Books Like...

Samantha McAllister, a high school student with OCD, navigates her way through the challenges of maintaining her friendships while hiding her secret condition. She finds solace in a secret poetry group, Poet's Corner, where she can express herself freely. As she grapples with her true identity, Sam discovers the impact of true friendship and self-belief, leading to a unique and life-changing journey. The book delves into themes of mental illness, friendship, self-expression, and self-acceptance, offering a thoughtful exploration of identity and the power of writing.

'My Heart and Other Black Holes' by Jasmine Warga revolves around two teenagers, Aysel and Roman, who meet online with the intention of committing suicide together. As they spend time planning their pact, Aysel starts to question her decision and contemplate if she truly wants to go through with it, while also grappling with the idea of convincing Roman to choose life. The novel delves deep into themes of depression, suicide, and the power of human connection in times of darkness, portraying a journey of self-discovery and hope amidst despair. The writing style is described as engaging, realistic, and touching, with a balance of heartbreak and light-hearted moments that provide a hopeful outlook on mental health struggles.

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall is a heartfelt young adult novel that delves into the life of Norah, a teenage girl suffering from agoraphobia, OCD, and anxiety. The book follows Norah's journey as she navigates her mental health struggles, her budding relationship with her neighbor Luke, and her quest for self-acceptance. The author, Louise Gornall, skillfully portrays Norah's inner thoughts and fears, providing an honest and raw depiction of living with mental illness. Through Norah's perspective, readers are immersed in her world of anxiety, panic attacks, and self-doubt, making for an eye-opening and emotional reading experience.

The plot of Under Rose-Tainted Skies unfolds slowly, allowing Norah's transformation to feel natural and realistic. The relationship between Norah and Luke is portrayed as supportive and understanding, without falling into the trope of a love interest magically curing her mental health issues. The book also highlights the importance of familial support, with Norah's mother playing a significant role in her life. Overall, the writing style is engaging and easy to read, with Norah's narration providing a poignant insight into the challenges of living with agoraphobia and OCD.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green is a contemporary young adult novel that delves into the struggles of a teenage girl, Aza, who battles severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while navigating relationships and attempting to solve a mystery involving a missing billionaire. The book skillfully explores the complexities of mental illness, friendship, and family dynamics, portraying the internal torment and external challenges faced by the protagonist with authenticity and insight. Through eloquent writing and a dual narrative of personal struggles and a gripping mystery, Green crafts a poignant story that sheds light on the realities of living with mental health issues.

The narrative in Turtles All the Way Down is enriched by John Green's trademark writing style, which combines philosophical reflections, poignant character dynamics, and introspective moments. The book offers a compelling exploration of themes such as anxiety, OCD, friendship, and identity, capturing the essence of teenage angst and the nuances of mental health struggles. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling and realistic portrayals of characters, Green weaves a narrative that resonates with readers, evoking empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness.

Francesca is a teenage girl who finds herself navigating a new school environment when she transfers to an all-boys school that has recently started accepting girls. Alongside the typical challenges of high school, Francesca must also deal with her mother's sudden onset of depression, which adds a layer of complexity to her already tumultuous teenage years. The book delves into themes of friendship, family dynamics, first love, and self-discovery, all while authentically portraying the struggles of teenage angst and coming of age.

The story beautifully captures Francesca's journey of growth and self-realization as she grapples with the changes in her life, the relationships she forms, and the challenges she faces. Melina Marchetta's writing style is praised for its emotional depth, humor, and relatable characters, making the reader empathize with Francesca's experiences and the raw portrayal of depression within a family setting.

'Impulse' by Ellen Hopkins revolves around three teenagers - Conner, Vanessa, and Tony - who meet in a psychiatric hospital after attempting suicide. Through free verse poetry, the story delves into their struggles, backgrounds, and their paths towards healing and self-discovery. explores themes of mental health, friendship, and the impact of traumatic experiences on young individuals, all while keeping readers engaged with its unique writing style.

'Close Enough to Touch' by Colleen Oakley is a heartwarming story about Jubilee Jenkins, a young woman with a life-threatening allergy to human touch. After living in isolation for nine years due to agoraphobia, Jubilee is forced to face her fears and enter the outside world when her mother passes away. Through the challenges of navigating relationships and finding employment, Jubilee's journey towards healing and self-discovery is beautifully portrayed, capturing themes of courage, hope, and acceptance. The alternating perspectives between Jubilee and Eric, a divorced man she falls in love with, provide a unique and engaging narrative that delves into the complexities of human relationships and personal growth.

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley is a heartwarming story that follows sixteen-year-old Solomon, who has been homebound for over three years due to agoraphobia. When aspiring psychologist Lisa decides to befriend Solomon to use his experiences for her scholarship essay, an unexpected bond forms between them along with Lisa's boyfriend, Clark. The book is narrated from alternating perspectives, providing insights into Solomon's struggles with mental illness and Lisa's efforts to help him overcome his fears. The plot delves into themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the impact of mental illness on individuals and those around them.

The writing style of the book is engaging, with a focus on character development, particularly Solomon, who is portrayed as a likable and relatable protagonist. The story explores the complexities of mental health issues, relationships, and personal growth, offering a realistic and insightful portrayal of teenage experiences and challenges.

A Quiet Kind of Thunder follows the story of Steffi, a 17-year-old girl with severe anxiety and selective mutism, who meets Rhys, an 18-year-old Deaf student in Britain. The book explores their blossoming romance, as they navigate their disabilities and refuse to be defined by them. The story highlights important social issues, such as anxiety, Deaf culture, and relationships, while portraying authentic characters and positive relationships among the various characters.

How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox is a beautifully written and haunting novel that delves deep into the subjects of multigenerational mental illness, sexual identity, and coming of age. The story follows Biz, a 17-year-old battling through her mental health issues, as she embarks on an adventure to find her deceased father after he suddenly stops appearing to her. The first-person narrative provides a unique insight into Biz's mind, allowing readers to experience her emotions and struggles, especially her battle with depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. The writing style is lyrical, poetic, and introspective, creating an intimate connection between the reader and the main character.