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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
Nicely written young adult novel. It reminded me of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, which was rly good. however, i didn't seem to really be engaged with the climax as much as i was with the rest of the book. so, im giving it 4.5 starsssss. but, i would recommend this to any other teen you likes reading books about mental illnesses:)
I really enjoyed this. It's a well written, funny, and honest portrayal of living with mental illness. This is told through journal entries and even though it took me a little bit to get used to that format, I thought it really worked.
I loved Adam and how self aware he was. I think the journal entries allowed him to be unfiltered. The balance between humour and seriousness was spot on. The descriptions of his hallucinations and how he reacted or what he thought about made for a very intriguing read. He sees these hallucinations and can typically recognize that's what they are but they're still disruptive to him. It just felt like a very real portrayal. The ending was very fitting.
Overall, this was a great read and I highly recommend it.
I loved Adam and how self aware he was. I think the journal entries allowed him to be unfiltered. The balance between humour and seriousness was spot on. The descriptions of his hallucinations and how he reacted or what he thought about made for a very intriguing read. He sees these hallucinations and can typically recognize that's what they are but they're still disruptive to him. It just felt like a very real portrayal. The ending was very fitting.
Overall, this was a great read and I highly recommend it.
emotional
lighthearted
emotional
informative
lighthearted
fast-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
Read this review and others at sarahthebooknerd.home.blog!
Words on Bathroom Walls is a collection of journal entries Adam writes to his therapist. Adam is schizophrenic and has been accepted into an experimental drug trial. Adam transfers to a new school, Catholic school specifically, and has been gifted the ability to stay a normal teen. Nobody knows about his condition and he tries to have a normal life. His hallucinations, or imaginary friends, are kept at bay because of the drug. This allows him to fall in love and try to live a life that he's always wanted.
Of course, all good stories have problems. There are kinks in the plan and major plot twists happen. Yes, the plotting was stellar. Yes, the characterization was on point. Yes, the settings were extremely well developed. The themes were clear and impactful. However, Walton created a genuine masterpiece that goes beyond elements of literature.
I write notes on post-its as I read, figuring out what I want to say in my review. Usually, I fill out one post-it note with half-assed phrases to remind myself of what I want to say--two if the book is really good (or really bad). I filled out five post-its while going through this book, and judging by the 5-star review it wasn't because it was bad.
I also wanted to mention that I have this other thing I do when I read: I look at the last page. I know, I know--Bad Sarah! I like to peek at the last few sentences of a novel before I read it so I can figure out how it fits in, like a puzzle piece. The words that stuck out to me in on the last page were "Jesus Loves You. Don't Be a Homo." I had to laugh.
With that being said, this book is set in a Catholic K-12 school. This book also has multiple sex scenes... some of which are in said school. Walton also uses humor to her advantage throughout this book, which may be offensive to Catholics. FYI.
Let's start with the themes. As mentioned before, they were well thought out and excellently put together. I learned a lot about schizophrenia. I thought this book was about general awareness, but it's not. It's about showing people that schizophrenics aren't always violent and that there's nothing to be afraid of. There's a scene in here that compares schizophrenia to cancer, which is enlightening.
I loved the similes (comparison of two things using like or as) in this book. They're hilarious and accurate. Many authors use cliched similes -- not Julia Walton. Hers are original and will have you laughing out loud in the middle of a silent library... no, just me?
Another thing I loved about this book is the Harry Potter references. Not from the movies, but from the books! I was delighted when I read the first HP reference on page 8. Yes, the book starts with a reference and the book ends with a reference... in the last chapter Adam quotes Dumbledore. This is a quote that was bouncing in the back of my head throughout the entire book. My father has recited this quote to me from time to time and it sticks: "Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" AH! When I read that line, I started to cry because I desperately wanted Adam to use that quote to find some peace.
So, I mentioned that I love this book, right? There are a few things that I'm not a huge fan of. These are personal opinions, so I didn't let them affect the five star rating, but they're worth mentioning.
I don't like the title. I don't think it's fitting. I understand, vaguely, why "Words on Bathroom Walls" is its title, but it's not powerful enough to defend it. It also kind of bugs me that there are multiple sex scenes that are explained in... not like GoT graphic, but enough detail to picture everything, but she won't use many curse words. She drops a few here and there, but when someone curses in an angry fashion, they become "choice" words or the like.
So, anyway, amazing book. Love it to death. I would highly recommend this book to those whom are not easily offended by religious jokes and sexual content. Great read that offers a lot of insight and knowledge on a mental illness that often incites fear.
Great job Julia!
Words on Bathroom Walls is a collection of journal entries Adam writes to his therapist. Adam is schizophrenic and has been accepted into an experimental drug trial. Adam transfers to a new school, Catholic school specifically, and has been gifted the ability to stay a normal teen. Nobody knows about his condition and he tries to have a normal life. His hallucinations, or imaginary friends, are kept at bay because of the drug. This allows him to fall in love and try to live a life that he's always wanted.
Of course, all good stories have problems. There are kinks in the plan and major plot twists happen. Yes, the plotting was stellar. Yes, the characterization was on point. Yes, the settings were extremely well developed. The themes were clear and impactful. However, Walton created a genuine masterpiece that goes beyond elements of literature.
