their own backstories. This is told from the perspective of Florence, who is dealing with depression, anxiety and something that happened in her life almost exactly a year ago. She has a bit of a crushy crush on Jasper, who has an eating disorder (it's great to see this from a male perspective). Wilf has ADHD and gets angry easy (a lot of his story revolves around his family and wanting to be more than people think he can be) And last but not least we have Andrew, who is on the autism spectrum. I don't personally have any experience with this but he seems extremely well written and is a beautifully rounded character, rather than a stereotype.
The story is fun, they have some really personal moments of growth, but also get into some wacky antics along the way.
It's also great to see a book about mental health that revolves around people getting help and normalising counselling and therapy.
August 3, 2018
I enjoyed aspects of this book a lot. It's about a group of teenagers with a variety of mental health problems who take an impromptu road trip to Wales in search of their favourite therapist, who has abruptly left the centre where they met. Over the course of the journey, they get to know each other and themselves a bit better, and figure out what they want to do with their futures.
The characters are each distinct and well-developed, with their own problems and ways of responding to them. Because the book touches on each of their experiences, although focused most on Florence (the viewpoint character), it avoids focusing too heavily on any one problem, and the book as a whole is much lighter in tone than some books about mental illness that I've read.
There's also quite a big pop culture element, which is fun, though I feel it could quickly become dated -- already some of the references were a couple of years old, and that will begin to show more as time passes.
It's a character-driven book, but there is still plot, and even some drama -- though I have to admit, some of it felt a little haphazard, as though it had been thrown in there but never fully embedded in the storyline. I also questioned the realism of a few things, especially the ability of a group of teenagers to not get ID'd when alone in a pub together. It's a fairly fast paced book, though, so one doesn't get bogged down in those kinds of details.
I wasn't a big fan of the prose style, though, and that was a distraction throughout the book. It particularly bothered me when the characters were talking about what they'd learned about their mental health or whatever, because the phrasing made it feel a little ... didactic. And while I'm all about emphasising the value of therapy and structure to deal with anxiety and so on, it still felt occasionally preachy. The hints at Florence's backstory were effective in that I kept reading to find out what had happened, but I did feel kind of frustrated by how long it took to get answers to those questions since it felt like a lot of build up.
Overall, though, it was enjoyable enough, and I liked that it emphasised the importance of recovery not being focused around a single person (whether a therapist or a friend).
The characters are each distinct and well-developed, with their own problems and ways of responding to them. Because the book touches on each of their experiences, although focused most on Florence (the viewpoint character), it avoids focusing too heavily on any one problem, and the book as a whole is much lighter in tone than some books about mental illness that I've read.
There's also quite a big pop culture element, which is fun, though I feel it could quickly become dated -- already some of the references were a couple of years old, and that will begin to show more as time passes.
It's a character-driven book, but there is still plot, and even some drama -- though I have to admit, some of it felt a little haphazard, as though it had been thrown in there but never fully embedded in the storyline. I also questioned the realism of a few things, especially the ability of a group of teenagers to not get ID'd when alone in a pub together. It's a fairly fast paced book, though, so one doesn't get bogged down in those kinds of details.
I wasn't a big fan of the prose style, though, and that was a distraction throughout the book. It particularly bothered me when the characters were talking about what they'd learned about their mental health or whatever, because the phrasing made it feel a little ... didactic. And while I'm all about emphasising the value of therapy and structure to deal with anxiety and so on, it still felt occasionally preachy. The hints at Florence's backstory were effective in that I kept reading to find out what had happened, but I did feel kind of frustrated by how long it took to get answers to those questions since it felt like a lot of build up.
Overall, though, it was enjoyable enough, and I liked that it emphasised the importance of recovery not being focused around a single person (whether a therapist or a friend).
February 24, 2019
This was such a lovely and enjoyable read, I flew through it.
The characters were so funny and likeable and also flawed which made them feel really real. They felt like their own individual people. I felt as if I knew them all and as the book went on I felt as if we became close friends.
The plot and the writing style were lovely and simple which made it a really enjoyable book to read, it wasn't overly complicated. I haven't devoured a book like this in forever. This is one of the first books I've read in a few months which didn't feel like a chore: I genuinely looked forward to reading this every night and was always wondering what was going to happen next to these lovable misfits.
Overall I loved this and will be holding these dear characters very close to my heart.
The characters were so funny and likeable and also flawed which made them feel really real. They felt like their own individual people. I felt as if I knew them all and as the book went on I felt as if we became close friends.
