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The Art of Drowning
The Love is a Privilege Series does not need to be read in order.Larkin and Reagan have always been at odds, competing for everything.Larkin lost two years of her life to post-concussion syndrome. As she stands at the beginning of her new life, she wonders if she’s even the same person she once was. Abandoned by friends when she was injured, she takes her first step toward her alone. Was it a mistake for her to go back to school for her senior year? Will they laugh at her panic attacks? Will they notice she isn’t eating? Will she even make it through the first day?Beautiful, tough, popular . . . cunning, Reagan puts on a good show. No one notices the pain she holds deep within and she prefers it that way. Her life is nothing, just like her mother says, but it looks perfect. When Larkin went down, Reagan stepped into her shoes. Two years later, Reagan has her senior year all planned out. One perfect year leading to the day she can finally escape her mother’s grasp and leave for college. Her nightmare over. Or is it?When Reagan and Larkin find themselves face to face on the first day of their senior year, lightning strikes.
- GenresFiction
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2021
3 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Wild
12 books31 followersAbigail Wild loves immersing herself into stories to help new authors turn their words into art. She started as a visual artist, attaining her B.A. in Graphic Design, however after years of designing book covers, she dreamt of becoming an author herself. She went back to school and earned her M.F.A. in Creative Writing, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching of Writing.
An educator at heart, she not only teaches literature but also runs online creative writing workshops for adults through Cable Creek Publishing. She serves as the director of the Young Writers Workshop and Young Filmmakers Workshop at Messiah University. She is also a judge in the Ink & Insights Creative Writing Contest, giving detailed feedback to help new authors become published. Abigail has put her creative spirit to use as a novelist, editor, writing coach, and ghostwriter.
An educator at heart, she not only teaches literature but also runs online creative writing workshops for adults through Cable Creek Publishing. She serves as the director of the Young Writers Workshop and Young Filmmakers Workshop at Messiah University. She is also a judge in the Ink & Insights Creative Writing Contest, giving detailed feedback to help new authors become published. Abigail has put her creative spirit to use as a novelist, editor, writing coach, and ghostwriter.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 4, 2021
This is a compelling novel. It follows the journeys of two teen girls as they struggle with both internal and external pressures, and I found those struggles to be believable and relatable. The treatment of eating disorders and traumatic brain injuries are clearly researched, and therefore thoughtful and well done. The characters are well developed, and the story line is powerful. I actually involuntarily gasped when Reagan pushed Larkin, and openly wept more than once. I would absolutely recommend.
March 29, 2021
Emotional, informative, and utterly amazing
To start, this book is absolutely amazing.
Larkin is a girl who suffered a traumatic concussion that turned into post concussion syndrome (PCS) - and this is her journey of healing with a big bump in the road that she has to overcome.
I have seen the author discuss PCS but this book really gives you a front row view of the in depth aspects of it that I never truly understood until now. It also shows you a devastating side to depression and body image issues.
This book is incredibly profound and really made me think back to my time in high school, a moment in every person's life where we are so incredibly vulnerable regardless of 'status' and made me reevaluate some people and situations.
A big thing I truly got from this book is, no matter what you may see on the outside (of anyone at any age) you never truly know what someone is going through in their lives.
I absolutely 100% recommend this to everyone to read. Loved this book so incredibly much and really look forward to her future works.
To start, this book is absolutely amazing.
Larkin is a girl who suffered a traumatic concussion that turned into post concussion syndrome (PCS) - and this is her journey of healing with a big bump in the road that she has to overcome.
I have seen the author discuss PCS but this book really gives you a front row view of the in depth aspects of it that I never truly understood until now. It also shows you a devastating side to depression and body image issues.
This book is incredibly profound and really made me think back to my time in high school, a moment in every person's life where we are so incredibly vulnerable regardless of 'status' and made me reevaluate some people and situations.
A big thing I truly got from this book is, no matter what you may see on the outside (of anyone at any age) you never truly know what someone is going through in their lives.
I absolutely 100% recommend this to everyone to read. Loved this book so incredibly much and really look forward to her future works.
