Reviews

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

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jenhurst's review

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

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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

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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

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.

hmcconnell12's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring medium-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

4.75

Wow. Such a beautifully sad story that really dives into mental illness head first. I think the author did a phenomenal job exploring symptoms and experiences of mental illness in such a way as to tell multiple stories within a story, in a way that actually makes sense and gets easier to follow as you go.
In the beginning, the two story lines are jarringly different, so it was difficult to follow at first; however, it becomes clear that there is a purpose to this writing style and it eventually gets easier to follow. I highly highly highly recommend this book!!!

slflorence99's review

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5.0

This easily ranks as one of my favorite books all time. I stumbled across it on my son's ELA teacher's website where she lists the book she is currently reading. We love Neal Shusterman's writing at our house, so of course I bought it immediately. This writing could've only come from a deep, personal experience with mental illness, and I'm so thankful he (and his family) were willing to share this story with us along with its origins in an Author's note at the end.

This is the beautiful, heartbreaking, eye-opening, gentle, difficult story of a teen's journey through the murky waters of mental illness. The metaphors and imagery will take your breath away.

omager's review

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Due to the nature of the book, the story line was inconsistent. This is not the fault if the book as it is dealing with mental health issues, but I found it too hard tofollow along and read