The other day, I came across an audiobook of Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern. As I enjoy reading books that cover the topic of mental health, I picked this up for summer reading. It covers many serious and complex topics with a touch of humor that would get any reader laughing amid all seriousness.
The protagonist, Anna Bloom, a typical teenager is struggling with mental health issues and has stopped going to school . Besides having a stubborn personality and being percieved as “fat” by others, she is secretly struggling with her mental health. Her parents admit her to a mental hospital where she meets a bunch of “crazy” teens. Anna feels invisible in the hospital as no one seems to ever understand her. As Anna spends her weeks in the hospital, she slowly gets to understand life. She navigates through the adventures and gathers experiences such as blooming new friendships, running around the hospital hallways, learning more about the world through others and finding love interests. Anna finds something in common with the teens in the hospital. What will happen next? Will Anna get well enough to enter the world outside the mental hospital?
If you are into books that talk about navigating feelings and growing up, this book is just for you.
Lit Lounge Reads 