Mona Kabbani

It's not often that I can honestly say "I don't get it"...but this one? I don't get it, and I don't think from what I did get, that I ever want to. It's a novella of psychological horror that makes the worse nightmare you ever had fall into the best dream you ever had category. The story is mostly a horrible depiction of a person in the midst of a quite severe mental illness, and much of the narrative is from the main character's muddled and delusional point of view. To say this character's show more grasp on reality has taken the last train out of the station and is far down the line...is a vast understatement. show less

Jesus, where to start with this book?

Well, let's start with the obvious. It's indie published, which usually means a first or second draft manuscript rushed out without the proper care and feeding, right? Not in this case. I literally found a single, easy-to-miss spelling error (peak for peek). Other than that, nicely done, and absolutely one of the better indie books I've come across.

Next, let's deal with the actual writing style. Hoo boy. Kabbani is a writer to watch. There is truly only a show more single word that I feel adequately describes her writing style, and that word is beguiling. She has an unconventional way of telling a story that I'm sure likely doesn't sit well with literary agents and big publishers, but it's an interesting way to tell a story, with the author taking singular moments to break that fourth wall and address the reader.

But the narrative itself is simply lovely. She's got a very confident, effective writing style.

But what about the story? The story is...well, it's one of those stories that, for the great majority of the reading, the reader doesn't really know what's going on, but it's completely okay, because the events being described are very engaging. The story feels like one of those hyper-real but completely freakish dreams you have when you have a bad fever, or are taking some strange drugs. It feels real, but it can't be, but dammit, it feels real.

Kabbani's strength, however, is in the wonderful, broken characters and especially in the relationship between Lauren and Dylan. Their shared issues, running parallel and often complimentary, but never quite meshing, is a heartbreaking thing to behold.

When I saw some of the advance reviews for this book, it looked like something I'd enjoy. When I PM'd the author, she was very kind and let me know when it would be available, and I ordered it as soon as I could.

I'm really glad I did. This book has some interesting things to say about depression and mental illness. I want to read more from Mona Kabbani. show less

Dark, harrowing g trip through mental illness

This is not a happy story, so if you want that, look elsewhere. What it is, is a descent into mental illness that you get to ride along with. At ti.he's I was lost as to what was real and what was imagined ed, but that could be me. Prep I to be dragged through the ringer.

3.25 Chimes rounded down
Check trigger warnings as this novella contains but not limited to mental illness, self-harm, and eating disorders. Please be careful reading this if you have mental illness or any thoughts of self-harm. If you have thoughts of self harm, please seek help https://www.helplinecenter.org/9-8-8/

Do you hear the Chime?
Do you hear the Chime?
Do you hear the Chime?
>>>>Ring
This novella is very unsettling and will definitely make you feel uncomfortable. I read these type of show more books to help myself become stronger in mental health.

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