I just finished reading Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall.
I’m always interested in what new TEEN/YA books are at the library and books that kids are discussing. Mentoring through reading the same book is a useful tool, plus keeping up on what the age group reads creates conversation starters. A lot of books about issues such as anxiety can help you glean some insight and empathy. So that you can speak with a little more compassion if you don’t understand the complexity of having anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia and/or OCD as the character Norah has in this book.
Norah, the main character, suffers from a host of mental health issues and you really are rooting for her to overcome and adapt. This is one of the truest pictures of anxiety I have seen written into a character. I have personally suffered from anxiety attacks and they are not fun or easy for others to understand. I believe this book will create useful dialog and help those who suffer feel that they are not alone in their battles. It was a quick read, especially if you’re home sick for a day. I finished this over a 12 hour period and was fascinated about the insight of this writer. I will be recommending this read to kids and friends alike.
I have seen the reviews for this book and they suggest anywhere from seventh to tenth grade through adult for this book. I personally believe a seventh grader could read this, although there is a backdrop of girl/boy situations it is nothing that a seventh grader could not read. Anxiety happens to younger people and the character in the book started young as well. So the usefulness of the book weighs more importantly that the back drop of a love story. The cover is really great to look at which shamefully helps me pick a book!
PEACE.