I write notes on post-its as I read, figuring out what I want to say in my review. Usually, I fill out one post-it note with half-assed phrases to remind myself of what I want to say--two if the book is really good (or really bad). I filled out five post-its while going through this book, and judging by the 5-star review it wasn't because it was bad.
I also wanted to mention that I have this other thing I do when I read: I look at the last page. I know, I know--Bad Sarah! I like to peek at the last few sentences of a novel before I read it so I can figure out how it fits in, like a puzzle piece. The words that stuck out to me in on the last page were "Jesus Loves You. Don't Be a Homo." I had to laugh.
With that being said, this book is set in a Catholic K-12 school. This book also has multiple sex scenes... some of which are in said school. Walton also uses humor to her advantage throughout this book, which may be offensive to Catholics. FYI.
Let's start with the themes. As mentioned before, they were well thought out and excellently put together. I learned a lot about schizophrenia. I thought this book was about general awareness, but it's not. It's about showing people that schizophrenics aren't always violent and that there's nothing to be afraid of. There's a scene in here that compares schizophrenia to cancer, which is enlightening.
I loved the similes (comparison of two things using like or as) in this book. They're hilarious and accurate. Many authors use cliched similes -- not Julia Walton. Hers are original and will have you laughing out loud in the middle of a silent library... no, just me?
Another thing I loved about this book is the Harry Potter references. Not from the movies, but from the books! I was delighted when I read the first HP reference on page 8. Yes, the book starts with a reference and the book ends with a reference... in the last chapter Adam quotes Dumbledore. This is a quote that was bouncing in the back of my head throughout the entire book. My father has recited this quote to me from time to time and it sticks: "Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" AH! When I read that line, I started to cry because I desperately wanted Adam to use that quote to find some peace.
So, I mentioned that I love this book, right? There are a few things that I'm not a huge fan of. These are personal opinions, so I didn't let them affect the five star rating, but they're worth mentioning.
I don't like the title. I don't think it's fitting. I understand, vaguely, why "Words on Bathroom Walls" is its title, but it's not powerful enough to defend it. It also kind of bugs me that there are multiple sex scenes that are explained in... not like GoT graphic, but enough detail to picture everything, but she won't use many curse words. She drops a few here and there, but when someone curses in an angry fashion, they become "choice" words or the like.
So, anyway, amazing book. Love it to death. I would highly recommend this book to those whom are not easily offended by religious jokes and sexual content. Great read that offers a lot of insight and knowledge on a mental illness that often incites fear.
Great job Julia!
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-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
emotional
informative
medium-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
I really enjoy the writing style that she used in this book. It's fun and witty and Adam is just over all funny when writing to his therapist. It's refreshing to just know what Adam is thinking or basically just how he remembers certain things.
It does get kind of scary at times because sometimes it's hard to tell when he's hallucinating or not.
I also love the characters in the book. Dwight is honestly just great. 10/10 for his character. Maya is also a very likeable character and find myself relating to her sometimes. DWIGHT IS SINGLEHANDEDLY THE BEST FRIEND WE ALL NEED.
There are a few times where I really just smile because even though he thinks he doesn't deserve love etc, he really goes out of his way for Maya and also just listens and accepts Dwight for who he is with no judgement and I think its really neat.
I might not have schizophrenia but Adam can be very relatable at times which only make me enjoy the book more.
"But it's basically like every other old church you've ever seen in your life. Half-naked angels. Uncomfortable wooden pews. And burning incense that smells like someone dirty laundry. Oh and shame. It reeks of shame." - second favourite thing he said
"I actually have a diagnosed mental condition that bothers me less than the fact I have empathetic nipples" - definitely the funniest thing he said
Overall it was really a good book. Good plot, good writing, good dialogue. It thoroughly enjoyed it very much.
It does get kind of scary at times because sometimes it's hard to tell when he's hallucinating or not.
I also love the characters in the book. Dwight is honestly just great. 10/10 for his character. Maya is also a very likeable character and find myself relating to her sometimes. DWIGHT IS SINGLEHANDEDLY THE BEST FRIEND WE ALL NEED.
There are a few times where I really just smile because even though he thinks he doesn't deserve love etc, he really goes out of his way for Maya and also just listens and accepts Dwight for who he is with no judgement and I think its really neat.
I might not have schizophrenia but Adam can be very relatable at times which only make me enjoy the book more.
"But it's basically like every other old church you've ever seen in your life. Half-naked angels. Uncomfortable wooden pews. And burning incense that smells like someone dirty laundry. Oh and shame. It reeks of shame." - second favourite thing he said
"I actually have a diagnosed mental condition that bothers me less than the fact I have empathetic nipples" - definitely the funniest thing he said
Overall it was really a good book. Good plot, good writing, good dialogue. It thoroughly enjoyed it very much.
Adam has lots of people in his life: Rebecca, a beautiful girl who understands him; the Mob Boss, who harasses him; and Jason, the naked guy who’s unfailingly polite. The only problem is, they’re not real. They’re all in his head, and he has schizophrenia. There’s hope, though, because he’s just started a new school, and a drug trial that will help him get a hold on things. At his new school, he meets Maya, and wants desperately to be the guy she thinks he is. But when the drug trial begins to fail, he struggles to keep her from finding out his biggest secret.
This book is going right next to Perks of Being a Wallflower, across from Harry Potter, and not far from Looking for Alaska on my shelves. Best ya book I’ve read in forever. ❤️