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Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated One Summer in Books
May 10, 2018
Jack has overcome quite an obstacle in his life, a terminal illness. In the wake of that miraculous event, he has lost his best friend and wife, Lizzie in a car accident going to get him meds. As he recovers from his illness, the loss of his wife and having his kids taken away from him by his in-laws, he reflects on all that his life has been up to this point. Reconnecting with his children finding his own way in this world is what Jack is up against now. This is not quite what I expected from Baldacci as my mother recommended this author to me. While this is the first book I have read by Baldacci, it was quite enjoyable, and made me interested to read more of his books. Not sure if I will continue to read them if they all turn up to be this romantic in nature
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Brain on Fire (2016) in Movies
Jun 19, 2020
Susannah comes down with a mystery illness, first she has flu like symptoms and it is mistaken for being hung over, but once the seizures, paranoia and change of personality kicks in, her parents know something is seriously wrong and demand she is admitted to hospital where she will stay until doctors can find out what's wrong.
Before watching this movie I had never heard of Susannah Cahalan nor her illness. I thoroughly enjoyed it though, it was interesting and highlighted the reality that some things can be misdiagnosed so many times before getting to the bottom of things. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed though, it would have been interesting to watch her recovery and how her family coped with that but I guess that would made the movie too long.
I've enjoyed watching chloe grace moretz movies since the Carrie remake and each time she betters herself, she played Susannah very well and made it feel very real. A must watch movie.
Before watching this movie I had never heard of Susannah Cahalan nor her illness. I thoroughly enjoyed it though, it was interesting and highlighted the reality that some things can be misdiagnosed so many times before getting to the bottom of things. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed though, it would have been interesting to watch her recovery and how her family coped with that but I guess that would made the movie too long.
I've enjoyed watching chloe grace moretz movies since the Carrie remake and each time she betters herself, she played Susannah very well and made it feel very real. A must watch movie.
Paula Ruter (2 KP) rated Sword and Scale in Podcasts
May 30, 2018
I used to be a fan of this podcast when I first started listening to podcasts. Unfortunately, I believe the quality has gone downhill. There are too many requests for donations via Patreon. The host has a biased opinion of mental illness. And although one expects a certain level of disturbing information when listening to a true crime podcast, the host seems to find gratification in including the most graphic clips possible.
ace_in_space (38 KP) rated Aftershocks in Podcasts
Jul 12, 2018
A modern psych institution horror story
Hold on to your hats, this isn't your typical haunted asylum story. The main characters, all teens, investigate the mental hospital where they've been institutionalized. The lines between what is real and what isn't are hard to see. The characters are diverse, three-dimensional and much more than their diagnoses. The writers care about representing mental illness accurately and respectfully, and donate to different mental health organizations.
Roma Simone (44 KP) rated Five Feet Apart (2019) in Movies
Dec 28, 2019
Gripping (2 more)
Tear jerker
Great adaptation
Contains spoilers, click to show
One of my new favourites. I loved this from start to finish. Lots of "tear jerker" moments. Loved the doomed romance story line. Everyone deserves love even if you know the risks. Beautiful romance. They won't let their illness stand in the way of their love. Risking everything to save her life as well had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see it they both survived.
Jennifer Weiner recommended It's Not All Downhill From Here in Books (curated)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated All the Bright Places in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Theodore is a quirky teen whose life has been troubled by sadness. His parents are divorced and Theo's recent past has been marked by dark patches, what he thinks of as a deep sleep, where he zones out from depression and sadness. He finds himself thinking often of suicide. One day, while on the ledge of their school's Bell Tower, Theo comes across Violet. Violet's life has changed drastically since the death of her older sister in a car accident. She's not so sure about life lately, either. So Theo lets everyone at school think Violet "saved" him on that Tower, when it's really him who talks her down. The two form an unlikely friendship and embark on a school project, documenting the "natural wonders" of their home state of Indiana. But do Violet and Finch realize the sadness each is dealing with?
Oh how I wanted to like this book. I'd heard so many good things about it, and it was compared to [b:Eleanor & Park|15745753|Eleanor & Park|Rainbow Rowell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341952742s/15745753.jpg|17225055], which I adore. But whereas Eleanor and Park each felt so real, these characters didn't always come across as true, versus caricatures. I did find myself caring, often deeply, for Violet, and I liked Finch, but he changed his personality types so often -- it was hard to relate to his character. I'm glad the book covered the topic of mental illness, but its portrayal was odd sometimes. I almost worry that it glorified mental illness and suicidal thoughts somehow (hard to explain without too many spoilers).
