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The Maddie Chronicles #4
Till It Stops Beating
Seventeen-year-old Maddie Hickman has always coped with anxiety by immersing herself into the latest self-help book. Then her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer, and she spirals so far downward that she almost risks losing everything she holds dear.
From applying to college to solving the mystery of why she detests jelly doughnuts to writing a novel for her senior project and reconnecting with an old flame (or two), the ever-mounting stress leads to an unexpected road trip where she is forced to listen to her wildly beating heart. It is only in the back of a convertible with pop music blasting, that she discovers what she needs in order to really live.
If your heart has ever hurt from beating widely, whether from anxiety or love, this book is the one to read.
From applying to college to solving the mystery of why she detests jelly doughnuts to writing a novel for her senior project and reconnecting with an old flame (or two), the ever-mounting stress leads to an unexpected road trip where she is forced to listen to her wildly beating heart. It is only in the back of a convertible with pop music blasting, that she discovers what she needs in order to really live.
If your heart has ever hurt from beating widely, whether from anxiety or love, this book is the one to read.
216 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2018
35 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Hannah R. Goodman
15 books82 followersPsychotherapist by day and writer by night, Hannah R. Goodman prefers tea over coffee, cats over dogs, and staying in over going out (especially if that means watching reality dating shows!). Her accomplishments include earning extra letters after her name—MFA, MEd, CGS, LMHC. Additionally, she’s been published by several online publications including MindBodyGreen, OC87 Recovery Diaries, Zencare.co, The Mighty, and Scary Mommy. In 2018, Black Rose Writing published her contemporary YA novel Till It Stops Beating, which was praised by reviewers for its realistic and hilarious depiction of first love, first loss, and first mental break down. Her publishing history goes back almost 20 years when she published My Sister’s Wedding, which won first place in the 2004 Writer’s Digest Self Published Books awards Children’s/Teen Division.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 20, 2018
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour for the book.
This is my second time reading Hannah R. Goodman. I had previously read the YA anthology book she edited and contributed to, Sucker Literary Magazine Vol. 1. I remember really enjoying it so I was excited to read this book.
Going into this book I did not know that it was part of a series so in the beginning I was a tad bit confused because there were a lot of reference to things that happened in the past. However, I was still able to piece together what happened in the previous books, so you can read this book as a standalone.
This was a very touching and realistic story full of emotion and heart. It tackled a lot of heavy topics like cancer and anxiety in a respectful and caring way. There was a good balance between the happy moments and the more somber ones.
As to what I didn’t like, the ending felt a but rushed to me. It ended pretty quickly. I would have liked for it to have been fleshed out a little more.
There was also one line in the book that didn’t sit well with me. In describing the main character’s trip to NYC the book states, “We are right in front of one of those grocery stores that reek of Asian food and rotten produce” (83). I don’t quite know what this line was trying to get at, but to me it seemed like a slight jab at Asian grocery stores since they can sometimes be smelly.
Overall, this was a wonderful and moving book. It had a few flaws, but was still an enjoyable read.
This is my second time reading Hannah R. Goodman. I had previously read the YA anthology book she edited and contributed to, Sucker Literary Magazine Vol. 1. I remember really enjoying it so I was excited to read this book.
Going into this book I did not know that it was part of a series so in the beginning I was a tad bit confused because there were a lot of reference to things that happened in the past. However, I was still able to piece together what happened in the previous books, so you can read this book as a standalone.
This was a very touching and realistic story full of emotion and heart. It tackled a lot of heavy topics like cancer and anxiety in a respectful and caring way. There was a good balance between the happy moments and the more somber ones.
As to what I didn’t like, the ending felt a but rushed to me. It ended pretty quickly. I would have liked for it to have been fleshed out a little more.
There was also one line in the book that didn’t sit well with me. In describing the main character’s trip to NYC the book states, “We are right in front of one of those grocery stores that reek of Asian food and rotten produce” (83). I don’t quite know what this line was trying to get at, but to me it seemed like a slight jab at Asian grocery stores since they can sometimes be smelly.
Overall, this was a wonderful and moving book. It had a few flaws, but was still an enjoyable read.
October 18, 2018
Thank you Rachel’s Random Resources for providing a copy of this book for the blog tour.
It is my first book of The Maddie Chronicles series, So I don’t have any idea if there is a background of all the characters in previous books, I didn’t feel at any point that it is a part of series.
Maddie is suffering from anxiety and missing Justin, he isn’t officially his bf but the only guy in her life. Her life is already complicated her sister just got divorced and now her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer. When Sean entered in her life.
Description highlights only cancer and anxiety but a major portion of the story also highlights drugs and alcohol and ALOT.
In the start it is only focused on anxiety then cancer than the broken heart and love scenario then again anxiety and cancer, which makes the story look divided into parts, which obviously affects the reading tempo.
The thing I really liked is family bonding unlike many of other YA there was the role of the family.
There were many characters who feel like fillers, Maybe I haven’t read previous books that’s why but the Noah guy, I didn’t get what was his role in the story.
I read it in one sitting if you are looking for an easy and quick read it is the one.
It is my first book of The Maddie Chronicles series, So I don’t have any idea if there is a background of all the characters in previous books, I didn’t feel at any point that it is a part of series.
Maddie is suffering from anxiety and missing Justin, he isn’t officially his bf but the only guy in her life. Her life is already complicated her sister just got divorced and now her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer. When Sean entered in her life.
Description highlights only cancer and anxiety but a major portion of the story also highlights drugs and alcohol and ALOT.