June 17, 2021
I wish I had read this book when I was a teenager. I know it would have impacted me in a very different way.
This story is was very well researched. You can tell the author has most likely lived most of this first hand. Her knowledge of mental illness, eating disorders and PCS is so in depth, it really takes you into the moment. Her writing of people who are experiencing the trauma, as well as those who are watching the trauma happen was so incredibly portrayed.
It was very nice to see Larkin’s growth throughout the book. You could see how it was an up and down path, as opposed to only uphill.
TW: eating disorder, anxiety/depression attacks
This story is was very well researched. You can tell the author has most likely lived most of this first hand. Her knowledge of mental illness, eating disorders and PCS is so in depth, it really takes you into the moment. Her writing of people who are experiencing the trauma, as well as those who are watching the trauma happen was so incredibly portrayed.
It was very nice to see Larkin’s growth throughout the book. You could see how it was an up and down path, as opposed to only uphill.
TW: eating disorder, anxiety/depression attacks
March 9, 2021
I loved this book! Abigail Wild really gets into the minds of teenagers and it brings me back to all those misunderstandings, stress and anxieties from high school. I really connected with the characters immediately. The story really accurately depicts post concussion syndrome, eating disorders and mental health issues (panic attacks). Sometimes as adults we forget how stressful it is to be a teenager and the range of issues they have to juggle. I read the book in one very long sleepless sitting. I couldn’t put it down! The characters stuck with me long after I put the book down. I strongly suggest you read it!
April 4, 2021
The Art of Drowning is fantastic story. The characters are well developed. As I read the story I was taken back to my high-school days. I could see all of them walking around the halls being typical teenagers. This story is not your typical high-school love story though. The description of PTSD, eating disorders, Post Concussion Syndrome are very realistic and makes this an excellent story for anyone with disorders such as these to find comfort. I hope anyone who reads this that has these disorders can use this book to find strength to ask for help.
All in all a well done novel.
All in all a well done novel.
April 3, 2021
I was so captivated by all of the characters in the book. The theme and plot is creatively woven throughout. I feel like I got a look inside the mind of every person represented and all of their struggles - the brain injury, the bullying, the abuse, the insecurities, the love, even the result of not contacting someone. I am much older than the target audience but everyone can gain insight into the heart of humanity through this story.
April 16, 2021
Teen drama set locally. Loved seeing names and places that are familiar. Great information about Post-Concussion Syndrome, which I hadn't even known existed. One never knows what someone else might be going through in the privacy of their own mind. It bears remembering for everyone.
September 23, 2021
Very interesting plot and likable characters. Finished in a few days. I’ll read more from Abigail in the future!
April 3, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the storyline, and the pacing was good. The story moved along nicely and kept me interested. It was interesting to learn about post-concussion syndrome, and I thought that Larkin's dealing with it (the eating disorder, struggling with how her friends didn't stay in touch, the anxiety and chronic headaches, trying to figure out who she is afterwards) was compelling and realistic.
I did feel like some of the characters were pretty one-dimensional (especially Luke and Raegan's mom, who were basically stock characters). Raegan herself could have used a lot of work as a character, too.
A big complaint of mine was that the eating disorder, as portrayed in the book, was very much simplified. It was stated over and over and over again in the book that her eating disorder stemmed from a lack of control over her life. While that is part of the cause of an eating disorder, the truth is that eating disorders are so much more complex than that! Honestly, just saying "it's a control thing" is the 1990's simplification. I wish that the author had researched and understood eating disorders more, so that the topic could have been explored in more depth.
Furthermore, the book made it sound like anorexia is the only eating disorder. Larkin had anorexia. The other people in the hospital treatment program were described as skeletal anorexics. At the end, when she spoke to an eating disorder support group, the girls were described as tiny and bony (anorexics). The fact is, most people with eating disorders are average weight or overweight. According to The Butterfly Foundation in Australia, underweight anorexics make up only 3% of the eating disorder population. Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder, followed by OSFED (Otherwise Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder). I am sick of all literature on eating disorders focusing on an underweight, white, teenage anorexic. That is the only image that books and the media portray, and it is inaccurate and harmful to actual eating disorder sufferers, who are a wide spectrum of ages, races, genders, sizes, and weights.
