Book Review: Life Inside My Mind

                                                                                   BOOK INFORMATION:                                                                  

Your favorite YA authors including Kami Garcia, Ellen Hopkins, Maureen Johnson, and more recount their own experiences with mental illness in this raw, real, and powerful collection of essays that explores everything from ADD to PTSD.

Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t get out of bed? Not the occasional morning, but every single day? Do you find yourself listening to a voice in your head that says “you’re not good enough,” “not good-looking enough,” “not thin enough,” or “not smart enough?” Have you ever found yourself unable to do homework or pay attention in class unless everything is “just so” on your desk? Everyone has had days like that, but what if you have them every day?

You’re not alone. Millions of people are going through similar things. And many of them are people you know—you know them because they write the books that you’re reading.

Life Inside My Mind is an anthology of true-life events from writers of this generation, for this generation. It takes aim at ending the shame of mental illness. With the intention of providing hope to those who are suffering, awareness to those who are witnessing a friend or family member battle mental illness, and opening the floodgates to conversations about mental illness, Side Effects tackles the stigmas around mental illness in a new and refreshing way

                                                                        MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK                                                              

Trigger Warning. This book may trigger or upset you if you or someone you love struggles with these mental illnesses; ADD, Addiction Alzheimer's, Anorexia, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Bulimia, and Suicide are all mentioned repeatedly in this book. 

This was really a truthful and honest look at mental illness from a variety of people. It was so interesting for me to see how different people struggle and experience mental illnesses. I struggle with a number of the problems mentioned in this book and it was nice to see how other people cope. This book is honestly eye-opening.

The main thing I loved about this book was that no one tried to prescribe a right way to live with mental illness. Each essay had an honest and often in-depth look at what works or worked for them. Not what will work for everyone, although they were often super encouraging. While this book is aimed at young adults I believe adults will also get a lot out of the book as well. I think it is important to show teens how to cope with things they may be struggling with.

At first, I had an issue that some of these stories didn't deal with mental illness but what I realized was that it was a great way to share how loved ones are affected by these struggles. It showed me some issues they may be dealing with as well. It was extremely enlightening.

Overall, I think this book was amazing. I found the stories to be interesting and enlightening and truthful. I couldn't put this book down even though at times it was overwhelming. This book is encouraging that you can continue to live well and be successful, with mental illness.