In the start it is only focused on anxiety then cancer than the broken heart and love scenario then again anxiety and cancer, which makes the story look divided into parts, which obviously affects the reading tempo.
The thing I really liked is family bonding unlike many of other YA there was the role of the family.
There were many characters who feel like fillers, Maybe I haven’t read previous books that’s why but the Noah guy, I didn’t get what was his role in the story.
I read it in one sitting if you are looking for an easy and quick read it is the one.
July 7, 2018
Till it Stops Beating is the 4th book in the Maddie Series. I have read them all and this book is top-notch. It's a great read- perfect for yourself or your teenager. Hannah writes from the heart and shares the growing-up story of Maddie. I don't want to give away the plot but Maddie has gone thru some stuff and she wants to figure out her life on her terms. It's a fantastic book and I loved it.
October 17, 2018
This is my first book of Hannah R. Goodman, and I'm a bit mad at myself that I didn't get to read the previews books in the series. "Why?" you may ask, because although it can be read as a standalone, the previews books talk about a lot of interesting subjects in the mind of a social educator, just like this one. That been said, it doesn't mean I didn't like this book. I liked it a lot, because it touched my heart and it made me think.
If you read the blurb you can see that there is some subjects like mental health and cancer and if you have been following my reviews, my blog and Instagram page for a while, you may notice that does are topics that are personal to me. Although I don't have a "The One That Got Away" I have gone through heartbreak many times, just like a lot of people in this crazy world. So I could relate to Maddie a lot.
And of course there is friendship in the book that makes every sad moment uplifting, because that's part of our support system. Plus, Susan and Peter were fun to read about. And Maddie's grandma is another part of her support system and that's why it's even sadder that she has cancer. And I know what Maddie was feeling because I had to feel it too.
The book was very realistic and Hannah's writing style was refreshing, thought provoking and spot-on in a lot of moments. Overall it made me cry, laugh, feel like I'm not alone and that I can do this, and that was one of the reasons I felt a connection to the book and to Maddie.
That's it. I liked the book, I enjoyed the story and following Maddie's and wishing for her troubles to be solved so she could be happy again, and all the funny and fun moments made up for the darkness in some subjects.
Do I recommend it? Of course, just have in mind the trigger warnings, but if any of the subjects are okay with you, then check out all the books in the series.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Hannah for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
If you read the blurb you can see that there is some subjects like mental health and cancer and if you have been following my reviews, my blog and Instagram page for a while, you may notice that does are topics that are personal to me. Although I don't have a "The One That Got Away" I have gone through heartbreak many times, just like a lot of people in this crazy world. So I could relate to Maddie a lot.
And of course there is friendship in the book that makes every sad moment uplifting, because that's part of our support system. Plus, Susan and Peter were fun to read about. And Maddie's grandma is another part of her support system and that's why it's even sadder that she has cancer. And I know what Maddie was feeling because I had to feel it too.
The book was very realistic and Hannah's writing style was refreshing, thought provoking and spot-on in a lot of moments. Overall it made me cry, laugh, feel like I'm not alone and that I can do this, and that was one of the reasons I felt a connection to the book and to Maddie.
That's it. I liked the book, I enjoyed the story and following Maddie's and wishing for her troubles to be solved so she could be happy again, and all the funny and fun moments made up for the darkness in some subjects.
Do I recommend it? Of course, just have in mind the trigger warnings, but if any of the subjects are okay with you, then check out all the books in the series.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Hannah for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
July 5, 2018
Hannah Goodman’s Til it Stops Beating is a quirky, unvarnished look at navigating a young adult’s transition from childhood to adulthood. Readers will identify with Maddie’s struggle to find herself, and fall in love with her as she stumbles through heartbreak and debilitating anxiety. Full of unwavering honesty, TISB is timely and relatable, unafraid of tackling mental illness, addiction, sexuality, and grief. When the last page is turned, readers will find themselves hopeful for the future even as they reach for their box of tissues.
May 28, 2018
I was lucky enough to read an early copy of TILL IT STOPS BEATING. Hannah Goodman masterfully renders a tender, heartwarming tale of first love, first loss, and jelly doughnuts. Put this book on your summer to-be-read list. You will not be disappointed.
October 20, 2018
All my reviews can be found at:http://jessicasreadingroom.com
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads/Amazon
I received a copy as a part of the blog tour.
I did not realize this was book four in The Maddie Chronicles when I started it. The first three in the series are:
My Sister’s Wedding
My Summer Vacation
Fear of Falling
When I found out it was the fourth then things made sense: I felt I was ‘missing’ pieces of information during the first part of the novel. I would advise you to read the others in the series before reading Till it Stops Beating.
OK, now that that is over…..
Till it Stops Beating is a coming of age novel for Maddie. She is transitioning from childhood to adulthood and along the way faces some difficult issues, among them anxiety and cancer. Hannah also deals with heartbreak in relationships, family issues and of course: jelly doughnuts. The first few chapters had me craving doughnuts!
Goodman did a good job capturing a teen dealing with anxiety and an unknown future that makes up one’s senior year of high school, which really is a year of change and big decisions. Then in addition to all of that, she has to deal with a relative’s cancer diagnosis and that unknown can be heartbreaking
I enjoyed the second part immensely; I felt I really got to know Maddie through the road trip she took with friends.
You will laugh and might tear up reading this one. The ending is a pleasant one with hope for the future. And the title just gives you all the feelings once you have finished the novel!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for Goodreads/Amazon
I received a copy as a part of the blog tour.