It is also questionable that the author gave specific statistics on Larkin (5' 8", 89 pounds). Eating disorders can be competitive, with sufferers always feeling "not sick enough" or not deserving of treatment. I don't think the author understood this, both because it wasn't portrayed at all in the book, but also because if she understood that, she wouldn't have given Larkin's specific stats (a BMI of 13.5 - she might be dead!), as it can make the reader feel invalid and "not sick enough" if they aren't on death's doorstep with a BMI in the 13's. This isn't necessarily the author's fault, I guess, but if you are writing a book specifically about eating disorders, then avoiding numbers like this is generally a good policy.
Also, the part about the character Erin was so random! Larkin ends up in the hospital, and lo and behold, she is reunited with a childhood best friend (who I don't think was ever mentioned during the previous 150 pages of the book???) who is also anorexic. We get a chapter of their reunion, and then Erin dies -- as a plot point and a life lesson. I think that part could have been meaningful if Larkin's relationship with Erin had been described and emphasized as important earlier in the book, and then if the two had been in treatment together for longer. Instead, it just seemed really random and odd for this new (but apparently oh-so-important to Larkin character) to suddenly pop up, and then die and be gone just as quickly.
Raegan's quick turnaround from being a terrible human being to suddenly being a kind, loving, apologetic person and one of Larkin's best friends was unbelievable. I don't think Larkin would have -- or should have -- forgiven her, and I also don't think people change on a dime like that.
I guess one other positive was that the copyediting was good. So many self-published books have spelling, spacing, and punctuation errors. This book was well-edited, both plot-wise (for the most part) and grammatically, which was nice to read.
I did feel like some of the characters were pretty one-dimensional (especially Luke and Raegan's mom, who were basically stock characters). Raegan herself could have used a lot of work as a character, too.
A big complaint of mine was that the eating disorder, as portrayed in the book, was very much simplified. It was stated over and over and over again in the book that her eating disorder stemmed from a lack of control over her life. While that is part of the cause of an eating disorder, the truth is that eating disorders are so much more complex than that! Honestly, just saying "it's a control thing" is the 1990's simplification. I wish that the author had researched and understood eating disorders more, so that the topic could have been explored in more depth.
Furthermore, the book made it sound like anorexia is the only eating disorder. Larkin had anorexia. The other people in the hospital treatment program were described as skeletal anorexics. At the end, when she spoke to an eating disorder support group, the girls were described as tiny and bony (anorexics). The fact is, most people with eating disorders are average weight or overweight. According to The Butterfly Foundation in Australia, underweight anorexics make up only 3% of the eating disorder population. Binge Eating Disorder is the most common eating disorder, followed by OSFED (Otherwise Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder). I am sick of all literature on eating disorders focusing on an underweight, white, teenage anorexic. That is the only image that books and the media portray, and it is inaccurate and harmful to actual eating disorder sufferers, who are a wide spectrum of ages, races, genders, sizes, and weights.
It is also questionable that the author gave specific statistics on Larkin (5' 8", 89 pounds). Eating disorders can be competitive, with sufferers always feeling "not sick enough" or not deserving of treatment. I don't think the author understood this, both because it wasn't portrayed at all in the book, but also because if she understood that, she wouldn't have given Larkin's specific stats (a BMI of 13.5 - she might be dead!), as it can make the reader feel invalid and "not sick enough" if they aren't on death's doorstep with a BMI in the 13's. This isn't necessarily the author's fault, I guess, but if you are writing a book specifically about eating disorders, then avoiding numbers like this is generally a good policy.
Also, the part about the character Erin was so random! Larkin ends up in the hospital, and lo and behold, she is reunited with a childhood best friend (who I don't think was ever mentioned during the previous 150 pages of the book???) who is also anorexic. We get a chapter of their reunion, and then Erin dies -- as a plot point and a life lesson. I think that part could have been meaningful if Larkin's relationship with Erin had been described and emphasized as important earlier in the book, and then if the two had been in treatment together for longer. Instead, it just seemed really random and odd for this new (but apparently oh-so-important to Larkin character) to suddenly pop up, and then die and be gone just as quickly.
