Official Review: Anna Incognito by Laura Preble

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Anna Incognito" by Laura Preble.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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When Anna receives an envelope in the mail, it sits on the counter for weeks before she can muster up the courage to open it. Once it is opened, Anna knows she has to act fast. The love of her life, Dr. Edward Denture, has invited her to attend his wedding in Colorado. When he moved away, she thought she had lost him forever, but now she has a second chance. Anna is determined to stop the wedding, but it would mean leaving the safe confines of her home and exposing herself to germs. Anna's severe battle with mental illness prevents her from living a normal life, but maybe this is the push she needs.

As she embarks on the trip of her life, Anna meets a troubled young woman named Mellow, who needs help. How can Anna possibly help this woman when she can't even help herself?

Can she help Mellow and make it to Edward unscathed?

Anna Incognito by Laura Preble is a heart-wrenching story about one woman's quest to break free of the fear that holds her hostage. While Anna's mission is to stop Edward's wedding, this is not a love story; it is a story about trauma and overcoming obstacles. Anna's story will show readers that It isn't about the final destination, rather the journey to get there.

My favorite thing about this book was the author's ability to pull me into Anna's world. Her pain and suffering poured off the pages and into my heart. Being able to experience the unraveling of her mental illness was both devastating and eye-opening. Between battling OCD and the constant urge to pick at her skin and hair, Anna's plight was evident. Something as necessary as hygiene had excruciating consequences. Anna said, "I splash some water to support the story and pump some soap into my palm, but the soap stings and finds all the ragged crevices in my fingers, the cracks and fissures I break open anew every day. I am my own Prometheus. It heals, I bite it, it heals, I bite. Rinse and repeat."

Another thing that I loved about the book was Anna's tumultuous relationship with Mellow. Throughout the book, their banter had me laughing and crying as both of their stories unfolded. As much of a pain as she was, it was apparent that Mellow forced Anna to do things she would have never done if they hadn't met. On the other hand, Mellow found something in Anna that she was desperately seeking—kindness.

While I tried to find something that I disliked about the book, it was a lost cause. The writing was captivating, and I didn't notice any spelling or grammatical errors. With that being said, I chose to give the book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

I would happily recommend Anna Incognito to readers who are ready to immerse themselves in Anna's life. The book thoroughly examines the disturbing effects of living with a mental illness. This book would be great for readers who are struggling with mental health or for those trying to understand it better. Are you ready to go for a drive with Anna?. Buckle up because you are in for the ride of your life!

On the contrary, I would not recommend this book to readers who are looking for romance. The story touches on love and relationships, but it is a harrowing tale about self-discovery. I would discourage young readers from choosing Anna Incognito as it deals with mature subjects such as suicide and grief.

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Anna Incognito
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[Laura Ungureanu]

This book deals with mental illness without being focused on romance? Count me in. I thought I was the only one who looked for a story like this one. Thank you for letting me know about this book. I enjoyed your review!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

This book deals with mental illness without being focused on romance? Count me in. I thought I was the only one who looked for a story like this one. Thank you for letting me know about this book. I enjoyed your review!

I absolutely adore books that aim to raise awareness about mental illness. Bonus points that Anna is such a well-developed character. Thanks for your comment.

[Gathoni1991]

Oh how insightful, I would love to read the book soon. Great review.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Oh how insightful, I would love to read the book soon. Great review.

Thank you!

[Prisallen]

I'm glad that mental illness is tackled so well in this book. Thanks for a wonderful review!

[Rachel Lea]

This sounds like an exquisitely well-written and thought-provoking story. Thank you for your lovely review!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I'm glad that mental illness is tackled so well in this book. Thanks for a wonderful review!

Thank you!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

This sounds like an exquisitely well-written and thought-provoking story. Thank you for your lovely review!

Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

[kandscreeley]

Even the character names are unique. Mellow and Dr. Denture? I love, too, that this has serious themes. I think we all need to learn more about OCD. I'll put this on my list. Thanks.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Even the character names are unique. Mellow and Dr. Denture? I love, too, that this has serious themes. I think we all need to learn more about OCD. I'll put this on my list. Thanks.

Yes, the names were quite unique! Thanks!

[Bhaskins]

Oh wow. I love the honest discussion and portrayal of OCD. How powerful! As a therapist I see the term "I'm so OCD" or something similar tossed around a lot and people don't understand the vast difference in true OCD. It's not just about being a clean freak. I can't wait to read this book. Thanks for such a good review.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Oh wow. I love the honest discussion and portrayal of OCD. How powerful! As a therapist I see the term "I'm so OCD" or something similar tossed around a lot and people don't understand the vast difference in true OCD. It's not just about being a clean freak. I can't wait to read this book. Thanks for such a good review.

I couldn't agree with you more; I too, hate it when people throw around the term so loosely. It really is debilitating. Thanks!

[Helene_2008]

Your review really has me intrigued about this book. I recently read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine and this review made me think of that book. I'd love to read this even if it doesn't have a love story to it.

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Your review really has me intrigued about this book. I recently read Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine and this review made me think of that book. I'd love to read this even if it doesn't have a love story to it.

Thanks!