I did not realize this was book four in The Maddie Chronicles when I started it. The first three in the series are:
My Sister’s Wedding
My Summer Vacation
Fear of Falling
When I found out it was the fourth then things made sense: I felt I was ‘missing’ pieces of information during the first part of the novel. I would advise you to read the others in the series before reading Till it Stops Beating.
OK, now that that is over…..
Till it Stops Beating is a coming of age novel for Maddie. She is transitioning from childhood to adulthood and along the way faces some difficult issues, among them anxiety and cancer. Hannah also deals with heartbreak in relationships, family issues and of course: jelly doughnuts. The first few chapters had me craving doughnuts!
Goodman did a good job capturing a teen dealing with anxiety and an unknown future that makes up one’s senior year of high school, which really is a year of change and big decisions. Then in addition to all of that, she has to deal with a relative’s cancer diagnosis and that unknown can be heartbreaking
I enjoyed the second part immensely; I felt I really got to know Maddie through the road trip she took with friends.
You will laugh and might tear up reading this one. The ending is a pleasant one with hope for the future. And the title just gives you all the feelings once you have finished the novel!
December 27, 2022
— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Till It Stops Beating
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Hannah R. Goodman
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: YA
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 5th July 2018
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3/5
So unfortunately I'm going to go against the grain here and give it it's first 3/5. I had a sneak peak at the other reviews (the rating, rather than the writing) and so far people have given it no less than 5/5. I'm glad that it seems to be a novel that will be widely enjoyed but for me, I wasn't a huge fan, I found myself being only mildly entertained rather than the wide-eyed-no-blinking-hands-clenched-mouth-slightly-gaping reading that I would award a 5/5 to.
Maddie Hickman is an anxious seventeen year old who has always coped using self-help books. But then her grandmother gets diagnosed with cancer. And the person she really wants to be with has been sent off to military school. Suddenly the self-help books don't do it for her anymore and she spirals downwards into a pit of teenage angst and anxiety.
This is my first Maddie Hickman novel, which may be why I'm not as emotionally invested as previous reviewers. But it seemed a little messy to me. Yes, yes I know it's an ARC. But, here's one example, it started off written as diary/journal form, and then progressed to ordinary first person narrative, losing the journal entries completely. It was a little off-putting if I'm honest as I found the journal entries really personable, emotive and immersive, the switch to first person seemed to put Maddie's feelings more into a perspective that I didn't find as compelling.
Also, the themes in this novel didn't quite reveal themselves fully to me. It started off with romance, then switched to anxiety, then cancer, then back to romance again. Usually, I feel that every story has a purpose; the themes were placed but not running concurrently to each other, instead they were stopping and starting. They seemed to be mentioned, have a few dedicated chapters to the chosen theme, then move on completely to something else, leaving me a little empty and confused as to where the story was going, and absolutely no idea on what I was supposed to be focusing on and taking away from this story. Although the narrative was a little engaging, the purpose of this story wasn't clear to me.
My favourite thing about Till It Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman is the way the author's writing style is completely open and honest. She is comfortable talking about diverse and traditionally uncomfortable subjects in a light that is both refreshing and pleasant at the same time. She is unafraid to delve into the topics of anxiety, cancer, menopause, lgbt, and plenty others. Her writing is relevant for its time.
Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🧚🏻♀️
♡ my bookstagram • my twitter ♡
↑ follow my socials for more bookish content. ↑
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Till It Stops Beating
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Hannah R. Goodman
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: YA
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 5th July 2018
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3/5
""Never worry about your heart till it stops beating."
And then she added,
"As long as you are alive and beating, sweetie things will hurt." I stop and look at the faces of my mother, father, sister, Justin, and Tony and I add,
"And I hurt," I laugh while the tears fall,
"So I guess I don't have to worry.""
So unfortunately I'm going to go against the grain here and give it it's first 3/5. I had a sneak peak at the other reviews (the rating, rather than the writing) and so far people have given it no less than 5/5. I'm glad that it seems to be a novel that will be widely enjoyed but for me, I wasn't a huge fan, I found myself being only mildly entertained rather than the wide-eyed-no-blinking-hands-clenched-mouth-slightly-gaping reading that I would award a 5/5 to.
Maddie Hickman is an anxious seventeen year old who has always coped using self-help books. But then her grandmother gets diagnosed with cancer. And the person she really wants to be with has been sent off to military school. Suddenly the self-help books don't do it for her anymore and she spirals downwards into a pit of teenage angst and anxiety.
This is my first Maddie Hickman novel, which may be why I'm not as emotionally invested as previous reviewers. But it seemed a little messy to me. Yes, yes I know it's an ARC. But, here's one example, it started off written as diary/journal form, and then progressed to ordinary first person narrative, losing the journal entries completely. It was a little off-putting if I'm honest as I found the journal entries really personable, emotive and immersive, the switch to first person seemed to put Maddie's feelings more into a perspective that I didn't find as compelling.
Also, the themes in this novel didn't quite reveal themselves fully to me. It started off with romance, then switched to anxiety, then cancer, then back to romance again. Usually, I feel that every story has a purpose; the themes were placed but not running concurrently to each other, instead they were stopping and starting. They seemed to be mentioned, have a few dedicated chapters to the chosen theme, then move on completely to something else, leaving me a little empty and confused as to where the story was going, and absolutely no idea on what I was supposed to be focusing on and taking away from this story. Although the narrative was a little engaging, the purpose of this story wasn't clear to me.
My favourite thing about Till It Stops Beating by Hannah R. Goodman is the way the author's writing style is completely open and honest. She is comfortable talking about diverse and traditionally uncomfortable subjects in a light that is both refreshing and pleasant at the same time. She is unafraid to delve into the topics of anxiety, cancer, menopause, lgbt, and plenty others. Her writing is relevant for its time.
Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🧚🏻♀️
♡ my bookstagram • my twitter ♡
↑ follow my socials for more bookish content. ↑
February 18, 2019
I read a blog post by the author a couple of days ago and decided to interrupt my reading list and check out her book. I haven’t read a YA book in a while, although I remember really liking the way that I felt after reading Nick Hornby’s SLAM and a couple of Matthew Quick’s books a few years back. Till It Stops Beating made me feel the same way. For whatever reason, a well-written YA book gives me a more emotionally immersive experience than I get from other genres of fiction, and when I finished this book I felt like I’d had a real vacation from my own day-to-day reality. The author’s got an easy, genuine voice that I found engaging from the first page to the last, and I was surprised to discover that this book is the fourth in a series because it worked so well as a stand-alone. Big thanks to the author for getting me out of my head for a while and allowing me to enjoy the world she created. Definitely worth a read, I look forward to checking out the other books in the series.
October 18, 2018
Till It Stops Beating is an emotional and touching book about a young woman who is on the brink of adulthood and the anxiety she endures while making that journey.
Maddie is a senior with great friends, Peter and Susan. She also has a great family who is extremely supportive of her. Life should be great for Maddie, but the darkness of anxiety is slowly creeping up on her. She has had some bad things happen in her life. The boy who always held her heart, Justin, went away because of his drug addiction, and she lost another boy, Zak, in a horrible accident. Now, her grandmother is in the battle of her life with cancer. All these things brew into a perfect storm giving her the anxiety attack of all anxiety attacks. She will have to fight and claw her way back into living life again. It isn’t any easy journey, but Maddie has the strength to do it if she would just believe in herself.
This book had several themes going on: friendship, family, mental health issues, and love. The author did a great job of balancing all of that, never leaving anything out, and always tugging at my heart. One of my very favorite things was the relationship Maddie shared with her grandmother. No matter what the outcome of her grandmother’s battle with cancer, Maddie will always carry her in her heart, and she will be a guiding force in her life ALWAYS!
I thought the author also did a great job of highlighting anxiety and how very crushing and isolating it can be. It makes you feel like everyone else around you is living their lives, but you aren’t. You’re stuck with the paralyzing fear, and it takes a strong person to fight against something that feels like it will drown you at times. However, she gives her readers real hope in managing this disorder and the real possibility of living a happy and fulfilling life.
Maddie is a senior with great friends, Peter and Susan. She also has a great family who is extremely supportive of her. Life should be great for Maddie, but the darkness of anxiety is slowly creeping up on her. She has had some bad things happen in her life. The boy who always held her heart, Justin, went away because of his drug addiction, and she lost another boy, Zak, in a horrible accident. Now, her grandmother is in the battle of her life with cancer. All these things brew into a perfect storm giving her the anxiety attack of all anxiety attacks. She will have to fight and claw her way back into living life again. It isn’t any easy journey, but Maddie has the strength to do it if she would just believe in herself.
This book had several themes going on: friendship, family, mental health issues, and love. The author did a great job of balancing all of that, never leaving anything out, and always tugging at my heart. One of my very favorite things was the relationship Maddie shared with her grandmother. No matter what the outcome of her grandmother’s battle with cancer, Maddie will always carry her in her heart, and she will be a guiding force in her life ALWAYS!
I thought the author also did a great job of highlighting anxiety and how very crushing and isolating it can be. It makes you feel like everyone else around you is living their lives, but you aren’t. You’re stuck with the paralyzing fear, and it takes a strong person to fight against something that feels like it will drown you at times. However, she gives her readers real hope in managing this disorder and the real possibility of living a happy and fulfilling life.
October 10, 2018
Till it Stops Beating, a young adult realistic fiction from author Hannah R. Goodman tackles some very heavy themes including mental illness, alcoholism, sickness (cancer), and loss. The language and scenes are very mature, so I would not recommend it for readers under the age of 16. It is, however, a great book for teens to relate to for a variety of tough situations that may come up during high school or teenage years.
Maddie Hickman, a 17 year old senior can not stop thinking about the boy who got away. No matter who she dates or that it's been years since she's laid eyes on him, Justin is the one for her. Her best friends, fun-loving Susan and handsome, gay Peter attempt to keep her mind off of Justin, to no avail. Added to her constant anxiety about Justin is the fact that Maddie has a major Senior Project due soon, which involves writing a book about the one that got away...Justin. Her older sister, Barb, has battled alcohol addiction for most of her adult life, which ultimately led to her marriage falling apart. To complicate matters, Barb starts bringing around her new beau, who is a bit overbearing for Maddie's taste. And then, Maddie receives a phone call from Bubbie, her beloved grandmother who lives in Florida, to let her know that she has cancer. This announcement sends Maddie over the edge into a full-blown anxiety attack, which leaves her feeling unmoored and shaken. Come to find out, her father has suffered from a similar mental illness, so Maddie begrudgingly sees a therapist at her parents' request.
In the midst of all of these issues surrounding her, Maddie ends up taking a life-altering road trip with her friend Peter and his current boyfriend. On the way, she decides to take a risk and really start living her life the way she wants to live it. I won't give you any more plot details because you'll have to read it yourselves. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life, in a way that readers can identify with them.
My favorite quote from this book: Bubbie tells Maddie "Never worry about your heart, honey, till it stops beating." (Good grandmotherly advice.)
Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
Maddie Hickman, a 17 year old senior can not stop thinking about the boy who got away. No matter who she dates or that it's been years since she's laid eyes on him, Justin is the one for her. Her best friends, fun-loving Susan and handsome, gay Peter attempt to keep her mind off of Justin, to no avail. Added to her constant anxiety about Justin is the fact that Maddie has a major Senior Project due soon, which involves writing a book about the one that got away...Justin. Her older sister, Barb, has battled alcohol addiction for most of her adult life, which ultimately led to her marriage falling apart. To complicate matters, Barb starts bringing around her new beau, who is a bit overbearing for Maddie's taste. And then, Maddie receives a phone call from Bubbie, her beloved grandmother who lives in Florida, to let her know that she has cancer. This announcement sends Maddie over the edge into a full-blown anxiety attack, which leaves her feeling unmoored and shaken. Come to find out, her father has suffered from a similar mental illness, so Maddie begrudgingly sees a therapist at her parents' request.
In the midst of all of these issues surrounding her, Maddie ends up taking a life-altering road trip with her friend Peter and his current boyfriend. On the way, she decides to take a risk and really start living her life the way she wants to live it. I won't give you any more plot details because you'll have to read it yourselves. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life, in a way that readers can identify with them.
My favorite quote from this book: Bubbie tells Maddie "Never worry about your heart, honey, till it stops beating." (Good grandmotherly advice.)
Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
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October 16, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
Review: I clearly didn't look into this book enough before agreeing to review it, because I didn't realize it was part of a series. But despite clearly missing out on some major life events for Maddie, I was able to jump right in to this. It actually worked out well, I like how the author made the reader aware of previous storylines, not by just repeating them, but by having Maddie catch up with an old friend and share her story.
But what really stuck with me is how realistic this book is when tackling the issue of anxiety. I don't think I can praise this author enough for how well she portrayed Maddie's anxiety, and how she coped with the major life events happening around her. While reading this, I found myself comparing it to the later books of the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot - because both authors did a fantastic job writing about panic attacks, anxiety, and how utterly exhausting it can be. And since the Princess Diaries is one of my all time favorite series... comparing this book to that is high praise indeed.
A few grammatical errors and typos can pull the reader from the story, but there's enough good here to suck you right back in. Overall, a recommended read! And I would be interested in reading more of the series sometime. Adding it to my ever-growing list!
See my full review, and more, on my blog, Novel Addiction.
Review: I clearly didn't look into this book enough before agreeing to review it, because I didn't realize it was part of a series. But despite clearly missing out on some major life events for Maddie, I was able to jump right in to this. It actually worked out well, I like how the author made the reader aware of previous storylines, not by just repeating them, but by having Maddie catch up with an old friend and share her story.
But what really stuck with me is how realistic this book is when tackling the issue of anxiety. I don't think I can praise this author enough for how well she portrayed Maddie's anxiety, and how she coped with the major life events happening around her. While reading this, I found myself comparing it to the later books of the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot - because both authors did a fantastic job writing about panic attacks, anxiety, and how utterly exhausting it can be. And since the Princess Diaries is one of my all time favorite series... comparing this book to that is high praise indeed.
A few grammatical errors and typos can pull the reader from the story, but there's enough good here to suck you right back in. Overall, a recommended read! And I would be interested in reading more of the series sometime. Adding it to my ever-growing list!
See my full review, and more, on my blog, Novel Addiction.
September 2, 2018
[I was given a copy for an ARC for an honest review]
When I first got this book I had no idea it was part of a series. I loved the cover and the plot seemed pretty nice so I decided to give it a go. At first I was a bit confused because there were a lot of references to past events and I didn't know the back story of it but the author did a great job at clarifying the past events and all that happened.
The plot and the story are nice and the characters are pretty interesting as well and nicely developed. I enjoyed how the anxiety in the main character was portrayed. I can't speak much about other characters besides what I read in this specific book but they all seemed nice. I enjoyed the romantic plot and the cabin scene and everything. It was really romantic and cute and even very real, not very fantasy like (this taken into account that, as far as I could tell, both characters already had an history together).
I did think that the plot was a bit rushed. Sometimes it would go weeks or even months between chapters and things could get a bit confusing. I'm not used to this big jumps in time and it took me a while to get used to it. The book had a bit of a rushed writing feel to it but might just be my perception of it.
Overall it's a pretty good book with good characters and I nice plot. Not sure if I'm going to read the previous books in the series, since it didn't grab my attention to the point of wanting to read what happened before but overall was a pretty good book!
When I first got this book I had no idea it was part of a series. I loved the cover and the plot seemed pretty nice so I decided to give it a go. At first I was a bit confused because there were a lot of references to past events and I didn't know the back story of it but the author did a great job at clarifying the past events and all that happened.
The plot and the story are nice and the characters are pretty interesting as well and nicely developed. I enjoyed how the anxiety in the main character was portrayed. I can't speak much about other characters besides what I read in this specific book but they all seemed nice. I enjoyed the romantic plot and the cabin scene and everything. It was really romantic and cute and even very real, not very fantasy like (this taken into account that, as far as I could tell, both characters already had an history together).
I did think that the plot was a bit rushed. Sometimes it would go weeks or even months between chapters and things could get a bit confusing. I'm not used to this big jumps in time and it took me a while to get used to it. The book had a bit of a rushed writing feel to it but might just be my perception of it.
Overall it's a pretty good book with good characters and I nice plot. Not sure if I'm going to read the previous books in the series, since it didn't grab my attention to the point of wanting to read what happened before but overall was a pretty good book!