Raegan's quick turnaround from being a terrible human being to suddenly being a kind, loving, apologetic person and one of Larkin's best friends was unbelievable. I don't think Larkin would have -- or should have -- forgiven her, and I also don't think people change on a dime like that.
I guess one other positive was that the copyediting was good. So many self-published books have spelling, spacing, and punctuation errors. This book was well-edited, both plot-wise (for the most part) and grammatically, which was nice to read.
August 27, 2024
High school is way too early to have to restart your life. But that’s exactly the position Larkin finds herself in at the start of The Art of Drowning.
Previously, soccer had been her passion. But a horrific on-field injury left her with post-concussion syndrome and its related effects, such as depression, social anxiety, and anorexia. Larkin is returning to high school after two years away, and she’s returning as a changed person—and a diminished one, in her own eyes.
Her classmates don’t always make it easier. Her ex-boyfriend Luke disappeared when Larkin needed her. But now, he wants to be back in her life. That angers his current girlfriend, Reagan. And rather than blame Luke for the mixed signals he’s sending, Reagan decides to vent her anger on Larkin—who now finds herself dealing with a bully on top of all her other problems.
Author Abigail Wild creates compelling, believable characters, with Larkin at the forefront. She’s a highly sympathetic character who we want to thrive. But to do so, she not only has to overcome serious health issues, but also deal with a difficult social dynamic at school. It would be a tough road for anyone, but we are invested in Larkin’s journey from the start of the book.
And Reagan isn’t a two-dimensional “mean girl,” either. Her home life isn’t easy, either. She’s never good enough for her mother, and that lack of support has done a number on her self-esteem. While she makes some major mistakes, she isn’t beyond redemption, and Reagan’s story is a key part of what makes The Art of Drowning work.
This book is a page-turning contemporary YA fiction tale for sure. But it also dives deeply into the serious issues surrounding brain injuries and related medical conditions. Such conversations aren’t always comfortable topics, but perhaps by reading Larkin’s story, a young reader might gain valuable insights about a friend’s recovery. Or even their own.
Previously, soccer had been her passion. But a horrific on-field injury left her with post-concussion syndrome and its related effects, such as depression, social anxiety, and anorexia. Larkin is returning to high school after two years away, and she’s returning as a changed person—and a diminished one, in her own eyes.
Her classmates don’t always make it easier. Her ex-boyfriend Luke disappeared when Larkin needed her. But now, he wants to be back in her life. That angers his current girlfriend, Reagan. And rather than blame Luke for the mixed signals he’s sending, Reagan decides to vent her anger on Larkin—who now finds herself dealing with a bully on top of all her other problems.
Author Abigail Wild creates compelling, believable characters, with Larkin at the forefront. She’s a highly sympathetic character who we want to thrive. But to do so, she not only has to overcome serious health issues, but also deal with a difficult social dynamic at school. It would be a tough road for anyone, but we are invested in Larkin’s journey from the start of the book.
And Reagan isn’t a two-dimensional “mean girl,” either. Her home life isn’t easy, either. She’s never good enough for her mother, and that lack of support has done a number on her self-esteem. While she makes some major mistakes, she isn’t beyond redemption, and Reagan’s story is a key part of what makes The Art of Drowning work.
This book is a page-turning contemporary YA fiction tale for sure. But it also dives deeply into the serious issues surrounding brain injuries and related medical conditions. Such conversations aren’t always comfortable topics, but perhaps by reading Larkin’s story, a young reader might gain valuable insights about a friend’s recovery. Or even their own.
