Everything That Makes Us Feel

by Chuck Murphree

Fifteen-year-old Neil lost his brother to suicide one year ago, and in the process, he lost his voice. Now, with his parents drifting apart and another first day at a new school, his life feels like it's spiraling out of control. That is, until Neil meets a high school counselor who gets him involved in the Polar Bear Club, where he connects with a group of classmates he can finally relate to. As their friendship grows, so do their adventures. Life throws out many challenges, and death forces us to ask "why" far too many times. In Everything That Makes Us Feel, Neil tries to navigate a world in search of the answers to those questions.

Genres: Young Adult

292 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2020

Reviews

[Karen Davis murphree · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book by a thoughtful author. Main character, Neil, shows us that we can do hard things. With a mental health crisis on the rise, this book is timely for teens and adults alike.

[Markie Hornung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything that makes us feel... more like the book that makes you feel everything all at once. This book was so well written, so relatable, and it hits you in your feelings (some you may not even realize you have). I found myself reading at times and I had tears streaming down my face. I loved and held on to every word!

Covering hard topics prevalent in society including anxiety, depression, suicide, and love are brought to light in such a genuine way in this story through main character Neil and his friends.

This book gives me hope.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going to lie, you definitely need to be ready to jump in and walk in the shoes of a young teenage boy, Neil, as he battles through the suicide of his brother and who he is. This book will hit you in every single spot possible. Told from Neil's POV, you will see and feel everything that Neil is going through from his brother's loss, his parents struggles with each other, feeling lost and without friends, etc.

Since his brother's death, Neil has been silent. When he starts school at a new school, he finds himself intrigued by the school counselor and wanting to speak. As he continues to build friendships, Neil learns so much more about himself and the healing that he needs in order to find himself in this world and begin to live life again. Each and every one of the characters in this book is absolutely incredible and you can't help but want to join the Polar Bear Club to meet them all.

[Elaine Hoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really learned a lot from this book. It is written in first person. Neil has lost his brother to suicide and has not spoken since. His parents are having problems and he has shut down. He loses it one day and is placed in a care facility to deal with his issues. His parents split up and he and his Mom go to live with his grandfather. He is at a new school and gets introduced to the Polar Bear Club, which has kids with issues too. The book helps one to realize that so many kids are dealing with issues that affect how they act and feel. The book was written by a fellow educator friend who has suffered from depression for many years.He wanted to share a story to help us help kids. . The story could be so many kids I have seen through out my years in education.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started crying on page two and cried the entire way through. It’s very difficult to read through tears and constantly blowing my nose. Maybe easier as an audio book.

I was likely so emotional about it because it's a book about a teenage boy's suicide and the effect it has on his brother. As a mother of teenage boys, I'm very susceptible to crying when a story is about a child in pain.

This book has an overall positive message about kids with mental health issues as long as they receive the right support and right group of friends. It feels like was written about teens in the 90's despite being published in 2020. The musical references are all very outdated and the author references cassette tapes, vinyl, and walkmans. It does not reflect current youths use of cell phones and social media at all. It makes me wonder if today's teens will be able to relate to it.

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a mental health professional for 27 years and worked with many teens before becoming a public librarian. I've read YA fiction extensively and can say that this is hands down the best YA fiction about what tragedy and depression can do to a teenager. Neil's inner voice is perfect and every character in the story is vividly drawn, but Mel really stood out because I've known several teens like her and they all deserved to find their Neil. Gramps is the best kind of Vietnam vet. This deserves a place in most school and public libraries.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books this year so far. Everything that makes us feel throws you in the shoes of a young teenager named Neil and shows you that we can do hard things. The Mental Health crisis is a very real thing and this book is well written.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book. It’s very powerful and something that I couldn’t put down!

[Seema M. Fazil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck Murphree's Everything That Makes Us Feel is a powerful novel about dealing with mental illness, as it explores sensitive subjects.

Full review at My Blog

[Elizabeth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read, if you work with troubled teens; if you are a teenager and believe that you may have a friend with depression or any mental health problems, a must-read. Parents of teens, or soon to be teens, a must-read. Chuck has taken his readers on a journey of learning and although it is a young adult novel, it is one for all ages. This book is easily a teaching tool. Congratulations Chuck Murphree.