September 1, 2019
READ ME, READ ME It's hard to give a review for the last book of a series because I want to talk about everything that Maddie, her family and friends went thru. But that would be giving spoilers to all who are looking to read this. So many emotions that take you up and down like a roller coaster. People looking for something that they might or might not find. Finding love in different places and never knowing how long it will last. At times I wanted to laugh, or cry at so many places, this is a book you will NOT put down. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. (I even folded clothes while reading it and other things) You'll be glad that you read it and how amazing Hannah R. Goodman was in writing this.
July 6, 2018
At first, I had planned to read only a snatch and didn’t put it down until I read 100 pages or so. I have to say I was immediately taken in. Goodman captured the angst of teenagers trying to find their own way, their own life. I found myself reading passages to my wife and we caught ourselves comparing her characters to our two daughters, as well as friends we know. As a high school principal, I could picture several of my students in these pages. The characters in Til It Stops Beating are engaging and funny. The situations in which the characters are placed are both humorous and heart-tugging. This is a great summer beach read. Actually, an anytime read you will enjoy. Five Stars!
November 25, 2019
This novel was very sweet and poignant. Maddie is a character that you can really relate to and her voice is so strong and never wavered. The anxiety she felt about going off to college and having her whole world change felt true to the teenage experience at least from my experience. The novel was touching and was an enjoyable read.
August 24, 2019
Becoming adults can be overwhelming.
With realities unexpected challenges. We each make choices. All bring lessons with them. Some are beautiful. Many are not. Yet each worth living to the fullest.
With realities unexpected challenges. We each make choices. All bring lessons with them. Some are beautiful. Many are not. Yet each worth living to the fullest.
October 30, 2018
Intriguing book about a teenage girl coming of age while coping with debilitating panic attacks. I love stories depicting how we cope with the realities of mental health and the day to day challenges life slings at all of us. The more representation of these characters, the better. Bravo Hannah!
January 16, 2019
Irequested this title on Netgalley because the synopsis sounded fun. I like requesting titles I wouldn't normally pick up as soon so I can get a bit out of my comfort zone, sometimes this ends well and I end up finding a book I love. Sometimes... I hate the book. That is what happened here.
It's been a while since I read this book and I can't fully remember all the details, which is telling in it's own way. I made notes and let's just say none of them are positive so let's just get into them.
This book has a lot of problems. First of all, the main character decided she doesn't like a show and she says it's because the boys in it cry. First of all, that's a pretty strange reason not to like a show and second of all it's harmful. It is harmful for boys to think they can't cry and for girls to read that it is normal for boys not to cry. Everyone needs to let their feelings out, no matter their gender. Writing this into a book just reinforces the harmful stereotype.
There were some other iffy things about this book. For example, how it talks about LGBTQ. One of the best friends of the main character is gay and the conversations around this in the book are... not good. For example there's a conversation where this characters says: There's a part of me that thinks I'm bi. To which the mc replies: bi-curious or bi-confused. Like those are the only two options? You can't be bi, you always have to make a choice in the end. It made me so mad and it was just so unnecessary. There is also a scene in which another gay character wants a 'gay test' and asks to kiss Maddie, the mc. And the whole idea of a gay test is just so painful and wrong. It's like saying: well, you haven't tried girls so how can you be so certain? Which implies that people who identify as gay don't know their own feelings and I hate when that's said and implied. It's hard enough to come out, a lot of people doubt their identities for so long especially because of comments like this. I feel like I'm rambling a bit but in short: even though there is a gay couple in this book, LGBTQ issues are not handled well.
Maddie is also not consistent. She is a very confusing character. The one moment she cares so much about her friends and the next she just says Bye! And hangs up the phone after her best friend ran off after he broke up with his boyfriend. She also sends off her ex-boyfriend to military school after she blabbed about his drug abuse to his family but then she is pissed when he doesn't contact her... She has another ex-boyfriend that died in a car crash when they were together. He was hardly mentioned and she seemed completely fine over it? It did happen two years ago but you'd think it would leave some kind of impression. Especially now her grandma might die so there will be someone else close to her looking dead in the eyes.
Maddie suffers from anxiety. She has some episode early on in the book that makes her aware of this. Her parents find her in this episode, carry her to bed and leave her there. There are no doctors or anyone medical to check her out even though the episode is described to be very intense. I can't comment on the anxiety rep in this one since I don't suffer from anxiety myself.
I still have some notes left but I feel like I have said the most important things. The story in itself is cute but the characters are majorly flawed. This book had a lot of potential but the inconsistent characters made me confused and somewhat mad sometimes. They annoyed me to no end and the ending of this book was so predictable it didn't even phase me. I did see it was part of a series so maybe it's not as bad if you've read the whole series? Still, I don't recommend this book at all.
It's been a while since I read this book and I can't fully remember all the details, which is telling in it's own way. I made notes and let's just say none of them are positive so let's just get into them.
This book has a lot of problems. First of all, the main character decided she doesn't like a show and she says it's because the boys in it cry. First of all, that's a pretty strange reason not to like a show and second of all it's harmful. It is harmful for boys to think they can't cry and for girls to read that it is normal for boys not to cry. Everyone needs to let their feelings out, no matter their gender. Writing this into a book just reinforces the harmful stereotype.