The plot and the writing style were lovely and simple which made it a really enjoyable book to read, it wasn't overly complicated. I haven't devoured a book like this in forever. This is one of the first books I've read in a few months which didn't feel like a chore: I genuinely looked forward to reading this every night and was always wondering what was going to happen next to these lovable misfits.
Overall I loved this and will be holding these dear characters very close to my heart.
April 14, 2019
WHAT I LIKED:
~Boy rep with an eating disorder
~Cute friendships
~Florence’s love of linguistics, such an fascinating interest for a character. Very unique.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
~Unrealistic as hell. Sure, a kid with severe autism and need for structure and routine is going to go on a spontaneous road~trip across country with people he barely knows.
~I feel as if I didn’t really get to know the characters at all?? They all seemed like cutouts that blended into each other
~Really quite boring. Where’s the drama? Tension? Intrigue? Nothing really happened.
~Mediocre writing style that doesn’t distinguish it from any other book.
~I just didn’t care. About where Howard was, how they were going to find him, their life stories. I just didn’t care.
~The characters are their mental illnesses. They don’t have a personality outside of it.
~For a book focusing mainly on mental illness, it’s not really talked about and when it is, that’s the only time the characters seem to show symptoms or reflecting back on their time at Manor Lane? Otherwise they seem okay?? Like, their mental illnesses just appear when it’s convenient for the storyline and disappear magically when the writer wants to shift the focus onto the road trip. That’s not how it works.
~Slow pacing, wasn’t engaging at all.
2/5 stars, wouldn’t recommend
~Boy rep with an eating disorder
~Cute friendships
~Florence’s love of linguistics, such an fascinating interest for a character. Very unique.
WHAT I DISLIKED:
~Unrealistic as hell. Sure, a kid with severe autism and need for structure and routine is going to go on a spontaneous road~trip across country with people he barely knows.
~I feel as if I didn’t really get to know the characters at all?? They all seemed like cutouts that blended into each other
~Really quite boring. Where’s the drama? Tension? Intrigue? Nothing really happened.
~Mediocre writing style that doesn’t distinguish it from any other book.
~I just didn’t care. About where Howard was, how they were going to find him, their life stories. I just didn’t care.
~The characters are their mental illnesses. They don’t have a personality outside of it.
~For a book focusing mainly on mental illness, it’s not really talked about and when it is, that’s the only time the characters seem to show symptoms or reflecting back on their time at Manor Lane? Otherwise they seem okay?? Like, their mental illnesses just appear when it’s convenient for the storyline and disappear magically when the writer wants to shift the focus onto the road trip. That’s not how it works.
~Slow pacing, wasn’t engaging at all.
2/5 stars, wouldn’t recommend
July 16, 2018
Whilst this novel is billed as YA fiction it will also appeal to adults with an interest in mental health and autistic spectrum disorders.
Following the lives of a group of youngsters, brought together by their mental health issues, we get an insight into the interactions between them, their parents and their supporters and the struggles that each faces.
The storyline is strong enough for YA fiction, a little implausible at times, but this is made up for through strong characterisation and a depth to the individuals that leaves you yearning for more.
My 12 year old child, not dissimilar to one of the characters this was a book, also enjoyed the book and it was used as a talking point and door opener to some conversations that might otherwise be quite difficult to start. Fiction like this can be priceless in that regard. If there was one negative, however, it is that the language used is quite strong in places (there are also some scenes involving drugs and sex) and so whilst this is a good story and easily comprehensible by the younger "YA" reader, parents may wish to satisfy themselves that it is appropriate.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more from the author.
With thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Following the lives of a group of youngsters, brought together by their mental health issues, we get an insight into the interactions between them, their parents and their supporters and the struggles that each faces.
The storyline is strong enough for YA fiction, a little implausible at times, but this is made up for through strong characterisation and a depth to the individuals that leaves you yearning for more.
My 12 year old child, not dissimilar to one of the characters this was a book, also enjoyed the book and it was used as a talking point and door opener to some conversations that might otherwise be quite difficult to start. Fiction like this can be priceless in that regard. If there was one negative, however, it is that the language used is quite strong in places (there are also some scenes involving drugs and sex) and so whilst this is a good story and easily comprehensible by the younger "YA" reader, parents may wish to satisfy themselves that it is appropriate.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to read more from the author.
With thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
August 14, 2018
What a great story about friendship! The plot is about a group of teenagers taking a journey to Wales in order to find Howard - a therapist at their Manor Lane school. This trip helps them define who they are and how to fix things they have done wrong.
