Reasonable Insanity

by Cynthia Freeman Gibbs

More than meets the eye On the outside, clinical psychologist, Dr. Olivia C. Maxwell appears to live a life others only dream about. She has a sexy husband, a big house, luxury cars, two gorgeous children and she attends all the see-and-be-seen events. To add to the mix, she is beautiful, tall, fit, and intelligent. But what people can't see is that inside, Olivia is living a nightmare. As the only dark-skinned member of her family, Olivia grew up hating the skin she’s in and she's spent her life desperately searching for acceptance. It's not long before those deep insecurities sabotage everything she loves. Friends ‘til the end.... After being estranged best friends for ten years, Savvy Menefee is back in Olivia's life. And her reappearance is right on time because Olivia is teetering on the edge. A whirlwind of crazy reactions is leading Olivia into a slow, out-of-control spiral. And Savvy must try to save her friend before destructive impulses leave Olivia in the midst of mayhem and murder.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2018

Reviews

[Kia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia annoyed the hell out of me.

[LaChelle Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! My head is spinning! The storyline grabbed me from beginning to end. Dr. Olivia Maxwell had more drama than an episode of Empire, How to Getaway With Murder and five soap operas combined. When you crossed her she unleashed the wrath from Hell. The irony wasn’t lost on me that she was a mental health professional because she often needed to seek the advice she gave to her patients. And while she was entertaining as a character with all of her drama, she dealt with some deep seated issues that drove her actions. The author delved into subjects that aren’t often discussed in the African American community such as mental health, colorism and eating disorders. I think it can spark great conversations. I would’ve liked Savvy to have more of a storyline versus us just seeing Olivia’s POV to add another layer to the story. The ending sort of fell just a little flat for me, especially with the buildup beforehand. I expected more. But, overall it was a really good read. I definitely recommend it.

[Adriene Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This is a great start for the author’s debut. I look forward to reading what happens to Dr. Olivia Maxwell.

[Nechirye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy reading this book. It had a great story however, I felt like it jumped around a lot. I did listen to the audiobook so I wasn't aware in some moments if it was a flashback or in the present tense. I also read it expecting a thriller and it did build me up I just don't think it quite gave us the climax the story was building to. The book title is "Reasonable Insanity" and I just didn't feel like the main character really got to her breaking point within the book. But, overall I did enjoy it and it ended making me want more. I think for a debut book this was worth a read. And if this is the beginning of a series I look forward to watching the character and the writer grow. I would recommend this book.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layers of psychological damage

While it says I rated the book 4 stars. I actually give it 3.5 star. I do so because the ending was anticlimactic.

Now as for the overall storyline. Interesting topics to try to unpack within a less than 300 page novel. Nevertheless it makes for good open dialogue. You have colorism. Family dsyfunction Mental health. Health disorders. Infidelity. And the bond of friendship.

Olivia had and has more issues than a little bit
Malcolm is what happens when internal affairs go undressed.

Savvy is the friend we all wish we had.

If nothing more the story has you talking and engaging in conversation that says why.

[Tina Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!!!

The book was definitely a page turner. It dealt with colorism, mental health, eating disorders, dysfunctional families and infidelity. It demonstrated how if you don't acknowledge and get help for your mental health, it can spiral out of control quickly. It showed how a person can appear to have it all together but on the inside, they are damaged goods. It exhibited the love and support of a true friend. I Highly recommend this book.

[Zekelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, but...

Well, this was a good read, but not great. The author seemed to wrap up each plot rather abruptly. I would read it again though, because I liked the main character. Overall, the writing style wasn’t awful, but it needs some fine tuning and editor input.

[Melissa Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book had me hooked from first page!

I love a good, fun read and this book didn't disappoint! The story had me from page 1, and kept my interest with suspense, 90s nostalgia, friendship, and very real insecurities. I hope to read more about both Olivia and especially Savvy soon!

[Debbie]

This sister faced so many struggles throughout her life. The further I read into the story the mire I enjoyed it.

The end of the story was unbelievable. Black folks getting a break from the justice system...not!

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense and Intrigue

The story of Dr Olivia Maxwell was a very good read. The pace of the book washers and well written. There is a cliffhanger that has you wanting to find out more about the story. Can't wait for the next book in this saga.

[Monica O'Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh

This storyline was very predictable. It didn’t leave much to the imagination. About mid way through I could tell what was going to happen. Not an exciting or attention grabbing read.

[Betty Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chick story

I enjoyed this book. It captured the stigma of basting beauty on skin color and how it can affect ones life beyond childhood.

[Nichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed my attention from the start and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next! I look forward to reading the sequel.

[Florence]

Just finished the book. It was Awesome!!! And especially considering this was the author’s first book. The main character Olivia has so many layers and she makes for great story lines and character development. Although Olivia for sure has MANY problems, and only seems to be able to respond to whatever comes her way to the EXTREME.. I see a little of her and Savvy in myself and in many of my girlfriends. I think most women experience some of the same relationship and family issues but we just don’t cross that line of insanity like Olivia does.

I’m looking forward to the next book to see what Olivia has up her sleeves. I hope to see more of Savvy’s life in the next book! Thanks for a great read and it was wonderful to meet you in Memphis! 😘