There were some other iffy things about this book. For example, how it talks about LGBTQ. One of the best friends of the main character is gay and the conversations around this in the book are... not good. For example there's a conversation where this characters says: There's a part of me that thinks I'm bi. To which the mc replies: bi-curious or bi-confused. Like those are the only two options? You can't be bi, you always have to make a choice in the end. It made me so mad and it was just so unnecessary. There is also a scene in which another gay character wants a 'gay test' and asks to kiss Maddie, the mc. And the whole idea of a gay test is just so painful and wrong. It's like saying: well, you haven't tried girls so how can you be so certain? Which implies that people who identify as gay don't know their own feelings and I hate when that's said and implied. It's hard enough to come out, a lot of people doubt their identities for so long especially because of comments like this. I feel like I'm rambling a bit but in short: even though there is a gay couple in this book, LGBTQ issues are not handled well.
Maddie is also not consistent. She is a very confusing character. The one moment she cares so much about her friends and the next she just says Bye! And hangs up the phone after her best friend ran off after he broke up with his boyfriend. She also sends off her ex-boyfriend to military school after she blabbed about his drug abuse to his family but then she is pissed when he doesn't contact her... She has another ex-boyfriend that died in a car crash when they were together. He was hardly mentioned and she seemed completely fine over it? It did happen two years ago but you'd think it would leave some kind of impression. Especially now her grandma might die so there will be someone else close to her looking dead in the eyes.
Maddie suffers from anxiety. She has some episode early on in the book that makes her aware of this. Her parents find her in this episode, carry her to bed and leave her there. There are no doctors or anyone medical to check her out even though the episode is described to be very intense. I can't comment on the anxiety rep in this one since I don't suffer from anxiety myself.
I still have some notes left but I feel like I have said the most important things. The story in itself is cute but the characters are majorly flawed. This book had a lot of potential but the inconsistent characters made me confused and somewhat mad sometimes. They annoyed me to no end and the ending of this book was so predictable it didn't even phase me. I did see it was part of a series so maybe it's not as bad if you've read the whole series? Still, I don't recommend this book at all.
October 20, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
This one was a well written story that contained a lot more than I expected!
The book gives a different view on the progress from childhood to adulthood and I loved the slightly quirky and honest look at this. The book’s characters go through a lot of different emotions and they are dealt with really well to make it a really engaging story.
It is a heart-warming tale and four stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the story!
This one was a well written story that contained a lot more than I expected!
The book gives a different view on the progress from childhood to adulthood and I loved the slightly quirky and honest look at this. The book’s characters go through a lot of different emotions and they are dealt with really well to make it a really engaging story.
It is a heart-warming tale and four stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the story!
August 13, 2018
I have a review up on my blog if you want to read that as well: https://kimberlyreads97.wordpress.com...
I related so much to Maddie’s story. As someone who really struggled with anxiety my last year of high school, reading Maddie’s experience was like stepping back in time. I will admit though, once her grandmother’s cancer was mentioned, I had to stop and take a step back. About six months after I graduated, I lost a family member to cancer and my anxiety at that point was really bad. I appreciated this story a lot, but it was a little hard hitting at times to read.
Thank you so much to Net Galley for sending me an arc in exchange for a review!
I related so much to Maddie’s story. As someone who really struggled with anxiety my last year of high school, reading Maddie’s experience was like stepping back in time. I will admit though, once her grandmother’s cancer was mentioned, I had to stop and take a step back. About six months after I graduated, I lost a family member to cancer and my anxiety at that point was really bad. I appreciated this story a lot, but it was a little hard hitting at times to read.
Thank you so much to Net Galley for sending me an arc in exchange for a review!
October 20, 2018
Such an important book. A great way to understand what’s going on when someone you love is going through anxiety.
January 29, 2019
"Peter filled me in. You’re going all loopy-nut job on us? You know what? It’s about time. I mean you friggin’ intellectualize yourself into feeling fine."
Can she come to grips with her life and stop worrying about others?
Maddie is getting ready to graduate high school. Her parents are pressuring her to send in her applications for college, her beloved grandmother is very ill, her former boyfriend ("That Who We Aren't Supposed to Speak Of") who she hasn't seen in a year has been sent to military school due to drugs, her friends are encouraging her to date someone else so she dates two guys at the same time, and she is having panic attacks her two shrinks (yes, two) say is due to separation anxiety.
"Disconnected. Everyone is moving on in their lives. But me."
This is book 4 in the Maddie Chronicles and can be read as a standalone. I chose this book because I had not read a young adult fiction novel for a while and was looking forward to reading about teenage angst, but I found that this novel had much more. According to a National Institute of Mental Health report, one out of every five teenagers has a mental health disorder. A staggering reality that is a very serious subject seen often in YA fiction today. Goodman covers peer pressure, family pressure and serious events in her life which result in a teenage girl coming of age and facing her challenges head-on.
Goodman's characters are funny, flawed and true to life. Told from Maddie's point of view, the story centers around her relationships with family and friends. I often found myself feeling empathy for Maddie's situations and I loved her friend Susan who is a strong character herself who I would like to read more about. Also, after reading Maddie's build-up of Justin, I was worried about being disappointed when she meets up with him again, but I was pleasantly surprised with how mature and supportive he was with Maddie.
A serious look at teenage mental illness, love, drug and alcohol abuse, sexuality, and cancer told with truth and humor as only teenagers do. Highly recommend.
This book was provided as part of a virtual book tour with no expectation of a positive review given.
Can she come to grips with her life and stop worrying about others?
Maddie is getting ready to graduate high school. Her parents are pressuring her to send in her applications for college, her beloved grandmother is very ill, her former boyfriend ("That Who We Aren't Supposed to Speak Of") who she hasn't seen in a year has been sent to military school due to drugs, her friends are encouraging her to date someone else so she dates two guys at the same time, and she is having panic attacks her two shrinks (yes, two) say is due to separation anxiety.
"Disconnected. Everyone is moving on in their lives. But me."