Also, Theo and Violet seem to fall for each other awfully quickly. Why does this happen so often in YA novels? Am I just a jaded adult now (entirely possible)? Also a huge issue - where are the freaking adults in this book, and why don't they help Violet and Finch? Kids and teens shouldn't feel that mental illness is something they need to deal with alone. I also think truly portraying Finch's "deep sleep" and how that affected him could have done wonders for showing the effects and ills of mental illness on teens.
Overall, this book certainly had its lovely moments. Violet and Finch are touching characters in many ways. As I said, I really liked Violet - her character really grows on you. Niven's writing is beautiful at times, and the teens' school project is an interesting touch. This was also hard for me to read, having experienced mental illness and suicide in my family. I think it was worth reading, but it didn't completely live up to my expectations.
Oh how I wanted to like this book. I'd heard so many good things about it, and it was compared to [b:Eleanor & Park|15745753|Eleanor & Park|Rainbow Rowell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341952742s/15745753.jpg|17225055], which I adore. But whereas Eleanor and Park each felt so real, these characters didn't always come across as true, versus caricatures. I did find myself caring, often deeply, for Violet, and I liked Finch, but he changed his personality types so often -- it was hard to relate to his character. I'm glad the book covered the topic of mental illness, but its portrayal was odd sometimes. I almost worry that it glorified mental illness and suicidal thoughts somehow (hard to explain without too many spoilers).
Also, Theo and Violet seem to fall for each other awfully quickly. Why does this happen so often in YA novels? Am I just a jaded adult now (entirely possible)? Also a huge issue - where are the freaking adults in this book, and why don't they help Violet and Finch? Kids and teens shouldn't feel that mental illness is something they need to deal with alone. I also think truly portraying Finch's "deep sleep" and how that affected him could have done wonders for showing the effects and ills of mental illness on teens.
Overall, this book certainly had its lovely moments. Violet and Finch are touching characters in many ways. As I said, I really liked Violet - her character really grows on you. Niven's writing is beautiful at times, and the teens' school project is an interesting touch. This was also hard for me to read, having experienced mental illness and suicide in my family. I think it was worth reading, but it didn't completely live up to my expectations.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Schasm (Schasm, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Shari J. Ryan] did a fantastic job of character development in [Schasm]. This is a very character driven novel that keeps you guessing. Chloe's struggle with her "illness" and even more so with her mother is the center of this story. It gets even more complicated when Alex enters. I still am not sure what is the truth in this book but it left me wanting more. It is a nice non vampire, non sex driven YA romance twist.
Otway93 (567 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Nov 16, 2019
Portrayal of Mental Illness (4 more)
Acting
Story
Shocking
Keeps you guessing...
A highly important film for several reasons.
What can I say about Joker? After weeks of building myself up to see this film, I certainly didn't put on a happy face. It was not a happy film in the slightest, but it was certainly one of the best, if not the best DC film ever made.
Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Joker was superb, emotional and shocking, his performance always keeps you on the edge of your seat. It isn't often somebody can portray so well the shift from ordinary if troubled man, to Joker.
His portrayal of mental illness is astounding, and quite shocking, and for the most part of the film, you are on his side...I shall say no more on that matter.
Overall, feel free to build up the hype in your mind, because you will not be disappointed!
P.S. For those that know the original Joker well, this film will certainly keep you guessing and wondering...
Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Joker was superb, emotional and shocking, his performance always keeps you on the edge of your seat. It isn't often somebody can portray so well the shift from ordinary if troubled man, to Joker.
His portrayal of mental illness is astounding, and quite shocking, and for the most part of the film, you are on his side...I shall say no more on that matter.
Overall, feel free to build up the hype in your mind, because you will not be disappointed!
P.S. For those that know the original Joker well, this film will certainly keep you guessing and wondering...
Purrsistently (46 KP) rated Shadow Child in Books
Jun 21, 2018
Objectively, I feel the book deserves 4 stars, but gr ratings are supposed to be based on your enjoyment, which was a 1 or 2 for me.
I’ve read other books featuring mental illness, the aftermath of atomic bombs, self harm, abuse. I don’t know why I felt so repulsed by this one, but I did. It isn’t a bad book-it’s very good actually, but I hated it.
This was an ARC I received in a giveaway. (Not via goodreads)
I’ve read other books featuring mental illness, the aftermath of atomic bombs, self harm, abuse. I don’t know why I felt so repulsed by this one, but I did. It isn’t a bad book-it’s very good actually, but I hated it.
This was an ARC I received in a giveaway. (Not via goodreads)