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Carefree #1
One Carefree Day
Imagine being forced to face your worst fear.
For eighteen-year-old Willow Bates, anxiety is just a part of life. With her every decision ruled by intrusive thoughts, she's worried she sometimes seems a little odd. Despite Willow's efforts to hide her OCD from those around her, it isn't always possible. Her rituals are her coping mechanism, and Willow's past has left her with a lot to cope with.
But when Willow takes things too far, her mother breaks and gives her an ultimatum: Willow must finally start taking meds to treat her obsessive-compulsive disorder, or she'll have to move out within three months. But Willow is terrified of both options, and can't afford to support herself as a new cosmetology student.
Only when Theo Tate moves in next door does Willow begin to see hope. Theo might have a way for Willow to avoid taking meds and still resist her rituals. But falling for Theo is definitely not part of the plan. And mingling with him has risks not even Willow could possibly control, let alone be prepared for.
For eighteen-year-old Willow Bates, anxiety is just a part of life. With her every decision ruled by intrusive thoughts, she's worried she sometimes seems a little odd. Despite Willow's efforts to hide her OCD from those around her, it isn't always possible. Her rituals are her coping mechanism, and Willow's past has left her with a lot to cope with.
But when Willow takes things too far, her mother breaks and gives her an ultimatum: Willow must finally start taking meds to treat her obsessive-compulsive disorder, or she'll have to move out within three months. But Willow is terrified of both options, and can't afford to support herself as a new cosmetology student.
Only when Theo Tate moves in next door does Willow begin to see hope. Theo might have a way for Willow to avoid taking meds and still resist her rituals. But falling for Theo is definitely not part of the plan. And mingling with him has risks not even Willow could possibly control, let alone be prepared for.
227 pages, ebook
First published February 7, 2021
29 people are currently reading
2408 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Amazeen
8 books149 followersWhitney Amazeen's love for reading started in third grade and has been going strong ever since. She studied cosmetology before pursuing writing, where she used to hide in the laundry room to read and write instead of working on clients. As a result, Whitney has evolved into a full-fledged daydreamer with more stories in her head than she can count. When she's not immersed in reading or writing a novel, Whitney spends the majority of her time playing with her kids and watching Disney movies. Whitney lives in Arizona with her family and can often be found drinking tea, talking about fictional characters, and obsessing over Jesus. Learn more at www.WhitneyAmazeen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 16, 2020
Update:
After emailing with the author I have increased my rating to a 3 ⭐
She explained that she was trying to provide hope and alternative therapy suggestions (outside medicating) to others (herself included) who struggle with OCD.
Still rubbed me the wrong way, but her explanation provides me with some comfort.
Original review:
As some who struggles with OCD (EVERY. DAMN. DAY.), I found Willow's fickle approach to her compulsions somewhat insulting.
The ease in which she halts her compulsions felt fantastical to me.
If it were as easy to stop compulsions as it seems in this book, I feel no one would have ever been diagnosed.
This rubbed me the wrong way and is a large part of my low rating.
The characters were decent and the insta-love was only mildly weird.
Ratings show I'm alone in this; it's likely my personal bias.
Thanks to Booksprout & Whitney Amazeen for my DRC.
After emailing with the author I have increased my rating to a 3 ⭐
She explained that she was trying to provide hope and alternative therapy suggestions (outside medicating) to others (herself included) who struggle with OCD.
Still rubbed me the wrong way, but her explanation provides me with some comfort.
Original review:
As some who struggles with OCD (EVERY. DAMN. DAY.), I found Willow's fickle approach to her compulsions somewhat insulting.
The ease in which she halts her compulsions felt fantastical to me.
If it were as easy to stop compulsions as it seems in this book, I feel no one would have ever been diagnosed.
This rubbed me the wrong way and is a large part of my low rating.
The characters were decent and the insta-love was only mildly weird.
Ratings show I'm alone in this; it's likely my personal bias.
Thanks to Booksprout & Whitney Amazeen for my DRC.
April 2, 2025
GUYS I WROTE THIS!
February 7, 2021
ONE CAREFREE DAY isn’t a bad book, it’s a dangerous one as it insinuates teens can help each other overcome serious, debilitating mental illness without the help of therapists or medications.
Willow’s mother gives her three months to get her OCD under control since the teen refuses therapy and medication. Her neighbor, also a teenager, helps her get her mental illness under control based on what he knows about a specific therapeutic intervention, one that therapists, after years of college and grad school take extra training to become proficient.
ONE CAREFREE DAY isn’t love cures mental illness, but it’s just as bad.
The DSM V recognizes two types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD and OCPD Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. The former is so severe it prevents patients from leading productive lives in terms of work/school, relationships, family and activities of daily living. With OCPD obsessions and/or compulsions interfere with functioning to a much lesser degree, cause some difficulties, but are not paralyzing in the same way. Lay people generally use the terms interchangeably.
Mental illnesses like OCD are medical conditions, often a misfiring of brain chemicals and receptors. Sometimes, like with schizophrenia, medication is the only treatment that allows patients any respite from their symptoms. Often medication with therapy is most helpful. Other treatments like EMDR can help reset brain receptors. While often more than one approach can be effective, forgoing professional help in favor of a well-read teenager isn’t on that list of effective treatments.
I understand the #OwnVoices writer is using her experiences and frame of reference and I appreciate that she’s not generalizing to everyone. I’d hate to think of teenagers reading this book and using it as an excuse to be treatment noncompliant. Whitney Amzeen’s writing is quite good, but her message is so potentially damaging I can’t give more than one star.
Willow’s mother gives her three months to get her OCD under control since the teen refuses therapy and medication. Her neighbor, also a teenager, helps her get her mental illness under control based on what he knows about a specific therapeutic intervention, one that therapists, after years of college and grad school take extra training to become proficient.
ONE CAREFREE DAY isn’t love cures mental illness, but it’s just as bad.
The DSM V recognizes two types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, OCD and OCPD Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. The former is so severe it prevents patients from leading productive lives in terms of work/school, relationships, family and activities of daily living. With OCPD obsessions and/or compulsions interfere with functioning to a much lesser degree, cause some difficulties, but are not paralyzing in the same way. Lay people generally use the terms interchangeably.