This is book 4 in the Maddie Chronicles and can be read as a standalone. I chose this book because I had not read a young adult fiction novel for a while and was looking forward to reading about teenage angst, but I found that this novel had much more. According to a National Institute of Mental Health report, one out of every five teenagers has a mental health disorder. A staggering reality that is a very serious subject seen often in YA fiction today. Goodman covers peer pressure, family pressure and serious events in her life which result in a teenage girl coming of age and facing her challenges head-on.
Goodman's characters are funny, flawed and true to life. Told from Maddie's point of view, the story centers around her relationships with family and friends. I often found myself feeling empathy for Maddie's situations and I loved her friend Susan who is a strong character herself who I would like to read more about. Also, after reading Maddie's build-up of Justin, I was worried about being disappointed when she meets up with him again, but I was pleasantly surprised with how mature and supportive he was with Maddie.
A serious look at teenage mental illness, love, drug and alcohol abuse, sexuality, and cancer told with truth and humor as only teenagers do. Highly recommend.
This book was provided as part of a virtual book tour with no expectation of a positive review given.
September 14, 2019
Maddie can't seem to get over Justin, remembering the last time they spent together consumes her thoughts. She suffers from anxiety and it just seems to be getting worse, especially when she learns her grandmother has cancer. We watch her navigate life with anxiety and learning to try to move on.
I didn't realize this was part of a series when I read it, but I don't think you need to have read the other books to make sense of the plot at all. Maddie has some great support in her best friends Peter and Susan, and Peter too is learning to navigate life, but in the dating world as a gay young man.
This was a well-written read although the amount of pining she does for a relationship that old is a bit obsessive, and she ultimately gets what she wants which isn't really how the real world works. But I liked the characters and the inclusiveness of them. I liked how the author included real-world problems in a relateable way.
I didn't realize this was part of a series when I read it, but I don't think you need to have read the other books to make sense of the plot at all. Maddie has some great support in her best friends Peter and Susan, and Peter too is learning to navigate life, but in the dating world as a gay young man.
This was a well-written read although the amount of pining she does for a relationship that old is a bit obsessive, and she ultimately gets what she wants which isn't really how the real world works. But I liked the characters and the inclusiveness of them. I liked how the author included real-world problems in a relateable way.
August 17, 2018
My full review can be found on the Epilie Aspie Chick blog!
Thank you to Black Rose Writing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While this book is definitely a quick and breezy summer read, there are multiple things that bothered me about it. At any given point, it seemed like Maddie didn't have a passion at all beyond her family and her ex. Sure, she spends time writing for a class project and to vent some, but it comes off as work - not love. There's also the issue of theme here and how the author didnt really stick with one. Like the heroine, themes aimlessly wander in and out without sticking.
Thank you to Black Rose Writing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While this book is definitely a quick and breezy summer read, there are multiple things that bothered me about it. At any given point, it seemed like Maddie didn't have a passion at all beyond her family and her ex. Sure, she spends time writing for a class project and to vent some, but it comes off as work - not love. There's also the issue of theme here and how the author didnt really stick with one. Like the heroine, themes aimlessly wander in and out without sticking.
January 17, 2019
Pretty darn good read. Rather pro girls can do what they want with realistically portrayed people. The only things that bugged me was that some of the discourse was occasionally a bit off, I could not place the year it was suppose to happen in cause of both new and old fashion stuff happening, and one minor unintentional minor case of slut shaming which threw me off (by the main love interest somewhere at the end of the book). Otherwise it was enjoyable, easy to read, and the descriptions of anxiety show it has many faces and panic and anxiety can be very different for people and make you so tired. I do recommend absolutely. It's a hidden gem I tell you.
July 30, 2018
Anxiety. Love. Death. Jelly Donuts. Somewhere in between it all—life and living it. SIX stars from me. Yes, it is about coming of age - and yes, it is all written from one young woman's viewpoint - but no, it is not like anything you have ever read. A poignant look at anxiety and dealing with it while tackling life's challenges and maybe finding love along the way. I was not expecting to need a box of tissues, much of it hit close to home in so many ways. There is truth in this beautifully written fiction.
July 4, 2019
"You're right, Justin. I love jelly doughnuts. I really love jelly doughnuts."
The 4th #IndieApril read. It's about a girl, Maddie, who has to deal with life and love after she has a crippling anxiety attack. To make matters worse, her beloved grandmother, Bubbie, was diagnosed with colon cancer. So, Maddie has to make her own choices about her life and deal with other people's choices, even if she doesn't like it.
It's a good book, and easy enough to understand without the previous books in the series.
The 4th #IndieApril read. It's about a girl, Maddie, who has to deal with life and love after she has a crippling anxiety attack. To make matters worse, her beloved grandmother, Bubbie, was diagnosed with colon cancer. So, Maddie has to make her own choices about her life and deal with other people's choices, even if she doesn't like it.
It's a good book, and easy enough to understand without the previous books in the series.
April 26, 2019
This story is so beautifully authentic - which means it's joyful and awkward and real in all the best ways. A very quick enjoyable read that I found myself heavily relating to on many occasions. Aside from being pretty PG-13 at times, this book is a very amusing read that just about anyone would enjoy. Definitely would recommend this author - and the depictions of mental health issues are expertly shared and well done!
November 27, 2018
It was a cute story. I didn't have any background on it going in because I haven't read the other books in the series, but Hannah Goodman has a nice writing style that made me feel like I was still apart of the story even though I was missing so much of it. The plot is cute and I think all around it's just a fluffier YA contemp take on some serious issues (like anxiety).
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