Depression. Anxiety. Self-loathing. This book is one big book of spiraling self-destruction. The main character, Victoria, is stuck in her own head. She hates herself. She suffers from severe anxiety and depression. This was a hard book to read for many reasons.
If you aren't one for books that jump from time frame to time frame, in no chronological and logical order, this is definitely not a book for you. This book jumps from specific days in different years, even going back into the main character's childhood. It is hard to follow if you aren't paying attention to the dates.
The author describes the main characters thoughts thoroughly. This is supposed to depict a young girl full of anxiety, but it is much more than that. She is highly depressed, and borderline personality disorder. I have suffered from anxiety for years, I have never had the thoughts and actions as this main character. She exhibits some bi-polar tendencies and manic depressive tendencies. She is a walking zombie.
If you are looking for a light read into a mind of a young woman with some self-esteem issues... This book goes way beyond that. I was drawn to this book after reading the blurb. However, it didn't live up to what I was hoping for. I understand what the author is trying to accomplish in this book, but I didn't get where I think I should be. I tip my hat to Victoria. As a new author, this is a hot topic to start out with. The writing just wasn't to my liking per-say. This book was not only hard to follow, but it was hard to read. I had to force myself through over 300 pages of a depressing monologue. Please don't think I am trashing this book. I am not. This book just isn't my cup of tea. Many will like this. I think this is a book that either you will rave about or not. I don't think there really is an in-between with it.
If I didn't necessarily care for the book, why the 3.25 rating? That is easy. This isn't a bad book. Just not a book for me. The writing in itself may not call out to me, but it is good. This book has many mixed ratings. It's a sensitive topic. Some will like how the author delivers it, others won't. So when you read this book, just keep in mind that this isn't a romance novel. It is not a comedy or a thriller. It is the deep, personal thoughts of a college girl on the brink of losing her sanity. It will tear you apart over and over again. You may not necessarily have a smile on your face once it ends, then again, you may. If you can handle the topics covered in this book, you should definitely read it. ( )