I’m really impressed by the quote “It’s not your mistakes that make you who you are. It’s how you learn from them.” This gives me a positive thinking about life and teach me how to fix stuff that I struggle in solving.
Thanks for writing this book. I love it!!
I’m really impressed by the quote “It’s not your mistakes that make you who you are. It’s how you learn from them.” This gives me a positive thinking about life and teach me how to fix stuff that I struggle in solving.
Thanks for writing this book. I love it!!
June 21, 2018
A really enjoyable book that involves with mental health,humour, love and friendship. The writing was my favourite aspect of this book and I really want to read more by Sarah Harris. The characters are also enjoyable and realistic, I would highly recommend.
October 1, 2018
A very enjoyable, wholesome and emotional adventure!
This story follows four teenagers, each facing their own demons and burdens, all stuck together on a whirlwind journey to try and find their therapist, the man who brought them together and kept each of them from falling apart.
The characters are so fun, so entertaining, and are brought to life so well- they feel real and three-dimensional, and their voices each ring through so clearly and individually. I loved how the four of them were so completely different in so many ways, but they keep finding little threads that tie them all together and pull them closer as their journey goes on.
The story is optimistic and wholesome. It leaves the reader feeling hopeful and positive. The characters each have their own darknesses but the story combats them with so much light. I had such a soft spot for Jasper! What a sweetheart of a character!
I feel like this is a book that could help people :)
Highly recommend! A lovely, lovely read :) xx
This story follows four teenagers, each facing their own demons and burdens, all stuck together on a whirlwind journey to try and find their therapist, the man who brought them together and kept each of them from falling apart.
The characters are so fun, so entertaining, and are brought to life so well- they feel real and three-dimensional, and their voices each ring through so clearly and individually. I loved how the four of them were so completely different in so many ways, but they keep finding little threads that tie them all together and pull them closer as their journey goes on.
The story is optimistic and wholesome. It leaves the reader feeling hopeful and positive. The characters each have their own darknesses but the story combats them with so much light. I had such a soft spot for Jasper! What a sweetheart of a character!
I feel like this is a book that could help people :)
Highly recommend! A lovely, lovely read :) xx
April 2, 2019
This book is mainly about four characters who embark on a road trip, in the hope that they will find their therapist and check that he is okay after his sudden disappearance. The characters each have their own mental health issues and I found it so interesting to see how each of them dealt with the different situations/challenges that they experienced during this road trip. I found this book so inspiring and loved its continuous message of – your mental illness does not define you, you are so much more than the label. They each have their illnesses, but as a person they are so much more than that, each with their own unique traits and qualities.
I love books that talk about mental health, I love them more when they talk about it in such an accurate, beautiful way and this is what this did. I loved how it wasn’t based just on one mental illness either. It covered so many, yet so deeply too.
A definite must read.
I love books that talk about mental health, I love them more when they talk about it in such an accurate, beautiful way and this is what this did. I loved how it wasn’t based just on one mental illness either. It covered so many, yet so deeply too.
A definite must read.
February 2, 2024
It was an enjoyable read yet full of wisdom. I learned a lot from this book, the power of words, the perspective of people affected with mental condition: how they despise being treated abnormally, how they view the world, how they masked themselves, their fears. Reading their views, stories and struggles really helped me to reassess my perpspective lens on the world, it reassures me like a comfort of a warm hug. This book is pure therapy and I absolutely devour it!
I also love how Sarah Harris included Florence’s notebook that gives an insight on how I can battle against unwanted negative thoughts. Absolutely brilliant!
Lastly, life-changing is a powerful term but I don’t think there is other proper way to describe this book. This book reminds me why I love to read!
I also love how Sarah Harris included Florence’s notebook that gives an insight on how I can battle against unwanted negative thoughts. Absolutely brilliant!
Lastly, life-changing is a powerful term but I don’t think there is other proper way to describe this book. This book reminds me why I love to read!
December 24, 2019
This book is about four teenagers, with at least five mental health conditions between them, who go on a road trip to find their missing therapist. It is an easy-to-follow story and overall quite good, even though its ending was anticlimactic and a tad unrealistic. The story contained many socio-cultural aspects which I quite enjoyed.
Unfortunately, the writer does not know a lot about the mental disorders she used in the story and is rather inconsistent with the accompanying behaviours of said disorders. If this has been more realistic I am sure I would have added this book to my favourites.
Rating 3 - 3,5 stars
Unfortunately, the writer does not know a lot about the mental disorders she used in the story and is rather inconsistent with the accompanying behaviours of said disorders. If this has been more realistic I am sure I would have added this book to my favourites.
