Maddy Banks is a stressed out NYU freshman. She's always felt like the odd one in her family - all Connecticut blonde - perfect mother, high-achieving older sister, Emily, charming popular brother Jack. Maddy's struggling with schoolwork, tests, a break-up, and her new passion to do comedy. Plus she's sure Taylor Swift will want to work with her.
cover blurb - But she soon spirals into a wild mania that culminates in a terrifying breaking point and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Maddy will have to figure out how to manage being both too much and not enough.
In More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova, we get to hear Maddy's voice and follow her mood swings. She can be so funny and endearing. Then the reader can feel their own heartbeat race as Maddy gets more frenetic. Or alas, our narrator dips way too low. Genova, a PhD in neuroscience, writes a very realistic tale of bipolar disorder and while fiction, it gives quite the insight into mental illness. Well done and a surprise pick at the library.
thecontemplativecat here. this is an intriguing book. My son is bi-polar and it is a constant struggle.
ReplyDeleteThe author’s background and work in the bipolar area, I believe gives authenticity to the character. It was eye- opening for me.
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