May 30, 2021
This novel is absolutely captivating and unforgettable. There is a dearth of literature that brings us directly into the trial and tribulation of Post Concussive Disorder. My spouse is a coach who must be highly informed on the topic of athletic concussions. This story makes it patent why athletes and their coaches must pay heed to prevention and remedy. That said, the target audience here is young adult/adolescent but the author writes in a manner and style for any age. Her plot line is authentic and fluid. The writing style is highly engaging, so the reader can be in the room with characters— esp the main character that is crafted in such a highly relatable way. This author has all the talent and gifts of J D Salinger without the overpowering or overwhelming abstraction of theme or symbols that a book such as Catcher in the Rye brings. While that classic novel is absolutely a tremendous story of Coming of Age—“The Art of Drowning” shows us how the knife still carves into adolescence without making the reader work quite as hard to conceptualize what is being described. I applaud the author for this achievement as readers will find an ebb and flow of symbols and theme in more discoverable ways — ways that are unforgettable and indelible once uncovered.
This novel is a must read for adolescents and young adults — but don’t let that discount the more mature reader. Here, anyone discovers a story of BEING—and all the ways being can go wrong, askew, astray and upside down — while aiming to become triumphant.
This novel is a must read for adolescents and young adults — but don’t let that discount the more mature reader. Here, anyone discovers a story of BEING—and all the ways being can go wrong, askew, astray and upside down — while aiming to become triumphant.
November 20, 2022
Quite literally - and without a hint of 'flannel' - I have to say that this is, by far, the single best book in its genre that I have ever read.
The story is so powerful that I read it in one sitting. Something I very rarely do.
This book should be required reading in all schools and hospitals as it deals with a character who suffered a brain injury and the terrifying consequences of what happened afterwards.
The book made me cry, though it wasn't a sad book in the sense it was all doom and gloom. I think what happened was I was totally invested in the main character, totally understood her situation (I had a traumatic brain injury myself. I'm not brain damaged but it certainly affected me and changed my life).
It made me feel all the emotions, which is really hard to do - especially because the one thing I hate is how it was handled - first person! My most hated form of storytelling. But Abigail WIld pulled it off. I will come back and write a proper review later - I'm short of time at the moment - but I would not hesitate to recommend this book to everyone. Abigail Wild has written a number of books and I will be buying all of them. She is the most gifted author to come out of America since Chris Colfer (who I LOVE), James Patterson (when he writes his own books!) and Stephen King. Sorry, can't think of an author who is in a similar genre at the moment. I can only give 5 stars here but I would give 1000/1000 if I could for this brilliant book.
The story is so powerful that I read it in one sitting. Something I very rarely do.
This book should be required reading in all schools and hospitals as it deals with a character who suffered a brain injury and the terrifying consequences of what happened afterwards.
The book made me cry, though it wasn't a sad book in the sense it was all doom and gloom. I think what happened was I was totally invested in the main character, totally understood her situation (I had a traumatic brain injury myself. I'm not brain damaged but it certainly affected me and changed my life).
It made me feel all the emotions, which is really hard to do - especially because the one thing I hate is how it was handled - first person! My most hated form of storytelling. But Abigail WIld pulled it off. I will come back and write a proper review later - I'm short of time at the moment - but I would not hesitate to recommend this book to everyone. Abigail Wild has written a number of books and I will be buying all of them. She is the most gifted author to come out of America since Chris Colfer (who I LOVE), James Patterson (when he writes his own books!) and Stephen King. Sorry, can't think of an author who is in a similar genre at the moment. I can only give 5 stars here but I would give 1000/1000 if I could for this brilliant book.
May 23, 2021
First, I want to thank Abigail Wild and Cable Creek Publishing for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!! Author Abigail Wild’s The Art of Drowning is an intense and powerful read that educates us on some very important topics. Abigail’s book is geared towards young adults. However, I feel like this is a must read for all parents and caregivers who have children.
This book would have never happened if it weren't for Erica Wright. Abigail is thankful for her help, suggestions and patience.
This book is dedicated to the memory of Scott Leith who was an inspiration throughout Abigail’s MFA experiences. She will always remember you.
Oh the drama in this book was off the charts! It made me thankful I am not in high school anymore!
