Review of Swimming in a Sea of Stars
2 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "Swimming in a Sea of Stars" by Julie Wright.]
After the 'going to the hospital incident', as Addison's mother refers to Addison's attempt to kill herself, Addison has to return to school. Addison is writing this in her journal, and she knows people will talk. They will be eager to know what made her do it. It would be a day she didn't want to face, but it came anyway. At school, she comes across different students who have pressing issues too. Some know each other, while others don't. Booker knows Addison, Avery knows Damion and Celia, and in between, the only link is that they are in the same school. Each problem was heavy on their chests but not similar to another. Addison's suicide attempt had indeed met many ears, making the big town she lived in tiny, but are people dwelling on this?
Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright is a mental awareness book that addresses many issues faced, especially in high school. Amid all the trouble the characters faced, they were all stuck in something they didn't know how to escape. Addison was trying to figure out her life after surviving and coming to terms with how her acts affected the people in her life. Celia, Damion, Booker, and Avery had difficulties at home and school and didn't know how to address them.
The structure of the book is unique. There are diary entries that represent all of Addison's thoughts and activities. The other parts of the book are titled by the name of the character being spoken about. Addison's diary entries have both the date and time of this occurrence. Apart from Addison contemplating how she'll return to school, the events happen in one day, mostly at school.
It's astounding how the diary made me eager to find out why Addison attempted suicide. I learned a lot about her, knowing what she thought about people and how she questioned her actions. The first entry of the journal had me prepared for an enthralling story. This kept me going through the book. The reason can only be put together after reading the whole book. The parts dedicated to each character revealed more about them. I understood what they were going through and how each coped with their everyday lives.
The aspect that drew me to this book is what it teaches. Considering these events happened in a day, it was like the episodes I saw online titled 'A Day in Life.' Going through a day with the characters made me realize the loneliness that comes from not having anyone to express yourself to or being afraid to talk about what you are going through, the unanswered questions that go through their heads, and many other things. I discovered the importance of having someone to talk to, seeking help, and the need for groups like the Hope Squad.
Julie Wright weaved a web that eventually connected. I learned a lot about abuse, drugs, suicide, and depression. I loved how strong Celia was despite all she went through. If this book doesn't change anyone's position on mental health, then I don't know what will. This is an example of grief bringing people together. My rating for this book is 5 out of 5 stars because what could I dislike in this satisfying book? The book is professionally edited because I only found two errors.
Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright reminded me of the book One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus. The strength of words and the characters who seemed to scream "Help!" to the world was inspiring. It's relieving to know that even though part of this book is inspired by real-life experiences, redemption and help were found. Every reader interested in mental health, autobiographies, and social issues will want to read this book. If you read One of Us Is Lying, you may crave this. I would also recommend this book if you are going through tough times and don't know what to do. Anyone sensitive to topics like suicide and child abuse should be careful. However, there are no graphic details of these events.
******
Swimming in a Sea of Stars
View: on Bookshelves |
After the 'going to the hospital incident', as Addison's mother refers to Addison's attempt to kill herself, Addison has to return to school. Addison is writing this in her journal, and she knows people will talk. They will be eager to know what made her do it. It would be a day she didn't want to face, but it came anyway. At school, she comes across different students who have pressing issues too. Some know each other, while others don't. Booker knows Addison, Avery knows Damion and Celia, and in between, the only link is that they are in the same school. Each problem was heavy on their chests but not similar to another. Addison's suicide attempt had indeed met many ears, making the big town she lived in tiny, but are people dwelling on this?
Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright is a mental awareness book that addresses many issues faced, especially in high school. Amid all the trouble the characters faced, they were all stuck in something they didn't know how to escape. Addison was trying to figure out her life after surviving and coming to terms with how her acts affected the people in her life. Celia, Damion, Booker, and Avery had difficulties at home and school and didn't know how to address them.
The structure of the book is unique. There are diary entries that represent all of Addison's thoughts and activities. The other parts of the book are titled by the name of the character being spoken about. Addison's diary entries have both the date and time of this occurrence. Apart from Addison contemplating how she'll return to school, the events happen in one day, mostly at school.
It's astounding how the diary made me eager to find out why Addison attempted suicide. I learned a lot about her, knowing what she thought about people and how she questioned her actions. The first entry of the journal had me prepared for an enthralling story. This kept me going through the book. The reason can only be put together after reading the whole book. The parts dedicated to each character revealed more about them. I understood what they were going through and how each coped with their everyday lives.
The aspect that drew me to this book is what it teaches. Considering these events happened in a day, it was like the episodes I saw online titled 'A Day in Life.' Going through a day with the characters made me realize the loneliness that comes from not having anyone to express yourself to or being afraid to talk about what you are going through, the unanswered questions that go through their heads, and many other things. I discovered the importance of having someone to talk to, seeking help, and the need for groups like the Hope Squad.
Julie Wright weaved a web that eventually connected. I learned a lot about abuse, drugs, suicide, and depression. I loved how strong Celia was despite all she went through. If this book doesn't change anyone's position on mental health, then I don't know what will. This is an example of grief bringing people together. My rating for this book is 5 out of 5 stars because what could I dislike in this satisfying book? The book is professionally edited because I only found two errors.
Swimming in a Sea of Stars by Julie Wright reminded me of the book One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus. The strength of words and the characters who seemed to scream "Help!" to the world was inspiring. It's relieving to know that even though part of this book is inspired by real-life experiences, redemption and help were found. Every reader interested in mental health, autobiographies, and social issues will want to read this book. If you read One of Us Is Lying, you may crave this. I would also recommend this book if you are going through tough times and don't know what to do. Anyone sensitive to topics like suicide and child abuse should be careful. However, there are no graphic details of these events.
******
Swimming in a Sea of Stars
View: on Bookshelves |
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