Rating 3 - 3,5 stars
February 16, 2024
It's beautiful, the fact that how important communication us just as Florence finally decided to tell Jasper what she's been keeping to herself just because she was afraid of being judged(truly relate to this feeling). And also, how cew moments with just 2 or 3 people can bring out the best of you. Sometimes, 2 or 3 ppl are enough to make you feel at home.
The Definition of Us, maybe not suitable for fast pace reader, but if u get the hang of it, relate to ur own life, you'll get the feel. Hence, the 5 stars. 143 ^^
The Definition of Us, maybe not suitable for fast pace reader, but if u get the hang of it, relate to ur own life, you'll get the feel. Hence, the 5 stars. 143 ^^
April 8, 2019
This was such a good book! I’m sad that’s it’s over
I really enjoyed the characters as they couldn’t be not likeable
Once you start reading it you cant stop, it’s just really good
I would highly recommend this to everybody as it’s just really enjoyable
I really enjoyed the characters as they couldn’t be not likeable
Once you start reading it you cant stop, it’s just really good
I would highly recommend this to everybody as it’s just really enjoyable
Read
June 19, 20243.7 ⭐️
Good book. Predictable ending but sweet story and an okay plot.
Good book. Predictable ending but sweet story and an okay plot.
June 29, 2025
A great read! I loved the way we got to know the characters as the story went on. I felt like I was there on their journey. Loved the heartwarming ending.
April 1, 2019
I loved this book! It had adventure, intrigue, romance, and awesome characters. The storyline moved along flawlessly and kept me totally involved. If these characters were to appear again for another adventure, I would be along for the ride.
December 29, 2018
An excellent YA road trip book that deals sensitively with mental health and neurodivergent people.
I loved some of the characters in this, as well as the descriptions of the places they drive through. Just wish it had been a bit longer. :)
I loved some of the characters in this, as well as the descriptions of the places they drive through. Just wish it had been a bit longer. :)
September 14, 2018
This was super duper cute and was giving me major Breakfast Club vibes!
July 12, 2018
I was sent an ARC of this from Netgalley for an honest review.
I am very much drawn to books about mental health lately, I feel like they are so important, and maybe if there had been even half as many out when I was a teenager then maybe I would have dealt with a lot of my problems in a better way than I did.
(Granted yes I should have taken the help when I was told to, but I was a stubborn teenager who thought I knew best- evidently that was not the case.)
When I saw the description for this my interest was piqued
"Normal:
(adj.) Conforming to a standard; regular, typical or expected
(Urban) A world inapplicable to human beings
(Florence) Round, smooth and bumpy like a cobbled street
Florence doesn't always see things the way other people do. She feels different.
When Florence meets Jasper, Andrew and Wilf she can't imagine they'd have much in common - with at least five mental health conditions between them, they all have very different reasons for being referred to Manor Lane Therapy Centre.
It's only when their therapist, Howard, goes missing that they find a common purpose. Worried by this disappearance and wanting answers, the four of them decide to track him down.
As they cross the country in a 'borrowed' van, asking each other Ultimate Questions and facing a series of challenges along the way, they start to reveal their true selves - and Florence realises there's more to all of them than just a diagnosis...
Maybe they're not so different after all?"
This is definitely the kind of book you can read in one sitting, it is less than 300 pages and the characters are all interesting in their own ways, they all have their own stories and problems in life, although the m.c is Florence- one detail I loved was the excerpts of her notebook.
I found it interesting that Synaesthesia is mentioned throughout this- although it is only at the end when the character finds out WHAT it actually is, I have been made aware of it on tumblr, but I have never seen it mentioned in anything I have read before.
Yes there is a blossoming romance throughout as well- because would it be a YA novel without one? In some ways you could say that the relationship developed quite quickly- but the story does start off with them finding out that Howard has disappeared and it is mentioned throughout that they have been at Manor Lane for a while so they all knew each other on some level prior to the "road trip" to find him.
But I have to say I was more drawn in by the friendships developed and formed along the way and each character becoming more at ease with who they are and opening up to people other than Howard.
I won't lie, there was a point where I sort of forgot they were trying to find him and I was just concentrating on the group finding themselves along the way.
I wouldn't say this was as heavy as other books that focus on mental health, but it really does just remind you that
1. even if you do have mental health conditions you aren't abnormal.
2. therapists are people too and they have their own problems outside of work as well.
3. "There is always a moment in the future you'll be glad you stuck around for"
In general I liked this book- ok so I may have already purchased a physical copy from Waterstones because I felt like it was one that I would like to have in my collection.
