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funky_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jennrocca's review against another edition
I can’t give this stars because every answer is incomplete. I had a hard time reading this book. I put it down a lot and I got bored frequently. You have to spend a *long* time reading through nonsense before that nonsense has meaning.
But!
In the end I really learned about a journey through mental illness in a way I’ve never read before. I really cared about Caden, and I teared up over his journey and his friends and his family.
I didn’t *like* this book so much... but I’m really glad I read it.
But!
In the end I really learned about a journey through mental illness in a way I’ve never read before. I really cared about Caden, and I teared up over his journey and his friends and his family.
I didn’t *like* this book so much... but I’m really glad I read it.
entanglement's review against another edition
4.0
it’s hard to articulate how i feel about my time with this book. i had it on my shelf for a long while before i took a course that had it listed as a required text. with it waiting on my tbr, i was relieved to finally reach for it. while on a plane, i devoured much of it, settling on the verge of tears for hours.
This was a very unique approach to showing mental illness rather than simply telling about it. the storyline was turning me in circles throughout. i was a bit dizzy, feeling like i was lurking and waiting for the anticipated reveal of what was happening. thankfully, i had instruction in my class to hint at what was unfolding throughout, making the content more palatable confusion wise. however, I do think it’s worth it to leave the mystery intact, letting the story piece itself together as you read- it really puts you in the shoes of someone who experiences the world the way it is presented.
This was a very unique approach to showing mental illness rather than simply telling about it. the storyline was turning me in circles throughout. i was a bit dizzy, feeling like i was lurking and waiting for the anticipated reveal of what was happening. thankfully, i had instruction in my class to hint at what was unfolding throughout, making the content more palatable confusion wise. however, I do think it’s worth it to leave the mystery intact, letting the story piece itself together as you read- it really puts you in the shoes of someone who experiences the world the way it is presented.
sometimes there are moments when we objectively face the never, and it overwhelms us. i tried to defy the overwhelming never once, when i realized there are songs in my own music library that i will probably never hear again. i went to my computer and created a playlist with every single song. there were 3,628 songs that would take 223.6 hours to play. i kept at it for a few days before my interest waned. and so now i mourn. i mourn for the songs that will never reach my ears again. for the words and stories that lie on eternally unopened pages.
hawkeyereader24's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
clfenters's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I found that the book gave me a better understanding of psychosis and schizophrenia, but the actual experience of reading it was tedious. I began skimming about a third of the way through the book and don't regret doing that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Suicide
manderzreadz's review
3.0
I really wanted to like this book, but the most I would give it is 3 stars.
Challenger Deep does a great job visualizing and putting into words/thoughts what an individual might experience when they are having bouts of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, psychosis, and obsessive compulsive disorders.
The parallels between reality and delusion is evident throughout. While the premise was compelling, I found myself struggling to keep reading.
Challenger Deep does a great job visualizing and putting into words/thoughts what an individual might experience when they are having bouts of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, psychosis, and obsessive compulsive disorders.
The parallels between reality and delusion is evident throughout. While the premise was compelling, I found myself struggling to keep reading.
jenhurst's review against another edition
4.0
I usually don't like Shusterman's writing but it worked for me here. I liked the ship elements and the mental health rep. The lack of romance was really refreshing.
saltyy_sarah's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
annewilgenbusch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sam_hartwig's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think I can review this book. I don't have the words to explain or express how I feel about this book. I can't even begin to understand how the mind works, but this book has shown me a small insight into the world of someone suffering mental illness. Very powerful stuff!
On a side note, I listened to this on audio and found it quite confusing to start with but the narration helps with matching characters in Caden's inner world and his outer world. I also found out there are illustrations in the book, so I'll have to get my hands on a physical copy to see them.
On a side note, I listened to this on audio and found it quite confusing to start with but the narration helps with matching characters in Caden's inner world and his outer world. I also found out there are illustrations in the book, so I'll have to get my hands on a physical copy to see them.