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mehsi's review against another edition
2.0
Actual rating 1.5 stars.
I was kind of looking forward to this book, and I can say, I am disappointed.
Cameron was a really annoying kid, I really didn't sympathise with him. He was treating his disease as if it was just all nothing, something you can experiment with. Messing with his medicines, messing with his own head. I just felt repulsed. I know medicines might numb you, till the point that you don't feel anything, and I can imagine that sucks hard, but come on, those pills are made so you don't break apart. So you can live a life without pain, feeling a bit more normal.
Also, what was up with his attitude regarding everyone? Seriously, everyone is just trying to help, yet you push them away, act hateful and hurt them so much.
What I did learn? Well that clearly kids from 13/14 are not mature enough to take their own medicines and the decisions that go with it. Screw the law in this case, I think you should look at every kid individually and see if they can take it. In case of Cameron, they shouldn't have allowed it.
Nina, I really disliked her too. She was just motivating Cameron to stop taking medicines, to beg, to skip school. And you can see where that led them both. I also think she was just too desperate for attention.
Also, I didn't feel like Cameron was 14. The way he acted, the way he talked, the way he thought about his illness, I thought he was 8, maybe 10 years max.
Would I recommend this book? No.
I was kind of looking forward to this book, and I can say, I am disappointed.
Cameron was a really annoying kid, I really didn't sympathise with him. He was treating his disease as if it was just all nothing, something you can experiment with. Messing with his medicines, messing with his own head. I just felt repulsed. I know medicines might numb you, till the point that you don't feel anything, and I can imagine that sucks hard, but come on, those pills are made so you don't break apart. So you can live a life without pain, feeling a bit more normal.
Also, what was up with his attitude regarding everyone? Seriously, everyone is just trying to help, yet you push them away, act hateful and hurt them so much.
What I did learn? Well that clearly kids from 13/14 are not mature enough to take their own medicines and the decisions that go with it. Screw the law in this case, I think you should look at every kid individually and see if they can take it. In case of Cameron, they shouldn't have allowed it.
Nina, I really disliked her too. She was just motivating Cameron to stop taking medicines, to beg, to skip school. And you can see where that led them both. I also think she was just too desperate for attention.
Also, I didn't feel like Cameron was 14. The way he acted, the way he talked, the way he thought about his illness, I thought he was 8, maybe 10 years max.
Would I recommend this book? No.
kkoerth613's review
3.0
It was an okay book I guess. I mean I had to read it for English class. It is really heavy on the schizophreniform stuff and it really helps us to understand how a kid with this disease feels about it and how he sees the world around him. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't understand Schizophrenia and the lasting effects. As for the boom itself is have to say that it was ok.
basilkumquat's review
4.0
This book gives us a larger understanding of mental illness, and how no one can label exactly what normal is.
loverofvenus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i was in the mood for something on the sadder side. nothing about this book changed my life, but it was a good, easy read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, Mental illness, Violence, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Bullying, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Ableism
Minor: Murder
camdailey's review
3.0
Picked up on a whim from the library. Good, but not great. Exactly what I had expected and kind of wanted to read. Something easy but enjoyable, and I found the topic it tackled interesting.
codeimagine's review
4.0
I'm still unsure what I had read, but I absolutely enjoyed it. Its about a boy who has a type of schizophrenia. It was interesting, especially since it was written in the first person point of view. Then again, I highly doubt it would've done well because this is a disease in the mind. I can't remember specifics, since I am more a generalist type of person than detailed when it comes to reading. Overall though, it was great.
I do remember though how he only wanted to be normal, and because he had been labeled by his disease he always is treated special. If I remember correctly, he mentioned he wanted to be off the meds to be considered normal, to know what its like to feel. Apparently according to him, he doesn't feel at all.
I do remember though how he only wanted to be normal, and because he had been labeled by his disease he always is treated special. If I remember correctly, he mentioned he wanted to be off the meds to be considered normal, to know what its like to feel. Apparently according to him, he doesn't feel at all.
aberman1695's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
readitall199's review
3.0
I was mostly sad reading this story after one of my students recommended it to me.
Cameron has been diagnosed with schizophrenaform and takes medication for it. Until he decides to stop and experience all his feelings. He begins to hallucinate and hear different voices: the Professor who gives facts and tries to keep him out of danger, the Girl who he is in love with and declares his girlfriend (it is this voice in particular he does not want to lose) and the Other Guy who taunts Cameron and tries to get him to take risks, talk back and be cruel.
In school he attends a sped class where he meets Nina. They conspire together to stay off their meds and rebel against their parents. Nina takes meds to help her with depression. Her mother is away and has left Nina home by herself.
It was very concerning to read about Cameron taking increasing risks, being encouraged to rape Nina by The Other Guy, stealing his parents’ car and driving it illegally, and not being able to process his behavior because his thoughts are so jumbled.
The question of what is normal and should teens be in charge of what medications they take are questions that are well presented but not thoroughly explored.
Cameron has been diagnosed with schizophrenaform and takes medication for it. Until he decides to stop and experience all his feelings. He begins to hallucinate and hear different voices: the Professor who gives facts and tries to keep him out of danger, the Girl who he is in love with and declares his girlfriend (it is this voice in particular he does not want to lose) and the Other Guy who taunts Cameron and tries to get him to take risks, talk back and be cruel.
In school he attends a sped class where he meets Nina. They conspire together to stay off their meds and rebel against their parents. Nina takes meds to help her with depression. Her mother is away and has left Nina home by herself.
It was very concerning to read about Cameron taking increasing risks, being encouraged to rape Nina by The Other Guy, stealing his parents’ car and driving it illegally, and not being able to process his behavior because his thoughts are so jumbled.
The question of what is normal and should teens be in charge of what medications they take are questions that are well presented but not thoroughly explored.
dustilane's review
3.0
I really liked the insight this book gave you into the disease and what it's like to suffer from it. Other then that... I mean... I really didn't like any of the characters. So it was just okay.