Mental illnesses like OCD are medical conditions, often a misfiring of brain chemicals and receptors. Sometimes, like with schizophrenia, medication is the only treatment that allows patients any respite from their symptoms. Often medication with therapy is most helpful. Other treatments like EMDR can help reset brain receptors. While often more than one approach can be effective, forgoing professional help in favor of a well-read teenager isn’t on that list of effective treatments.
I understand the #OwnVoices writer is using her experiences and frame of reference and I appreciate that she’s not generalizing to everyone. I’d hate to think of teenagers reading this book and using it as an excuse to be treatment noncompliant. Whitney Amzeen’s writing is quite good, but her message is so potentially damaging I can’t give more than one star.
February 15, 2021
I received this book for free from MTMC Tours, Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. You can also find this review at The Reader and the Chef
One Carefree Day is a novel that will stick with me for a long time. We follow Willow as she navigates life with OCD & who is trying hard to manage it so she can pursue her new college studies as a cosmetologist. But life is not simple, and Willow struggles when things get out of her control.
I loved meeting Willow and I appreciate the window this novel provides to a character who deals with OCD (it’s actually been years since I read a YA book about it!). Willow’s anxiety and loneliness of trying to deal with her illness on her own made my heart ache, while also feeling so much anger at her relationship with her mother who just never seemed to want to truly listen to her daughter’s struggles. And I must confess, it also made me livid when she dared to give her an ultimatum: start taking meds to deal with your obsessive-compulsive disorder OR move out. Such a strong and sad scene, a mom who should KNOW why Willow struggles with meds (she has an extreme aversion to them thanks to an allergic reaction).
One Carefree Day is an #ownvoices novel for OCD rep and I’m sure that Willow’s obsessive rituals and her anxiety are just one experience out of many, but I think everything was explained so well. Author Whitney Amazeen did a great job when writing her character and even more by letting us to follow Willow as she tries to possibly find one carefree day.
I must also mention how much I loved her cousin Ash who is the #1 support system for Willow. A friendship like theirs is truly one hard to come by & it made me really happy for Willow. And if you are interested in romance, then you won’t be disappointed since there is plenty with Theo who is Willow’s new neighbor and the one who offers assistance to Willow when she’s desperately trying to get her OCD under control. His methods are not exactly the best, but I understand the thought.
Please note: OCD is a mental health illness and not just “habits”, treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured.
“Happy.
It feels like such an imaginary concept. So far-fetched. There are times I feel at ease, sure. Content, even. But true happiness isn’t something I’ve ever experienced in what feels like as long as I can remember.”
One Carefree Day is a novel that will stick with me for a long time. We follow Willow as she navigates life with OCD & who is trying hard to manage it so she can pursue her new college studies as a cosmetologist. But life is not simple, and Willow struggles when things get out of her control.
I loved meeting Willow and I appreciate the window this novel provides to a character who deals with OCD (it’s actually been years since I read a YA book about it!). Willow’s anxiety and loneliness of trying to deal with her illness on her own made my heart ache, while also feeling so much anger at her relationship with her mother who just never seemed to want to truly listen to her daughter’s struggles. And I must confess, it also made me livid when she dared to give her an ultimatum: start taking meds to deal with your obsessive-compulsive disorder OR move out. Such a strong and sad scene, a mom who should KNOW why Willow struggles with meds (she has an extreme aversion to them thanks to an allergic reaction).
One Carefree Day is an #ownvoices novel for OCD rep and I’m sure that Willow’s obsessive rituals and her anxiety are just one experience out of many, but I think everything was explained so well. Author Whitney Amazeen did a great job when writing her character and even more by letting us to follow Willow as she tries to possibly find one carefree day.
I must also mention how much I loved her cousin Ash who is the #1 support system for Willow. A friendship like theirs is truly one hard to come by & it made me really happy for Willow. And if you are interested in romance, then you won’t be disappointed since there is plenty with Theo who is Willow’s new neighbor and the one who offers assistance to Willow when she’s desperately trying to get her OCD under control. His methods are not exactly the best, but I understand the thought.
Please note: OCD is a mental health illness and not just “habits”, treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured.
February 7, 2021
If you’re in the mood for a Young Adult novel filled with romance, mental health representation, and self-discovery then One Carefree Day by Whitney Amazeen is perfect for you!
Willow Bates is an 18-year-old diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety attending cosmetology school. Her compulsions are part of who she is and help her feel in control. She is doing well in school and has her cousin and best friend, Ashton, by her side. However, when her mom gives Willow an ultimatum of “ceasing” her compulsions or moving out in three months, Willow has no clue what to do. Of course, she wants to better manage her compulsions for her mom, but she does not believe medication is the best option for herself. As if this wasn’t enough to throw Willow off, her mom has welcomed a new tenant, Theo, into their guest house and Willow can’t help but use her rituals to cope with all the chaos.
One Carefree Day is a refreshing representation of mental health with strong palpable emotions of pain and hope. I was inspired by Willow’s willpower and dedication to managing her compulsions by establishing tangible goals to achieve one carefree day. This novel is an important reminder that we never truly know what another person is going through. This is an inspirational book for young adults dealing with mental health that reminds them they are not alone and that everyone’s experience is different. Although reluctant at first, Willow has a great support system with Ashton and Theo, both are patient and encouraging every step of the way. These complex secondary characters also encounter battles of their own but together there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Willow Bates is an 18-year-old diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety attending cosmetology school. Her compulsions are part of who she is and help her feel in control. She is doing well in school and has her cousin and best friend, Ashton, by her side. However, when her mom gives Willow an ultimatum of “ceasing” her compulsions or moving out in three months, Willow has no clue what to do. Of course, she wants to better manage her compulsions for her mom, but she does not believe medication is the best option for herself. As if this wasn’t enough to throw Willow off, her mom has welcomed a new tenant, Theo, into their guest house and Willow can’t help but use her rituals to cope with all the chaos.