The Art of Drowning is a very educational read as Abigail addresses eating disorders, post-concussion syndrome, anxiety, bullying, etc. She also includes some websites in the back of the book that coincide with topics in this novel.
My heart totally went out to Larkin who faced a lot of challenges when returning back to school from her illness. Abigail wrote her storyline with a lot of heart and compassion.
Out of all the characters in the book Reagan got on my nerves the most!! She only thought about herself and nobody else!
WOW!! Author Abigail Wild’s The Art of Drowning is an intense and powerful read that educates us on some very important topics. Abigail’s book is geared towards young adults. However, I feel like this is a must read for all parents and caregivers who have children.
This book would have never happened if it weren't for Erica Wright. Abigail is thankful for her help, suggestions and patience.
This book is dedicated to the memory of Scott Leith who was an inspiration throughout Abigail’s MFA experiences. She will always remember you.
Oh the drama in this book was off the charts! It made me thankful I am not in high school anymore!
The Art of Drowning is a very educational read as Abigail addresses eating disorders, post-concussion syndrome, anxiety, bullying, etc. She also includes some websites in the back of the book that coincide with topics in this novel.
My heart totally went out to Larkin who faced a lot of challenges when returning back to school from her illness. Abigail wrote her storyline with a lot of heart and compassion.
Out of all the characters in the book Reagan got on my nerves the most!! She only thought about herself and nobody else!
April 5, 2021
The book draws you in instantly. The characters are each believable. The cattiness of high school, the reasons behind the actions taken, or the words spoken. The introspection as one replays what happened and how could it have gone differently. I couldn't put the book down. True, raw, factual based... was not expecting it to be a tear-jerker, but it was that too. Fabulous story dealing with head trauma, eating disorders, and mental abuse. Highly recommend. *note, there is language use in the story. while it is character appropriate, it warrants being mentioned.
I will partially agree with the single star rating... in that the story should be longer to cover more completely the interconnectedness of Post Concussion Syndrome and eating disorders. It is not uncommon, and unfortunately not something most people are aware of. This is the more realistic portrayal of concussion recovery that I have seen.
I will partially agree with the single star rating... in that the story should be longer to cover more completely the interconnectedness of Post Concussion Syndrome and eating disorders. It is not uncommon, and unfortunately not something most people are aware of. This is the more realistic portrayal of concussion recovery that I have seen.
May 10, 2021
The Art of Drowning is a compelling story told from the perspectives of two teens - Larkin and Reagan. Both characters were well-developed and transported me right back to high school. Wild did a great job of jumping into the minds of teenagers and depicted all of the struggles that teens face both internally and externally. Larkin struggles with post-concussion syndrome and an eating disorder - the author did a great job at shedding light on both of these issues. Reagan starts off as a bully. I appreciated having her perspective in the book so that we could get a glimpse into the why behind her actions. My heart broke for both of them many times throughout the story. Overall a relatable, informative, and heart-wrenching story.
May 23, 2021
I received this book from the author just as a gift because she wanted me to share it with my students. I read the entire book the same night it came in the mail. An authentic and gripping story about two high school rivals and what happens when neither of them feel like have control of their own lives. The two perspectives were simultaneously infuriating and riveting. You felt their struggles and their emotions. As someone who works with teenagers I can honestly say I forgot I was reading a work of fiction from time to time, the voices were so authentic. I highly recommend this book to anyone who knows, is, or ever was a teenager. TW: ED, emotional abuse, bullying.
March 23, 2021
1 STAR
THE ART OF DROWNING is a book with a great premise and a terrible execution with mostly one dimensional characters that don’t resemble real people. The “bad” characters are sociopathic, though Reagan has a magic transformation. Overt bullying occurs in the middle of class with teachers watching. Larkin is anorexic because post concussion syndrome isn’t enough of an Issue Book, I suppose.
The word building aspect of the writing is probably Abigail Wild’s strongest asset, plot and character building her weakest. I do not recommend this book.
THE ART OF DROWNING is a book with a great premise and a terrible execution with mostly one dimensional characters that don’t resemble real people. The “bad” characters are sociopathic, though Reagan has a magic transformation. Overt bullying occurs in the middle of class with teachers watching. Larkin is anorexic because post concussion syndrome isn’t enough of an Issue Book, I suppose.
