by Brenda VicarsPublished December 2nd 2014 by Red Adept Publishing
*I received a copy from the author in return for a honest review.
When I review books I do not delve into writing a synopsis of the book, I prefer to highlight how the book has affected my emotions and intellect. I often look for more details in what I read in other reviews but I am not one to add more than what others have outlined.
I was excited and looking forward to reading this book because Polarity's mother who had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). There are several people in my family who has (one is deceased) the disorder and I grew up being totally affected and immersed by it. What I didn't expect was such an unique view and understanding of the disorder in this book. There were several times I found myself relating immediately to the dialogue or circumstance remembering what it was like having to deal with someone with this difficult mental illness.
The storyline and events kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next. I appreciated the feeling of reality to the various characters and their stories and I think the book has a lot to offer the reader, in particular young people. To me the author is very savvy in the understanding of peer pressure, bullying and the difficulties of school life.
I'll address what I have read in other reviews and experienced in my own reading of the book. There are sections of the storyline that seemed contrived and perhaps a bit "too good to be true". But bear with me, I feel that it is a catalyst or serves a purpose to bringing about the message of the story. I am an artist and I might "contrive" a portion of the painting to highlight an idea or feeling. In reality, perhaps the lighting isn't that bright or yellow, but it will evoke emotion or the sense of being loved or happy. I feel good writing is an art form and I don't expect a book to be totally realistic and flawless. I will over-look certain elements if I know that it was a vehicle to a means to an end. I think in these so-called flaws, the humanity and personality of an author comes through and I want to sense the author in the book I am reading.
The message of the book is profound and very important to young people dealing with many issues including racial prejudice. I found myself (sadly but true) initially looking forward to taking a stance and attitude against the Borderline mother because of my own experience with BPD. This book help uncover my own prejudice against people who suffer from this mental disorder which in turn has helped me to grow and re-evaluate my point of view. When a book touches my emotions and specifically helps re-align my thinking or attitude, I think that is writing to be valued and applauded.
When I review books I do not delve into writing a synopsis of the book, I prefer to highlight how the book has affected my emotions and intellect. I often look for more details in what I read in other reviews but I am not one to add more than what others have outlined.
I was excited and looking forward to reading this book because Polarity's mother who had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). There are several people in my family who has (one is deceased) the disorder and I grew up being totally affected and immersed by it. What I didn't expect was such an unique view and understanding of the disorder in this book. There were several times I found myself relating immediately to the dialogue or circumstance remembering what it was like having to deal with someone with this difficult mental illness.
The storyline and events kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next. I appreciated the feeling of reality to the various characters and their stories and I think the book has a lot to offer the reader, in particular young people. To me the author is very savvy in the understanding of peer pressure, bullying and the difficulties of school life.
I'll address what I have read in other reviews and experienced in my own reading of the book. There are sections of the storyline that seemed contrived and perhaps a bit "too good to be true". But bear with me, I feel that it is a catalyst or serves a purpose to bringing about the message of the story. I am an artist and I might "contrive" a portion of the painting to highlight an idea or feeling. In reality, perhaps the lighting isn't that bright or yellow, but it will evoke emotion or the sense of being loved or happy. I feel good writing is an art form and I don't expect a book to be totally realistic and flawless. I will over-look certain elements if I know that it was a vehicle to a means to an end. I think in these so-called flaws, the humanity and personality of an author comes through and I want to sense the author in the book I am reading.
The message of the book is profound and very important to young people dealing with many issues including racial prejudice. I found myself (sadly but true) initially looking forward to taking a stance and attitude against the Borderline mother because of my own experience with BPD. This book help uncover my own prejudice against people who suffer from this mental disorder which in turn has helped me to grow and re-evaluate my point of view. When a book touches my emotions and specifically helps re-align my thinking or attitude, I think that is writing to be valued and applauded.
Thank you, Margaret, for this touching review. Your insight is invaluable! Best wishes, Brenda
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