One Carefree Day is a refreshing representation of mental health with strong palpable emotions of pain and hope. I was inspired by Willow’s willpower and dedication to managing her compulsions by establishing tangible goals to achieve one carefree day. This novel is an important reminder that we never truly know what another person is going through. This is an inspirational book for young adults dealing with mental health that reminds them they are not alone and that everyone’s experience is different. Although reluctant at first, Willow has a great support system with Ashton and Theo, both are patient and encouraging every step of the way. These complex secondary characters also encounter battles of their own but together there is light at the end of the tunnel.
November 17, 2021
I'm gonna start off this spoiler free review by saying this: I didn't think I would like this book. I didn't think this was my style, and that the topic of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) would be weird or boring. Boy was I wrong.
The main character of Willow is oddly charming. Suffering from mental health issues could have easily made for a long, tedious reading experience, but instead came as a surprisingly different approach that immediately sets her apart from other main characters. While other books in this genre often depict the main character as quirky for seemingly no reason other than a personality trait artificially given to them, Willow earns her right to be dysfunctional. She is far from perfect, and she fails...a lot. This is one of the best aspects of the book for me. Willow seems believable, and it is deeply necessary that this is the case being that she suffers from OCD.
Speaking of OCD, the book handles it perfectly. Knowing more than my fair share about the subject, and frankly having had little real compassion or understanding for the people who suffer from it, had me ready to never give this book a chance. It just seemed like a topic I didn't wanna deal with. I am so glad I did, as it became my favorite part of the book by far. Learning how Willow reacts to different situations is riveting. Seeing how the OCD dominates her life is heart breaking. And seeing her attempts to break free made me cheer from the edge of my seat. Amazeen (the author) nailed this. Willow and the OCD is the beating pulse of the book, bar none. This is what kept me going, turning page after page, to see how Willow will react to each moment. What made this more satisfying is how the OCD is explained. From my experience in real life, people with OCD never tell you what their rituals are or why they do them. This could be just my experience, but nevertheless it made reading the book more fascinating. We get to know every detail about Willows OCD, and that just makes me satisfied, because it really feels like we are in her head.
Now for the rapid fire section. The backdrop of Cosmetology School was a very different approach that again, I thought would be annoying, but was good at not being forced into the spotlight. The character Ash was the perfect balance to Willow, as she represented what Willow could be if she gives up her OCD. If you like the young adult style of book, you'll love Theo. He's cool, charming, and snarky which is a welcome addition to the bad boy formula. The adult scenes don't feel forced, and are worded with class. No disgusting spoon fed nonsense here. And lastly, that twist got me. I don't often get got, but my mouth physically dropped. Good work Amazeen!
The only reason I gave the narrator 4 stars on Audible was I felt at the beginning she didn't differentiate the voices for some characters enough. This is often the thing I look forward to with audiobooks, but it quickly becomes good and you dont think about it any more. If you are looking for the next philosophical masterpiece, this book isn't for you. If you expect a sonnet of epic proportions, look away. The story can be formulaic, and some characters aren't fully fleshed out, but its nothing that diminished the overall story, nor does it bring you out of the book.
If you are looking for a page turner with substance, you got the right book. Looking for something modern that makes you think for once, this is it. I had fun, and you will to. Just read the damn book already.
The main character of Willow is oddly charming. Suffering from mental health issues could have easily made for a long, tedious reading experience, but instead came as a surprisingly different approach that immediately sets her apart from other main characters. While other books in this genre often depict the main character as quirky for seemingly no reason other than a personality trait artificially given to them, Willow earns her right to be dysfunctional. She is far from perfect, and she fails...a lot. This is one of the best aspects of the book for me. Willow seems believable, and it is deeply necessary that this is the case being that she suffers from OCD.
Speaking of OCD, the book handles it perfectly. Knowing more than my fair share about the subject, and frankly having had little real compassion or understanding for the people who suffer from it, had me ready to never give this book a chance. It just seemed like a topic I didn't wanna deal with. I am so glad I did, as it became my favorite part of the book by far. Learning how Willow reacts to different situations is riveting. Seeing how the OCD dominates her life is heart breaking. And seeing her attempts to break free made me cheer from the edge of my seat. Amazeen (the author) nailed this. Willow and the OCD is the beating pulse of the book, bar none. This is what kept me going, turning page after page, to see how Willow will react to each moment. What made this more satisfying is how the OCD is explained. From my experience in real life, people with OCD never tell you what their rituals are or why they do them. This could be just my experience, but nevertheless it made reading the book more fascinating. We get to know every detail about Willows OCD, and that just makes me satisfied, because it really feels like we are in her head.
Now for the rapid fire section. The backdrop of Cosmetology School was a very different approach that again, I thought would be annoying, but was good at not being forced into the spotlight. The character Ash was the perfect balance to Willow, as she represented what Willow could be if she gives up her OCD. If you like the young adult style of book, you'll love Theo. He's cool, charming, and snarky which is a welcome addition to the bad boy formula. The adult scenes don't feel forced, and are worded with class. No disgusting spoon fed nonsense here. And lastly, that twist got me. I don't often get got, but my mouth physically dropped. Good work Amazeen!
The only reason I gave the narrator 4 stars on Audible was I felt at the beginning she didn't differentiate the voices for some characters enough. This is often the thing I look forward to with audiobooks, but it quickly becomes good and you dont think about it any more. If you are looking for the next philosophical masterpiece, this book isn't for you. If you expect a sonnet of epic proportions, look away. The story can be formulaic, and some characters aren't fully fleshed out, but its nothing that diminished the overall story, nor does it bring you out of the book.
If you are looking for a page turner with substance, you got the right book. Looking for something modern that makes you think for once, this is it. I had fun, and you will to. Just read the damn book already.
May 10, 2021
Okay...so this is one of those reads I have a LOT of mixed thoughts on....
BUT I will start off by saying that One Carefree Day was an interesting read that kept my attention throughout. I really enjoyed entering the world of the protagonist, Willow, and I appreciated learning more about OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) through her eyes. This book did a great job of illustrating some of the most common OCD symptoms, such as hyper focusing on things and struggling with crippling, fear based thoughts. Getting access to Willow's internal monologue as she worked through her fears was really compelling and helped me to understand this disorder a lot more. I also thought that Amazeen was BRILLIANT in showing how Willow's particular OCD was further impacted by things like race and PTSD. This was a perspective I've never seen before so I am excited to have conversations about this book and hopefully hear from #ownvoices readers about their experiences to learn more.
Outside of that, this book was a bumpy ride for me.
Though I found myself rooting for Willow, I started off the book really disliking the people that surrounded her- namely her mother, her cousin, Ash, and the other main character- her love interest, Theo. I ended the book despising Willow's mother (and for good reason- just read and you'll see) and though I was okay with Ash and Theo by the end- I spent most of the book feeling like they were often dismissive of Willow's feelings or condescending. It could just be the way they tease but there were times where it felt like they didn't take Willow's disorder seriously, especially Ash. Also, Theo's nickname for Willow was "little Willow" and he just gave off these infantilizing vibes that I wasn't a fan of.
Outside of the characters, in many ways, the plot points in this book read like a soap opera. There were surprises and twists around every corner (some of them so unexpected they made my jaw drop which was fun), but some of these turns felt so unrealistic. The arc with Theo's dad and his ex-girlfriend, in particular, took me out of the story because of how overdramatized and one dimensional it was.
So. Yeah. I'm torn.
I'm glad I read this book because it was interesting and I learned a lot about OCD. But, there were just some things that were irredeemable.
BUT I will start off by saying that One Carefree Day was an interesting read that kept my attention throughout. I really enjoyed entering the world of the protagonist, Willow, and I appreciated learning more about OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) through her eyes. This book did a great job of illustrating some of the most common OCD symptoms, such as hyper focusing on things and struggling with crippling, fear based thoughts. Getting access to Willow's internal monologue as she worked through her fears was really compelling and helped me to understand this disorder a lot more. I also thought that Amazeen was BRILLIANT in showing how Willow's particular OCD was further impacted by things like race and PTSD. This was a perspective I've never seen before so I am excited to have conversations about this book and hopefully hear from #ownvoices readers about their experiences to learn more.
Outside of that, this book was a bumpy ride for me.
Though I found myself rooting for Willow, I started off the book really disliking the people that surrounded her- namely her mother, her cousin, Ash, and the other main character- her love interest, Theo. I ended the book despising Willow's mother (and for good reason- just read and you'll see) and though I was okay with Ash and Theo by the end- I spent most of the book feeling like they were often dismissive of Willow's feelings or condescending. It could just be the way they tease but there were times where it felt like they didn't take Willow's disorder seriously, especially Ash. Also, Theo's nickname for Willow was "little Willow" and he just gave off these infantilizing vibes that I wasn't a fan of.
Outside of the characters, in many ways, the plot points in this book read like a soap opera. There were surprises and twists around every corner (some of them so unexpected they made my jaw drop which was fun), but some of these turns felt so unrealistic. The arc with Theo's dad and his ex-girlfriend, in particular, took me out of the story because of how overdramatized and one dimensional it was.
So. Yeah. I'm torn.
I'm glad I read this book because it was interesting and I learned a lot about OCD. But, there were just some things that were irredeemable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2021
“I’m trying this new thing where I live life one day at a time. In the moment. As carefree as I possibly can.”
One Carefree Day is a YA contemporary novel about a Black teen Willow who is dealing with OCD. I love reading books that have a mental health rep. It’s so important! Specially in the YA community.
I really appreciated learning more about OCD, it’s embarrassing to say I basically knew nothing about it.
When Willows mom gives her an ultimatum to either move out or start taking medication, she decides it’s time to start taking control of her compulsions.
I really loved Willow. The author did such a great job at making you feel Willows anxiety. I sped through this book, while it had hard topics the writing made it so easy to read.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys topics like this.
Thank you @whitneyamazeen and @mtmctours for the #gifted copy.
One Carefree Day is a YA contemporary novel about a Black teen Willow who is dealing with OCD. I love reading books that have a mental health rep. It’s so important! Specially in the YA community.
I really appreciated learning more about OCD, it’s embarrassing to say I basically knew nothing about it.
When Willows mom gives her an ultimatum to either move out or start taking medication, she decides it’s time to start taking control of her compulsions.
I really loved Willow. The author did such a great job at making you feel Willows anxiety. I sped through this book, while it had hard topics the writing made it so easy to read.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys topics like this.
Thank you @whitneyamazeen and @mtmctours for the #gifted copy.
October 9, 2024
Although I find it unrealistic that a teenager could successfully perform ERP on another teenager, I did enjoy the depiction of realistic OCD in this book and the treatment of it. I do wish that medication had not been demonized like it was. Not saying that everyone needs to use medication, but it would be worth Willow confronting her irrational fear of it (which she admits is irrational) since isn't the point of her therapy to confront her fears? But everyone's mental health journey is different, and it was valuable to travel along Willow's path with her. I think it would be a good read for anyone curious about ERP.
(Also worth noting that OCD doesn't *have* to be based in past trauma. You can have a compulsion related to driving and not have it be related to a car accident, for example, just like you can obsessively wash your hands and not have a relative who died of an illness. I don't think this was expressed in the book.)
(Also worth noting that OCD doesn't *have* to be based in past trauma. You can have a compulsion related to driving and not have it be related to a car accident, for example, just like you can obsessively wash your hands and not have a relative who died of an illness. I don't think this was expressed in the book.)
October 9, 2024
3.5
This wasn’t what I expected tbh🫠
So she just ✨stopped✨having OCD for good?
Idk i feel like it’s more complex than that
Like I got about 10 mins of therapy from my bf and now cured✅✅
This wasn’t what I expected tbh🫠
So she just ✨stopped✨having OCD for good?
Idk i feel like it’s more complex than that
Like I got about 10 mins of therapy from my bf and now cured✅✅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
One Carefree Day by Whitney Amazeen is a YA contemporary romance novel where we see a eighteen year old girl named Willow Bates, who has OCD and her rituals are her coping mechanism. Willow fears taking her meds and her mother has given her an ultimatum.
Theo Tate moves in next door and is a couple of years senior to her. Theo Tate's father was a psychiatrist and he has been seeing patients all his life during his father's practice. He suggests her to try ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention), it's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Over the course of their bargain for therapy versus studying for school and helping him pass, they grow closure and eventually their past life has been known by each one of them. Her mother is tired of her rituals and OCD, Willow only has her best friend Ash. She is also pregnant & is about to have a baby.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how well the psychological aspects are handled. I liked how well the character of Willow is written and how well she handles her OCD and comes out of it. I loved how well Theo takes her flaws and insecurities, and makes her feel special. I liked how Willow's issues with her mother also gets sorted out in the end.
This one's childhood friends to lovers romance which was so feel good yet powerful. It's going to give you inspiration to fight your flaws and never feel insecure about yourselves. The story was very well paced and everything falls in the place just right.
4.5 Stars
Theo Tate moves in next door and is a couple of years senior to her. Theo Tate's father was a psychiatrist and he has been seeing patients all his life during his father's practice. He suggests her to try ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention), it's a type of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Over the course of their bargain for therapy versus studying for school and helping him pass, they grow closure and eventually their past life has been known by each one of them. Her mother is tired of her rituals and OCD, Willow only has her best friend Ash. She is also pregnant & is about to have a baby.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how well the psychological aspects are handled. I liked how well the character of Willow is written and how well she handles her OCD and comes out of it. I loved how well Theo takes her flaws and insecurities, and makes her feel special. I liked how Willow's issues with her mother also gets sorted out in the end.
This one's childhood friends to lovers romance which was so feel good yet powerful. It's going to give you inspiration to fight your flaws and never feel insecure about yourselves. The story was very well paced and everything falls in the place just right.
4.5 Stars
February 21, 2021
As much as I wanted to love this #ownvoices novel about a young half black girl with OCD, the end it unfortunately lost me. While overall this was an enjoyable 3.5 star read (or listen, as the case may be), at times the drama just felt over-done, to the point of being unrealistic and a bit unbelievable. I did appreciate the insight into the MCs experiences, both as a black person (with people not believing she and her white cousin were related), and how she viewed the world through her OCD and it's rituals.
February 10, 2021
As someone who experiences intrusive thoughts, I really appreciate the representation in this book. The reading experience was affirming to me at this point in my life, but it is definitely pretty intense to read at times, so while I would recommend it I think it's definitely important to read it when you're in an okay headspace to do so. As with any book about mental health, it is certainly important to note that this is not the experience of everyone with OCD, but I hope that those who have not experienced OCD can get somewhat of a greater understanding of what it may be like for some.
February 25, 2022
Now this may be the best book I’ve read in a long time and I don’t read many books. I absolutely devoured it. I can totally relate to willow and her triggers with certain things and just in general. All of the characters had a story this was an amazing read and I don’t want it to be over❤️
Read
March 16, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Child abuse mentioned
Domestic violence mentioned
Suicide mentioned
Pregnancy loss mentioned
Child abuse mentioned
Domestic violence mentioned
Suicide mentioned
Pregnancy loss mentioned
August 5, 2023
i needed this book. great ocd representation. definitely recommend.
January 26, 2021
In One Carefree Day by Whitney Amazeen, eighteen-year-old Willow Bates is a cosmetology student who struggles with anxiety and OCD. When her mother gives her an ultimatum to either move out or start taking medication for her OCD, neither of which she wants to do, Willow is left at a crossroads. Enter Theo Tate, her new neighbor who also has experience with his own mental health struggles and a background in psychology. Theo introduces Willow to a type of cognitive behavioral therapy and works with her to combat her compulsive rituals. As they work together to reach Willow’s goal of going a full day resisting her rituals, they grow closer, and Willow begins to realize her own strength.
When approaching this book, I was admittedly afraid that it would be one of those YA novels where falling in love magically solves all the protagonist’s problems, but I still held hope for it and was looking forward to reading a novel representing a character who experiences mental health struggles. Fortunately, love is not completely cast as the magical potion to the dissipation of Willow’s mental health problems, though there is some resolution that is a bit suspect in its rapidity. While she does benefit from the love and support of people in her life, Willow is the one to battle her rituals and begin changing the way she interacts with the world. The reader goes along with her on her journey, the complications and obstacles noted in a way that lent more depth to her story.
As for the delivery of the story, several plot twists were unfortunately predictable. Sometimes, the epiphanies felt rushed because there were so many threads of Willow’s life, some had to be temporarily dropped to focus on another and then picked back up again. These numerous storylines made it feel like a lot was going on, but most of these threads ended up contributing to a coherent picture of Willow Bates. The portrayal of Willow’s struggle with OCD showcased the experiences of compulsions that Willow battles to control, though her battle admittedly concludes too neatly when considering mental illness as a lifelong war. Her complex relationship with her biracial identity was also a well-developed aspect of the story, resulting in both heartbreaking and, near the end, identity-affirming scenes. The ending escalates quickly in a way that raises some plausibility questions, but it somehow manages to stay in the realm of possibility when considering the extremes of the situations this book presents. While there are times when Willow depends on help from others like Theo, she ultimately “saves” herself as she is willing to confront her mental health problems and start working to improve her quality of life. The steps she takes are her own, just with some well-needed support on the way, and her strength of character and bravery are reaffirmed for it.
As for the characters, Willow’s support system, consisting of her cousin Ash and partner Theo, was wonderfully portrayed. Her complications with her mother hit the heart, inspiring incredulity at some of her treatment of her daughter, to say the least. Some stereotypes uttered by Theo felt a little out of place given that the reigning aspects of his character included his thoughtfulness and respect for women. However, each time one of these aberrational comments was uttered, Willow was quick to correct him. Besides these infrequent stray comments, Theo’s character was cohesive, though not as defined as Willow’s. That is to be expected as he is a supporting character, a role he otherwise does well in given his informed, persistent, and understanding encouragement. Many other characters, like the antagonist’s henchwoman, were more one-dimensional, their presence somewhat logical for the plot but not entirely interesting as they made rare, near haphazard appearances.
Overall, the author represented unique approaches to mental health struggles via the novel’s protagonist. The detail of the title sharing the same acronym as the mental illness portrayed was also noted. Though the character development and relevancy of other cast members/plot details are sometimes questionable, the realistic portrayal of a main support system was solid. Anyone searching for a hopeful book about a mental health journey with some romance along the way will be interested in Amazeen’s debut.
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
When approaching this book, I was admittedly afraid that it would be one of those YA novels where falling in love magically solves all the protagonist’s problems, but I still held hope for it and was looking forward to reading a novel representing a character who experiences mental health struggles. Fortunately, love is not completely cast as the magical potion to the dissipation of Willow’s mental health problems, though there is some resolution that is a bit suspect in its rapidity. While she does benefit from the love and support of people in her life, Willow is the one to battle her rituals and begin changing the way she interacts with the world. The reader goes along with her on her journey, the complications and obstacles noted in a way that lent more depth to her story.
As for the delivery of the story, several plot twists were unfortunately predictable. Sometimes, the epiphanies felt rushed because there were so many threads of Willow’s life, some had to be temporarily dropped to focus on another and then picked back up again. These numerous storylines made it feel like a lot was going on, but most of these threads ended up contributing to a coherent picture of Willow Bates. The portrayal of Willow’s struggle with OCD showcased the experiences of compulsions that Willow battles to control, though her battle admittedly concludes too neatly when considering mental illness as a lifelong war. Her complex relationship with her biracial identity was also a well-developed aspect of the story, resulting in both heartbreaking and, near the end, identity-affirming scenes. The ending escalates quickly in a way that raises some plausibility questions, but it somehow manages to stay in the realm of possibility when considering the extremes of the situations this book presents. While there are times when Willow depends on help from others like Theo, she ultimately “saves” herself as she is willing to confront her mental health problems and start working to improve her quality of life. The steps she takes are her own, just with some well-needed support on the way, and her strength of character and bravery are reaffirmed for it.
As for the characters, Willow’s support system, consisting of her cousin Ash and partner Theo, was wonderfully portrayed. Her complications with her mother hit the heart, inspiring incredulity at some of her treatment of her daughter, to say the least. Some stereotypes uttered by Theo felt a little out of place given that the reigning aspects of his character included his thoughtfulness and respect for women. However, each time one of these aberrational comments was uttered, Willow was quick to correct him. Besides these infrequent stray comments, Theo’s character was cohesive, though not as defined as Willow’s. That is to be expected as he is a supporting character, a role he otherwise does well in given his informed, persistent, and understanding encouragement. Many other characters, like the antagonist’s henchwoman, were more one-dimensional, their presence somewhat logical for the plot but not entirely interesting as they made rare, near haphazard appearances.
Overall, the author represented unique approaches to mental health struggles via the novel’s protagonist. The detail of the title sharing the same acronym as the mental illness portrayed was also noted. Though the character development and relevancy of other cast members/plot details are sometimes questionable, the realistic portrayal of a main support system was solid. Anyone searching for a hopeful book about a mental health journey with some romance along the way will be interested in Amazeen’s debut.
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2021
I appreciate that this was an own voices story. I received an advanced copy from the publisher, and in the author's note Amazeen shares that she also has OCD. The story is told from Willow's POV, so we get insight into the feelings of loneliness and anxiety associated with this diagnosis. I also appreciated the evolution of Willow's relationship with Theo. It reminded me somewhat of all the Sarah Dessen books I read as an early teen. Willow also has an amazing best friend relationship with her cousin Ash, and as a miltary brat who grew up away from my extended family, I have always envied that.
However, there are so many things in this book that I wish were different. My main issue is with representations of Blackness. The story opens with Willow literally trying to scrub the darkness out of her skin so she can look more like her white mom than her Black dad. Her dad, btw, was an off screen character who cheated on her mom and abandoned his kid. (Hello, stereotype.) And then we find out that Willow's mom only dates white men now because her ex-husband's behavior has turned her off to Black people altogether 🙃 On more than one occasion she expresses her resentment of Willow's physical appearance. There are no other Black people in Willow's life, and all the white characters are described as having enviable traits like "innocent blue eyes" or "beautiful blond hair" whereas Willow's hair and skin are described as undesirable.
I also hated the choice of pop culture references. Willow was a heavy Harry Potter fan, and I'm pretty sure JKR was a known problem well before this book was published (the pub date actually isn't until tomorrow so...). HP popped up in every other chapter. Whyyyy?? There was also a To Kill a Mockingbird passage in here that made me gag, and a gender reveal party at the end of the book. 🤮😭 I just think in 2021 we can do so much better by trans and nonbinary people.
I do think Amazeen has talent as a YA author, but this story was not a hit for me.
However, there are so many things in this book that I wish were different. My main issue is with representations of Blackness. The story opens with Willow literally trying to scrub the darkness out of her skin so she can look more like her white mom than her Black dad. Her dad, btw, was an off screen character who cheated on her mom and abandoned his kid. (Hello, stereotype.) And then we find out that Willow's mom only dates white men now because her ex-husband's behavior has turned her off to Black people altogether 🙃 On more than one occasion she expresses her resentment of Willow's physical appearance. There are no other Black people in Willow's life, and all the white characters are described as having enviable traits like "innocent blue eyes" or "beautiful blond hair" whereas Willow's hair and skin are described as undesirable.
I also hated the choice of pop culture references. Willow was a heavy Harry Potter fan, and I'm pretty sure JKR was a known problem well before this book was published (the pub date actually isn't until tomorrow so...). HP popped up in every other chapter. Whyyyy?? There was also a To Kill a Mockingbird passage in here that made me gag, and a gender reveal party at the end of the book. 🤮😭 I just think in 2021 we can do so much better by trans and nonbinary people.
I do think Amazeen has talent as a YA author, but this story was not a hit for me.
February 27, 2022
2.75 stars
Things I liked about One Carefree Day:
-It’s an #OwnVoices book on OCD, and gives a very clear picture of what it’s like to deal with OCD and all its compulsions and anxieties.
- It includes a male character who talks about childhood domestic violence and PTSD. Yay for normalizing men talking about mental health and trauma.
Things I didn’t like as much:
- Some of the characters were annoying, including the love interest (he persistently called the main character “little Willow,” which felt so patronizing—they were both teenagers!) and the best friend, who called Willow “love” constantly.
- It felt unrealistic that this teenager was able to help Willow overcome her OCD with a therapy technique taught (perhaps poorly?) by her teenage love interest even though he wasn’t a trained therapist. It would have been much more realistic for her to have done it in therapy, and I think more responsible, since teens are reading this and it would be good to see how therapy can help.
- The book got suddenly and a tad unrealistically dramatic at one point, kinda like a soap opera.
- The romance was a tad corny and I really didn’t pick this book up wanting to read a sex scene and multiple other descriptions of heat pulsating between them. No thanks.
Things I liked about One Carefree Day:
-It’s an #OwnVoices book on OCD, and gives a very clear picture of what it’s like to deal with OCD and all its compulsions and anxieties.
- It includes a male character who talks about childhood domestic violence and PTSD. Yay for normalizing men talking about mental health and trauma.
Things I didn’t like as much:
- Some of the characters were annoying, including the love interest (he persistently called the main character “little Willow,” which felt so patronizing—they were both teenagers!) and the best friend, who called Willow “love” constantly.
- It felt unrealistic that this teenager was able to help Willow overcome her OCD with a therapy technique taught (perhaps poorly?) by her teenage love interest even though he wasn’t a trained therapist. It would have been much more realistic for her to have done it in therapy, and I think more responsible, since teens are reading this and it would be good to see how therapy can help.
- The book got suddenly and a tad unrealistically dramatic at one point, kinda like a soap opera.
- The romance was a tad corny and I really didn’t pick this book up wanting to read a sex scene and multiple other descriptions of heat pulsating between them. No thanks.
March 14, 2021
I'm not super familiar with OCD as an actual diagnosis. I've had friends and family members say they are OCD, but it's usually in a flippant manner. So while I don't know exactly how accurate the depictions of Willow's compulsions and ERP are, I am happy to see a book that tackles mental health, particularly as it relates to a young biracial* woman.
(*Willow says she is not white or Black, she is both, so I don't want to disregard that. However, books about Black mental health - particularly YA books - l I feel are still very rare.)
(*Willow says she is not white or Black, she is both, so I don't want to disregard that. However, books about Black mental health - particularly YA books - l I feel are still very rare.)
February 5, 2021
✨One Carefree Day has taught me that life is full of drama and you do not get a break because you have a condition. I also learned not to judge a book by its title, because this paperback was a rottweiler named Pookie.There were plot twists upon plot twists like you would not believe. Insert all the trigger warnings like abuse, suicide, and race. This entertaining well composed novel with Black and mental health representation held my attention until the end. The writing endeared me to the protagonist’s struggles as she navigated cosmetology school, love, friendship, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, family, and life. It challenged my perception of a mother’s love and kept me hoping for the best.
👠 This book is the finest designer wear for your YA collection!
💋Xoxo,
Kat
👠 This book is the finest designer wear for your YA collection!
💋Xoxo,
Kat
February 12, 2021
This review may be biased since I personally know the author (*waves* Hi Whitney!!) but oh well.
There is only one word to describe this book, and it is adorable!! This book had a cute romance along with a lovable, nerdy main character! And there was a whole bunch of Harry Potter references which made my Harry Potter loving heart happy. And to go along with the fluffiness, there were some heavy topics addressed.
I was not a huge fan of the somewhat insta-love. And I also wasn't on board with Willow trusting Theo to do that type of therapy to treat her since he isn't a professional, but I guess if I were her, I would trust him more over someone who has no experience.
Since I do not suffer from OCD, I will not share my opinions about Willow's rituals and thoughts.
All things aside, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those needing a quick read!
Age rating: 14+
There is only one word to describe this book, and it is adorable!! This book had a cute romance along with a lovable, nerdy main character! And there was a whole bunch of Harry Potter references which made my Harry Potter loving heart happy. And to go along with the fluffiness, there were some heavy topics addressed.
I was not a huge fan of the somewhat insta-love. And I also wasn't on board with Willow trusting Theo to do that type of therapy to treat her since he isn't a professional, but I guess if I were her, I would trust him more over someone who has no experience.
Since I do not suffer from OCD, I will not share my opinions about Willow's rituals and thoughts.
All things aside, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those needing a quick read!
Age rating: 14+
December 30, 2020
This book talks about Willow who is diagnosed with OCD, And her struggles throughout the book. Also the ways it can be treated without medication not very briefly though. I liked Ashton's character more than the main characters story. And wanted more of her and Joseph's story. But it was good, a light hearted read. Kinda binge read book. Enjoyed it.
The author kindly sent me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author kindly sent me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2021
Amazing first book
Well-drawn and interesting characters. This book is a tribute to someone growing into their skin and making choices on how to best live her life. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Well-drawn and interesting characters. This book is a tribute to someone growing into their skin and making choices on how to best live her life. I’m looking forward to the next book!
April 27, 2020
This book is a lovely story of a young women who is struggling with OCD. It’s a entertaining and moving look at how mental health can effect your life and those around you. As someone who works with metal health I found it a fresh and thoughtful representation of what it is like to live with OCD. I highly recommend it!
I was given this book in return for an honest review
I was given this book in return for an honest review
December 21, 2024
Introduction
In the YA novel One Carefree Day, we are introduced to eighteen-year-old Willow Bates, who struggles with anxiety and OCD. She uses various rituals to try and cope with her anxiety, but they are straining her relationship with her mother, who says she’ll kick her out of the house if she doesn’t bring them under control.
The main characters
Willow’s best friend, Ash, is her emotional life, and her carefree attitude contrasts Willow’s character. She provides some comic relief to the story at times. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that this book is a romance novel. Theo Tate, who studies cosmetology with Willow and Ash, is the love interest. Willow falls for his British accent and handsome good looks but initially is too distracted with her OCD to notice. And even when she admits she likes him, she doesn’t let him know for a while.
The plot
The story unfolds that Theo had a cognitive behavioural therapist to address trauma in his life, and he wants to use what he has learned to help Willow. As someone who knows very little about OCD, I was glad to read a story that was informative about the illness. In Willow’s case, her rituals, which she uses to help control her anxiety, can include things like washing, drying her hands or not sitting in the passenger side of a car. It stems from her need to be in control, which she isn’t, but she needs to latch on to things that make her think she is. Perhaps her most habitual ritual is tapping her finger and counting in her head. The most unusual, which I never quite understood, was her organising the rubbish. The book certainly gives an insight into the illness and gives much-needed attention to those who experience it.
Page turner
The novel is a page turner. Countless times I finished a chapter and was dying to start the next. It tackles several themes, not just OCD – bereavement, single parenthood, friendship, unplanned pregnancy and domestic abuse. It meant that there’s a lot going on, making it more challenging for Willow to keep her OCD in check. I’m interested in reading more about OCD to learn about how others experience it. I think that’s the success of Amazeen’s book – that I want to do that.
Overall view
The only other YA novel I’ve read that tackles OCD is John Green’s Turtles All The Way Down. While I think Green’s story about OCD is more realistic regarding the illness, I think Amazeen’s is more hopeful. That’s all I want to say – no spoilers, except that while I thought the crisis point of the story was very predictable, I was surprised by the ending. It’s not the way most YA novels end, and because of that I have to give Amazeen a thumbs up.
In the YA novel One Carefree Day, we are introduced to eighteen-year-old Willow Bates, who struggles with anxiety and OCD. She uses various rituals to try and cope with her anxiety, but they are straining her relationship with her mother, who says she’ll kick her out of the house if she doesn’t bring them under control.
The main characters
Willow’s best friend, Ash, is her emotional life, and her carefree attitude contrasts Willow’s character. She provides some comic relief to the story at times. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that this book is a romance novel. Theo Tate, who studies cosmetology with Willow and Ash, is the love interest. Willow falls for his British accent and handsome good looks but initially is too distracted with her OCD to notice. And even when she admits she likes him, she doesn’t let him know for a while.
The plot
The story unfolds that Theo had a cognitive behavioural therapist to address trauma in his life, and he wants to use what he has learned to help Willow. As someone who knows very little about OCD, I was glad to read a story that was informative about the illness. In Willow’s case, her rituals, which she uses to help control her anxiety, can include things like washing, drying her hands or not sitting in the passenger side of a car. It stems from her need to be in control, which she isn’t, but she needs to latch on to things that make her think she is. Perhaps her most habitual ritual is tapping her finger and counting in her head. The most unusual, which I never quite understood, was her organising the rubbish. The book certainly gives an insight into the illness and gives much-needed attention to those who experience it.
Page turner
The novel is a page turner. Countless times I finished a chapter and was dying to start the next. It tackles several themes, not just OCD – bereavement, single parenthood, friendship, unplanned pregnancy and domestic abuse. It meant that there’s a lot going on, making it more challenging for Willow to keep her OCD in check. I’m interested in reading more about OCD to learn about how others experience it. I think that’s the success of Amazeen’s book – that I want to do that.
Overall view
The only other YA novel I’ve read that tackles OCD is John Green’s Turtles All The Way Down. While I think Green’s story about OCD is more realistic regarding the illness, I think Amazeen’s is more hopeful. That’s all I want to say – no spoilers, except that while I thought the crisis point of the story was very predictable, I was surprised by the ending. It’s not the way most YA novels end, and because of that I have to give Amazeen a thumbs up.
April 26, 2024
Just Okay
This book was up and down for me. The focus on how OCD completely overruns Willow’s life was an interesting plot. There was a lot of focus on OCD being a serious disorder that can be almost debilitating. Willow had a strained relationship with her mother due to her disorder, but it ran deeper than that. She felt like her white mother didn’t love her because Willow resembles her Black father. It was a strange dynamic. The romance that developed between Willow and Theo was cute but not believable. There was so much angst throughout the book. Willow whined a lot. It was exhausting. The story was interesting enough to hold my attention, but I was happy to be done with it.
This book was up and down for me. The focus on how OCD completely overruns Willow’s life was an interesting plot. There was a lot of focus on OCD being a serious disorder that can be almost debilitating. Willow had a strained relationship with her mother due to her disorder, but it ran deeper than that. She felt like her white mother didn’t love her because Willow resembles her Black father. It was a strange dynamic. The romance that developed between Willow and Theo was cute but not believable. There was so much angst throughout the book. Willow whined a lot. It was exhausting. The story was interesting enough to hold my attention, but I was happy to be done with it.
September 29, 2022
Such a good story! The book was easy to get invested in and flowed so well making it hard to put it down. Seriously enjoyed a romance that wasn’t teenagers falling in love in a week, but as a reader I actually wanted the characters to make it. Enjoyed the suspense added just when it’s easy to get comfortable in the plot. Held my attention, kept me guessing, interested, and entertained, and kept me wanting more. Needless to say, there are so many good things to say about this book and the author!!
April 20, 2021
Got the pleasure of reading this ARC so first of all, thank you so much for the opportunity.
This is one of the most adorable books I've ever read, the fact that the character found herself by growing into her skin and knowing how lucky and beautiful life is once she finds herself is what made it a really enjoyable time. Loved the writing as well, and the pace.
A really good book.
Kudos to the author.
This is one of the most adorable books I've ever read, the fact that the character found herself by growing into her skin and knowing how lucky and beautiful life is once she finds herself is what made it a really enjoyable time. Loved the writing as well, and the pace.
A really good book.
Kudos to the author.
July 8, 2025
i feel like it was written in a way that had a sensitive and refreshing take on mental health. willow’s journey to manage her compulsions and find just one carefree day is both inspiring and honest. loved how the book handled OCD with care, nothing felt exaggerated or offensive.
ashton and theo are great, patient supports, and they each carry their own struggles too. this is a comforting read that reminds you you’re not alone :)
ashton and theo are great, patient supports, and they each carry their own struggles too. this is a comforting read that reminds you you’re not alone :)
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