I am very much drawn to books about mental health lately, I feel like they are so important, and maybe if there had been even half as many out when I was a teenager then maybe I would have dealt with a lot of my problems in a better way than I did.
(Granted yes I should have taken the help when I was told to, but I was a stubborn teenager who thought I knew best- evidently that was not the case.)
When I saw the description for this my interest was piqued
"Normal:
(adj.) Conforming to a standard; regular, typical or expected
(Urban) A world inapplicable to human beings
(Florence) Round, smooth and bumpy like a cobbled street
Florence doesn't always see things the way other people do. She feels different.
When Florence meets Jasper, Andrew and Wilf she can't imagine they'd have much in common - with at least five mental health conditions between them, they all have very different reasons for being referred to Manor Lane Therapy Centre.
It's only when their therapist, Howard, goes missing that they find a common purpose. Worried by this disappearance and wanting answers, the four of them decide to track him down.
As they cross the country in a 'borrowed' van, asking each other Ultimate Questions and facing a series of challenges along the way, they start to reveal their true selves - and Florence realises there's more to all of them than just a diagnosis...
Maybe they're not so different after all?"
This is definitely the kind of book you can read in one sitting, it is less than 300 pages and the characters are all interesting in their own ways, they all have their own stories and problems in life, although the m.c is Florence- one detail I loved was the excerpts of her notebook.
I found it interesting that Synaesthesia is mentioned throughout this- although it is only at the end when the character finds out WHAT it actually is, I have been made aware of it on tumblr, but I have never seen it mentioned in anything I have read before.
Yes there is a blossoming romance throughout as well- because would it be a YA novel without one? In some ways you could say that the relationship developed quite quickly- but the story does start off with them finding out that Howard has disappeared and it is mentioned throughout that they have been at Manor Lane for a while so they all knew each other on some level prior to the "road trip" to find him.
But I have to say I was more drawn in by the friendships developed and formed along the way and each character becoming more at ease with who they are and opening up to people other than Howard.
I won't lie, there was a point where I sort of forgot they were trying to find him and I was just concentrating on the group finding themselves along the way.
I wouldn't say this was as heavy as other books that focus on mental health, but it really does just remind you that
1. even if you do have mental health conditions you aren't abnormal.
2. therapists are people too and they have their own problems outside of work as well.
3. "There is always a moment in the future you'll be glad you stuck around for"
In general I liked this book- ok so I may have already purchased a physical copy from Waterstones because I felt like it was one that I would like to have in my collection.
April 2, 2019
Sorry but I had to DNF this one. The most unrealistic book about mental illness I've ever read. The writing was pretty good but that's about it.
August 26, 2018
I was really surprised by how much I liked this book. It's basically a road trip novel about four characters with mental health issues. I was worried that it would be another novel where mental health issues are used as cute quirks and "healed" by love by the end. So I was pleasantly surprised when the characters all had realistic issues that weren't glossed over but actually dealt with in a natural feeling fashion.
None of the issues are actually resolved by the end of the novel but all the characters finish in a better position than they started in. The development of the characters felt natural, I liked the different relationships and the plot was really fun as well.
Overall, this is one of the best novels that deals with mental health issues that I've read this year.
None of the issues are actually resolved by the end of the novel but all the characters finish in a better position than they started in. The development of the characters felt natural, I liked the different relationships and the plot was really fun as well.
Overall, this is one of the best novels that deals with mental health issues that I've read this year.
July 24, 2018
Popsugar Challenge #16. A book about mental health
A group of teens with various mental illnesses go on a road trip to find their therapist. It does sound a little Breakfast Club at first glance, but it's much better than that. While the various difficulties that the teenagers face are clearly portrayed, it's shown how these differences which make them appear not normal in general society are also what makes them so special and engaging as people. I had a particular soft spot for Jasper, who has developed an eating disorder as a way of managing his anxiety, but honestly all of the four were fantastic characters and I felt sad upon finishing the book that I wasn't going to get to spend more time with them. Definitely will be recommending this one a lot in future.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
A group of teens with various mental illnesses go on a road trip to find their therapist. It does sound a little Breakfast Club at first glance, but it's much better than that. While the various difficulties that the teenagers face are clearly portrayed, it's shown how these differences which make them appear not normal in general society are also what makes them so special and engaging as people. I had a particular soft spot for Jasper, who has developed an eating disorder as a way of managing his anxiety, but honestly all of the four were fantastic characters and I felt sad upon finishing the book that I wasn't going to get to spend more time with them. Definitely will be recommending this one a lot in future.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
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