The word building aspect of the writing is probably Abigail Wild’s strongest asset, plot and character building her weakest. I do not recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2021
This book has a unique influence on me.
The art of drowning totally blew my mind.
Reading this unique book was a lovely experience.
The art of drowning made me shed tears and it made me laugh. My friends over here in Nigeria who's read this book fell madly in love with the author and wished the book was in sequels.
The art of drowning taught me to care for anyone in distress cause it would go a long way, every bit of love shown toward someone facing a particular challenge is like a dose of emotional/psychological medicine to him/her.
The art of drowning is terrific.
The art of drowning totally blew my mind.
Reading this unique book was a lovely experience.
The art of drowning made me shed tears and it made me laugh. My friends over here in Nigeria who's read this book fell madly in love with the author and wished the book was in sequels.
The art of drowning taught me to care for anyone in distress cause it would go a long way, every bit of love shown toward someone facing a particular challenge is like a dose of emotional/psychological medicine to him/her.
The art of drowning is terrific.
July 17, 2021
This poignant novel by Abigail Wild follows the stories of two high school seniors who have been competing since their freshman year. After Larkin has a head injury and is out of school for two years, she returns to see Reagan has snatched her soccer position and boyfriend. Told through alternating points of view and text messages this is a timely read for any fan of YA. This is not only a strong character driven novel but also spreads awareness of mental illness. I would highly recommend this book to fans of authors E. Lockhardt and John Green.
October 17, 2021
Couldn’t put it down once I started reading
Not only did Abigail Wild do a phenomenal job of creating believable characters, she reminded us that everyone has a side not shown to the world. We all have our own personal battles to deal with. What a great book. I especially think it should be required reading for psychology students.
Not only did Abigail Wild do a phenomenal job of creating believable characters, she reminded us that everyone has a side not shown to the world. We all have our own personal battles to deal with. What a great book. I especially think it should be required reading for psychology students.
January 1, 2023
I was privileged enough to be given a (signed! :)) copy of this book by the author! I hovered between a 4 or 5 ⭐️ - Goodreads doesn’t have 4. :/ this was well-written, well-researched - all of the things! I feel like this should be a must-read for teenage girls and their mothers. Im excited to read more by her!
October 20, 2023
Wow. This book. Though not my usual genre, this story really opened my eyes to a world I knew existed but had never experienced. There are people in my life struggling like the girls in this story, and I'm happy to have a better understanding of what they're thinking and feeling.
December 31, 2022
Loved it - read in one sitting
January 22, 2023
Post concussion syndrome story mixed with a life-stealing bully (not literal life), eating disorders, and love. Very good book about returning to a new normal after a health crisis. The ending was not as satisfying as it could be however.
June 4, 2025
Abigail Wild's young adult novel, The Art of Drowning, tells the story of Larkin, a teenage girl who excels at soccer and strives for perfection. However, her life takes a drastic turn when a horrific accident during a game results in a concussion that destroys her future in the sport. The concussion forces Larkin to leave public school for two years, leading to the loss of her boyfriend and friends. Upon her return to school, Larkin struggles to adjust, feeling like she is starting over. She copes with anxiety, depression, and anorexia, making her transition even more challenging. Her classmates' skepticism about the severity of her concussion only intensifies her difficulties. Nevertheless, the novel sheds light on the often-misunderstood condition of post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Through Larkin's journey, the book educates readers about the complexities of PCS and the importance of empathy. This story is a must-read for every teenager, as it tackles topics such as eating disorders, depression, and bullying. The novel conveys a powerful message about the dangers of judging others and the impact of kindness.
I had the privilege of meeting Abigail Wild and discussing her writing process, and I can attest that she is a strong and insightful woman who has done an exceptional job of crafting this story.
I had the privilege of meeting Abigail Wild and discussing her writing process, and I can attest that she is a strong and insightful woman who has done an exceptional job of crafting this story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews