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The Art of Insanity
High schooler Natalie Cordova has just been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. Her mom insists she keep it secret.
Putting up a front and hiding her mental illness from her classmates is going to be the hardest thing high schooler Natalie Cordova has ever done. It’s her senior year, and she’s just been selected to present her artwork at a prestigious show. With the stress of performing on her shoulders, it doesn’t help when Natalie notices a boy who makes her heart leap. And then there’s fellow student Ella, who confronts Natalie about her summer car “accident” and pressures her into caring for the world’s ugliest dog. Now Natalie finds herself juggling all kinds of feels and responsibilities. Surely her newly prescribed medication is to blame for the funk she finds herself in. But as Natalie’s plan to self-treat unravels, so does the perfect façade she’s been painting for everyone else.
Written from experience, this heartfelt and candid contemporary YA novel explores the stigma surrounding mental illness and offers an uplifting narrative of resilience.
Putting up a front and hiding her mental illness from her classmates is going to be the hardest thing high schooler Natalie Cordova has ever done. It’s her senior year, and she’s just been selected to present her artwork at a prestigious show. With the stress of performing on her shoulders, it doesn’t help when Natalie notices a boy who makes her heart leap. And then there’s fellow student Ella, who confronts Natalie about her summer car “accident” and pressures her into caring for the world’s ugliest dog. Now Natalie finds herself juggling all kinds of feels and responsibilities. Surely her newly prescribed medication is to blame for the funk she finds herself in. But as Natalie’s plan to self-treat unravels, so does the perfect façade she’s been painting for everyone else.
Written from experience, this heartfelt and candid contemporary YA novel explores the stigma surrounding mental illness and offers an uplifting narrative of resilience.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2022
21 people are currently reading
3615 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
July 14, 2022
This incredible own voices novel about the struggles of growing up with a mental illness was heartbreaking in places. Having also grown up with bipolar disorder and having had it take over my teenage years, I found Natalie’s story highly relatable. I enjoyed the discussion of medication and the stigma it has as well as its benefits as this is often glossed over in YA where only therapy tends to be mentioned as a treatment.
October 30, 2022
A brave and beautiful novel about Natalie, a teen just diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The author also has the illness, so there is a sense of profound authenticity to the writing. Should be in every school library as it destigmatizes mental illness and gives hope to sufferers.
Thanks to Christine Webb, Peachtree Teen, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
Thanks to Christine Webb, Peachtree Teen, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
April 15, 2023
This is Y.A. fiction at its best!
Beautifully written story about a teenage girl who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, after a manic episode almost ends in tragedy. Natalie’s mother wants to keep up appearances, so she constantly urges her to keep quiet about her diagnosis. Natalie is fine with keeping the secret; she has enough trouble being known for her “accident”. What she doesn’t like is feeling as though her mother is ashamed of her because of the disorder, and disappointed because Natalie’s one passion in life is creating art. Then, Natalie finds out that her mother has been keeping a secret from her and her brother for fourteen years. A secret about their dad, whom they barely remember…
Add in a sweet romance, and the adoption of a rowdy pug named Petunia, and this book became a real winner. The fact that it has no vulgar language in it anywhere; that was a refreshing surprise. Many Y.A. authors today seem to think the more foul language used, the more chance the book has of being read.
Trigger Warnings:
Suicide attempt that took place before the beginning is referenced several times. Mental-health therapy and drugs are the approaches used to treat bipolar disorder.
Beautifully written story about a teenage girl who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, after a manic episode almost ends in tragedy. Natalie’s mother wants to keep up appearances, so she constantly urges her to keep quiet about her diagnosis. Natalie is fine with keeping the secret; she has enough trouble being known for her “accident”. What she doesn’t like is feeling as though her mother is ashamed of her because of the disorder, and disappointed because Natalie’s one passion in life is creating art. Then, Natalie finds out that her mother has been keeping a secret from her and her brother for fourteen years. A secret about their dad, whom they barely remember…
Add in a sweet romance, and the adoption of a rowdy pug named Petunia, and this book became a real winner. The fact that it has no vulgar language in it anywhere; that was a refreshing surprise. Many Y.A. authors today seem to think the more foul language used, the more chance the book has of being read.
Trigger Warnings:
Suicide attempt that took place before the beginning is referenced several times. Mental-health therapy and drugs are the approaches used to treat bipolar disorder.
July 22, 2022
The art of insanity 4⭐️
I loved how real this book was and i loved Natalie as a protagonist. This book highlights her journey growing up with bipolar disorder. This book goes in depth about mental illness and the stigma surrounding it. I did enjoy this book but it’s not the kind of book i would usually read. I don’t usually enjoy contemporary books and i never read books regarding mental health and realistic problems, but this book definitely changed my mind! If you’re looking for a book that handles mental illness and medication well this is it.
I loved how real this book was and i loved Natalie as a protagonist. This book highlights her journey growing up with bipolar disorder. This book goes in depth about mental illness and the stigma surrounding it. I did enjoy this book but it’s not the kind of book i would usually read. I don’t usually enjoy contemporary books and i never read books regarding mental health and realistic problems, but this book definitely changed my mind! If you’re looking for a book that handles mental illness and medication well this is it.
April 3, 2023
I really hate giving low ratings to books about mental health or mental illness. It physically hurts me. But I’m working on giving ratings based on my personal enjoyment and criticism (or lack of). I truly appreciate the awareness this book brings, and in no way do I wish to disparage that. My main issues are wrapped around the writing and the plot.
The MC’s journey was wrapped around her complicated feelings around her bipolar diagnosis. This was my favorite part: her mistrust of medication was relatable and clearly drawn. However, this encompassed my feelings about the entire book: it was so clearly written there was nothing to grab on to. Everything was achingly spelled out. The plot felt like a cookie cutter of YA angst. Everything was obvious from the beginning: what romance would play out, the angst she would feel, the ‘secret’ she would figure out, even which friend would end up dating her brother. There was no chance for the reader to draw their own conjecture about anything.
Thanks for reading :)
The MC’s journey was wrapped around her complicated feelings around her bipolar diagnosis. This was my favorite part: her mistrust of medication was relatable and clearly drawn. However, this encompassed my feelings about the entire book: it was so clearly written there was nothing to grab on to. Everything was achingly spelled out. The plot felt like a cookie cutter of YA angst. Everything was obvious from the beginning: what romance would play out, the angst she would feel, the ‘secret’ she would figure out, even which friend would end up dating her brother. There was no chance for the reader to draw their own conjecture about anything.
Thanks for reading :)
November 8, 2022
Definitely one of my top reads of this month, so far.
The Art of Insanity is so well-written, the characters are so amazing and the storyline is so well-structured. Nothing felt too forced onto the story and it all really just flowed so easily. I mean, wow.
I fell in love with Natalie the moment I started reading the book, she is such an easy character to support and love and even, sometimes, relate to. It was so funny and authentic, and sometimes sad, to read her thoughts. I mean, it truly didn't felt like reading a book, it felt like being inside her mind, or inside her journal (or diary). It is also quite clear how her mind messes with her and how it changes her life throughout the story, in relation to other characters and even herself. The way she finds new people in her life, and the way they help her take a hold of her life when she can't do it, I mean...hats off for that.
I can only complain about one thing really: THAT ENDING! How dare this book end like that? I was reading so peacefully and, all of a sudden, it's like a cliff appeared in front of me. I was so confused and, honestly, sad that that was the ending. I wanted more, so much more! And yet, it ended so well. It just...it ended sort of abruptly but in a very good way. I don't know anymore, the ending just really got me in shock I think. I did not expect it to be like that, so sudden and out of the blue.
Either way, this book really is extraordinary. It brings light to mental issues in a very truthful way, and the struggles and challenges that arrive with them. No doubt everyone should take a look at this book and maybe learn something new. About themselves, or even about other people. I definitely learned some new things with this one.
And, obviously, the best character in this whole book is Petunia "Toons" May Cordova. There is no argument here.
Signing off,
B.
The Art of Insanity is so well-written, the characters are so amazing and the storyline is so well-structured. Nothing felt too forced onto the story and it all really just flowed so easily. I mean, wow.
I fell in love with Natalie the moment I started reading the book, she is such an easy character to support and love and even, sometimes, relate to. It was so funny and authentic, and sometimes sad, to read her thoughts. I mean, it truly didn't felt like reading a book, it felt like being inside her mind, or inside her journal (or diary). It is also quite clear how her mind messes with her and how it changes her life throughout the story, in relation to other characters and even herself. The way she finds new people in her life, and the way they help her take a hold of her life when she can't do it, I mean...hats off for that.
I can only complain about one thing really: THAT ENDING! How dare this book end like that? I was reading so peacefully and, all of a sudden, it's like a cliff appeared in front of me. I was so confused and, honestly, sad that that was the ending. I wanted more, so much more! And yet, it ended so well. It just...it ended sort of abruptly but in a very good way. I don't know anymore, the ending just really got me in shock I think. I did not expect it to be like that, so sudden and out of the blue.
Either way, this book really is extraordinary. It brings light to mental issues in a very truthful way, and the struggles and challenges that arrive with them. No doubt everyone should take a look at this book and maybe learn something new. About themselves, or even about other people. I definitely learned some new things with this one.
And, obviously, the best character in this whole book is Petunia "Toons" May Cordova. There is no argument here.
Signing off,
B.
July 21, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Natalie has two secrets, and her mom can't seem to agree with her on which is bigger: the real reason behind the car accident this summer, or her recent bipolar disorder diagnosis and medication. Determined to keep everything under wraps like her mom asked, she focuses on other stuff: her art, winning homecoming queen, and the dog she's convinced into getting because someone knows her secret. Senior year, here we come!
You know the feeling when you start reading a book and you think, "this is gonna be a good one?" That's "The Art of Insanity" for sure. After recently reading another successful Peachtree Teen book, I am convinced that they've got the good stuff.
Mental illness is portrayed in a way that feels accurate for the age group. It's hard enough figuring out who you are as a person when you're in high school, but also trying to navigate the stigma of mental illness adds an additional layer of pressure. Natalie and her friends feel real and the story plays out well. You're rooting for her the whole way, and who doesn't love a main character you can cheer for?
CW: mental illness, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, manic episode
Natalie has two secrets, and her mom can't seem to agree with her on which is bigger: the real reason behind the car accident this summer, or her recent bipolar disorder diagnosis and medication. Determined to keep everything under wraps like her mom asked, she focuses on other stuff: her art, winning homecoming queen, and the dog she's convinced into getting because someone knows her secret. Senior year, here we come!
You know the feeling when you start reading a book and you think, "this is gonna be a good one?" That's "The Art of Insanity" for sure. After recently reading another successful Peachtree Teen book, I am convinced that they've got the good stuff.
Mental illness is portrayed in a way that feels accurate for the age group. It's hard enough figuring out who you are as a person when you're in high school, but also trying to navigate the stigma of mental illness adds an additional layer of pressure. Natalie and her friends feel real and the story plays out well. You're rooting for her the whole way, and who doesn't love a main character you can cheer for?
CW: mental illness, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, manic episode
September 14, 2022
This is the first book I've read that dealt with mental illness from many different viewpoints.
It was incredible.
Every character's reaction was unique and honest. There was nothing simple or glossed over. It felt like the author spoke from the heart and wrote a book that was approachable and true. And I appreciated the author noting that this is only one person's experience and everyone is different. I think it is such a helpful book for people not as familiar with mental illness and how it affects everyone around them.
I appreciate how difficult this must have been to write but I want to thank the author for dealing with a topic that many want to stay hidden.
Mental illness may have been the linchpin of the storyline but the story is great, the characters are well thought out and it was very entertaining.
It was incredible.
Every character's reaction was unique and honest. There was nothing simple or glossed over. It felt like the author spoke from the heart and wrote a book that was approachable and true. And I appreciated the author noting that this is only one person's experience and everyone is different. I think it is such a helpful book for people not as familiar with mental illness and how it affects everyone around them.
I appreciate how difficult this must have been to write but I want to thank the author for dealing with a topic that many want to stay hidden.
Mental illness may have been the linchpin of the storyline but the story is great, the characters are well thought out and it was very entertaining.
July 24, 2022
Wow! Just wow! Along with being my 39th book of the year that I have read, The Art of Insanity is my favorite book of all time! That is no small feat… As someone who struggles with mental illnesses and Autism Spectrum Disorder, this book was a breath of fresh air and something I never thought I would come across. This book is an amazing and honest portrayal of what it really is like to struggle with mental illnesses. Not only did it address things like keeping mental illness a secret from others and peoples' perceptions of mental illness, but it also talks about useful coping skills. I found myself crying and laughing throughout the book and it was extremely difficult to put down. I read it within less than two days. The main character struggles with friendships, family and relationships in general but the ending is absolutely so beautiful. I think the main messages are both to accept yourself for who you are, and that friendships change but your true friends love you no matter what. The best we can do in life is to continue to work through the difficulties and obstacles. This book is clearly a 5 out of 5 stars rating. Thank you to NetGalley and the Peachtree (publisher) for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. -Chelsea K. Reviewer
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed The Art Of Insanity. At first I thought the story was just going to follow Natalie's struggle with her recent diagnosis but the book was so much more than that. As an adult reader there were some things that I had to wrack my brain to remember, like how it felt to be that age and trying to find yourself and navigate your way through school. However there were plenty of moments when I realized I'm still mentally that age sometimes and I still get excited about the same things I did at that age. There were moments when I found myself shouting at the book, especially when it came to the characters of Cecily and Brynn. They were not popular with me lol Without giving too much away I really liked when Natalie's mind was running wild as the pace of the book completely changed and I began to read the words as fast as she was thinking them. It was really well done. I loved the different stories unfolding and I felt everyone got enough time in the book to make them important and memorable. Overall this was a five star read for me and I'd look forward to read more from Christine Webb.
November 2, 2022
Whether you know someone with a mental illness or not, this book is entertaining as well as educational. Webb's serious portrayal of a difficult subject is made easier to swallow with the antics of the pug. Webb also uses the backdrop of beautiful art to showcase some of the main character's ugliest life moments. A must-read to encourage teenage girls to take a look outside themselves and their clicks, it's a great read for adults, too. This is a book about telling the truth no matter what the costs and how our decisions impact others immediately and for generations to come.
I listened to the book on Audible. The narrator gives an outstanding performance. I highly recommend this book!
I listened to the book on Audible. The narrator gives an outstanding performance. I highly recommend this book!
December 28, 2022
This was sooo good omg. So much emotion in every scene. My absolute favorite was the car scene with Brent. The entire time I had been waiting for them to get close AND THEY DID. The dad shit was CRAZY though. Ty was not the point of the story but still cute. Also I’m going stir crazy in Arkansas send help
December 10, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! But first of all trigger warnings for attempted suicide, mental illness etc.
This book had a great bipolar disorder and Autism representation!
Natalie has a secret she can’t tell anyone. She’s Bipolar and had an accident a few months ago! Natalie is a talented artist and even been selected to show her painting at the upcoming art show. But being a high schooler having a secret might just be one of the hardest things Natalie has ever dealt with! A boy named Ty makes her heart flutter but what will he think if he knew the truth? Then there’s Ella the girl who was there at the scene of the accident and knows the truth! Ella pressures Natalie to take care of her grandmother’s ugly dog a put named Petunia. With all these stresses will the perfect painting Natalie created come crashing down?
This book was such a wonderful masterpiece no “pun” intended! I loved Natalie’s character and growth throughout this book! I loved her friendship with Ella that blooms! I absolutely fell in love with “toons” Petunia the pug! I just wanted to picture why she was described as an “ugly” dog by everyone! I just wanted to cuddle her and get all the kisses! Natalie took such great care of her! She was one of my favourite characters in the book! She was so sassy! I loved how this book talked about bipolar I don’t know a lot about bipolar except a few things. But I really felt for Natalie and just wanting to be normal! I liked how therapy was discussed in the book because sometimes I feel like therapy is the last thing on a high schoolers mind. That’s the last thing they want to do is talk about their feelings. But I find therapy very useful and hope this book shows other YA readers it’s ok to ask for help! You don’t have to feel alone! I absolutely loved Ella’s character and that’s all I’m going to say! Please pick up this book!
This book had a great bipolar disorder and Autism representation!
Natalie has a secret she can’t tell anyone. She’s Bipolar and had an accident a few months ago! Natalie is a talented artist and even been selected to show her painting at the upcoming art show. But being a high schooler having a secret might just be one of the hardest things Natalie has ever dealt with! A boy named Ty makes her heart flutter but what will he think if he knew the truth? Then there’s Ella the girl who was there at the scene of the accident and knows the truth! Ella pressures Natalie to take care of her grandmother’s ugly dog a put named Petunia. With all these stresses will the perfect painting Natalie created come crashing down?
This book was such a wonderful masterpiece no “pun” intended! I loved Natalie’s character and growth throughout this book! I loved her friendship with Ella that blooms! I absolutely fell in love with “toons” Petunia the pug! I just wanted to picture why she was described as an “ugly” dog by everyone! I just wanted to cuddle her and get all the kisses! Natalie took such great care of her! She was one of my favourite characters in the book! She was so sassy! I loved how this book talked about bipolar I don’t know a lot about bipolar except a few things. But I really felt for Natalie and just wanting to be normal! I liked how therapy was discussed in the book because sometimes I feel like therapy is the last thing on a high schoolers mind. That’s the last thing they want to do is talk about their feelings. But I find therapy very useful and hope this book shows other YA readers it’s ok to ask for help! You don’t have to feel alone! I absolutely loved Ella’s character and that’s all I’m going to say! Please pick up this book!
July 24, 2022
this was a quick, enjoyable read. the characters were decent, the plot was good and well paced, and the overall message was great.
i found natalie to be a decent protagonist. to be honest; she was kind of bland and didn’t stick out to me, but at least she wasn’t annoying either. i liked her character development too, and seeing her learn to stop caring about what others think. on that note, i hated her friends, brynn and cecily. they were shallow and only cared about unimportant things. overall they were just super unlikeable and seemed extremely dumb. i get this was the point of the characters, but the stereotypes were just not fun to read about.
the plot was engaging and i probably liked that part the most. i was invested in natalie’s life and it felt well rounded, i enjoyed all of the components. there wasn’t a subplot that didn’t interest me, so that was a plus.
one complaint is the writing style. it was very plain and lacked detail. it’s not terrible, but it is kind of juvenile. it’s confusing because while this writing would be great for a middle grade book, it talks about topics too heavy for that. so it’s just kind of a weird mixture.
overall, i thought this was a solid book. it portrays the message of not caring what others think and talks about stigma around mental health. it was overdramatic at times (i really don’t think everyone in the school cared about her being bipolar that much?) but it was still a good read!
thank you to netgalley and peachtree teen for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own.
i found natalie to be a decent protagonist. to be honest; she was kind of bland and didn’t stick out to me, but at least she wasn’t annoying either. i liked her character development too, and seeing her learn to stop caring about what others think. on that note, i hated her friends, brynn and cecily. they were shallow and only cared about unimportant things. overall they were just super unlikeable and seemed extremely dumb. i get this was the point of the characters, but the stereotypes were just not fun to read about.
the plot was engaging and i probably liked that part the most. i was invested in natalie’s life and it felt well rounded, i enjoyed all of the components. there wasn’t a subplot that didn’t interest me, so that was a plus.
one complaint is the writing style. it was very plain and lacked detail. it’s not terrible, but it is kind of juvenile. it’s confusing because while this writing would be great for a middle grade book, it talks about topics too heavy for that. so it’s just kind of a weird mixture.
overall, i thought this was a solid book. it portrays the message of not caring what others think and talks about stigma around mental health. it was overdramatic at times (i really don’t think everyone in the school cared about her being bipolar that much?) but it was still a good read!
thank you to netgalley and peachtree teen for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own.
December 12, 2022
I.. have no idea how to put my feelings for this book into words. It's totally amazing! The storyline, and the main idea about bipolar disorder. This book reveals the life of a high school artist 18 years-old Natalie who has grown up with her only brother, Brent, and a single Mother, Maggie who has convinced her children of the fact about the death of their dad when they were young. Natalia with such an illness and her struggles in dealing with it. That affects the way she behaves toward her folks, losing trust in herself, and the way her mind works. Until someday, her life changed, the day when She found out the truth about her dead dad.
I adored this book a lot, I haven't seen any of my friends or someone who deals with Bipolar Disorder in my life and I'm glad that I read this book. With that, I discovered so many new facts about how it feels to be a person with this illness, and it is obviously complicated to handle.
There are some scenes of cute romance but as it wasn't the main topic, the book didn't go a lot to that point which makes me more curious about it. But I am definitely in love with this book no matter what.
Big thanks to the author and NetGalley for this free copy, and this review is on my own.
TW: Mental Illness, Suicide Attempt.
I adored this book a lot, I haven't seen any of my friends or someone who deals with Bipolar Disorder in my life and I'm glad that I read this book. With that, I discovered so many new facts about how it feels to be a person with this illness, and it is obviously complicated to handle.
There are some scenes of cute romance but as it wasn't the main topic, the book didn't go a lot to that point which makes me more curious about it. But I am definitely in love with this book no matter what.
Big thanks to the author and NetGalley for this free copy, and this review is on my own.
TW: Mental Illness, Suicide Attempt.
October 15, 2022
DNF @ 32%
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Unpopular opinion, again, so ignore me. A lot of people have enjoyed this book, but this wasn't my cup of tea. I tried to read it.
It was the funky cover and cool title that got me interested in this book. I thought that it would be fast-paced after the first chapter, but it slowed down and got kinda boring. I felt like the original mystery at hand was not looked at again (up to where I stopped, at least) so I got too bored to really care.
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Unpopular opinion, again, so ignore me. A lot of people have enjoyed this book, but this wasn't my cup of tea. I tried to read it.
It was the funky cover and cool title that got me interested in this book. I thought that it would be fast-paced after the first chapter, but it slowed down and got kinda boring. I felt like the original mystery at hand was not looked at again (up to where I stopped, at least) so I got too bored to really care.
May 9, 2024
3.8 i literally cried
‘a crush is like the flu. you can try to convince yourself you’re not getting it, but you end up with the stomach issues anyway.’
‘a crush is like the flu. you can try to convince yourself you’re not getting it, but you end up with the stomach issues anyway.’
December 16, 2022
Recently diagnosed with bipolar, high school senior Natalie grapples with whether or not share her secret.
When I first saw this premise, I was very excited to try it and was expecting a powerful and emotional story. Unfortunately, it was very much "Young Adult." Yes, I'm aware that it was intended to be but just because it was written for young adults doesn't mean it couldn't evoked more emotion. In my opinion, the portrayal (except for one pivotal scene) felt very flat and simple. The last 25-30% was much better and included the scene referenced above in which Natalie's bipolar finally felt real and raw.
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
When I first saw this premise, I was very excited to try it and was expecting a powerful and emotional story. Unfortunately, it was very much "Young Adult." Yes, I'm aware that it was intended to be but just because it was written for young adults doesn't mean it couldn't evoked more emotion. In my opinion, the portrayal (except for one pivotal scene) felt very flat and simple. The last 25-30% was much better and included the scene referenced above in which Natalie's bipolar finally felt real and raw.
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 5, 2023
This was an amazing look inside one character's experience with mental illness. With an ample dose of humor, Webb tackles the subject with knowledge and grace. A must read for everyone
November 7, 2022
Hand to fans of John Green’s works. Appreciate the acceptance message sent about mental illness.
August 24, 2022
Between a car crash, a newly diagnosed bipolar disorder, her mom's expectations, and the pressure to get into art school, Natalie is determined to be the okayest, definitely healthy, totally-not-hiding-anything, high school senior. But pretending for the sake of normal is even harder than she antecipated.
This is an extremely lighthearted read despite dealing with some heavier topics. It breaches important situations where nothing is ever black and white, and illustrates both the anxieties related to social stigma and the perspective of someone with BPD so, so well, that I feel even those with little knowledge or misconceptions about it can follow easily.
This is why own voices are so important: there's detail and great care into describing each of Nat's struggles.
I devoured this book in one afternoon, and genuinely laughed out loud in a couple scenes. I personally like that what I thought would be a dreadful clichê turned out interesting, instead of being there for the sake of a gotcha. My main complaint is that the story could've benefited from a few more pages towards the ending, where it wrapped a bit too quickly to be completely satisfactory.
The Art of Insanity is very teen, from the adorable love interest to the school gossip drama, but I'm all in for books about mental health that are easier to digest, not filled with suffering and triggers. It's exactly this type of story that can reach a larger audience, and educate younger people.
Nat's journey towards self-acceptance is insightful and heartwarming, even if a little bumpy.
Thanks for NetGalley and Peachtree for an advance copy for review purposes.
This is an extremely lighthearted read despite dealing with some heavier topics. It breaches important situations where nothing is ever black and white, and illustrates both the anxieties related to social stigma and the perspective of someone with BPD so, so well, that I feel even those with little knowledge or misconceptions about it can follow easily.
This is why own voices are so important: there's detail and great care into describing each of Nat's struggles.
I devoured this book in one afternoon, and genuinely laughed out loud in a couple scenes. I personally like that what I thought would be a dreadful clichê turned out interesting, instead of being there for the sake of a gotcha. My main complaint is that the story could've benefited from a few more pages towards the ending, where it wrapped a bit too quickly to be completely satisfactory.
The Art of Insanity is very teen, from the adorable love interest to the school gossip drama, but I'm all in for books about mental health that are easier to digest, not filled with suffering and triggers. It's exactly this type of story that can reach a larger audience, and educate younger people.
Nat's journey towards self-acceptance is insightful and heartwarming, even if a little bumpy.
Thanks for NetGalley and Peachtree for an advance copy for review purposes.
September 6, 2022
“The Art of Insanity” by Christine Webb deals with mental illness in a way which I have not seen before. By making Natalie Cordova, a highschool student, the protagonist of this story we as a reader get a rather unusual point of view. It all starts with Nat – as she is called by friends and family -returning to school after summer and after “the accident” as her family calls it. What actually happened was that Nat after having found out that she suffers under Bipolar disorder is, that in the heat of the moment she attempted suicide. Neither suicide attempt nor her illness should become public. At least this is what her mother insists on.
Therefore, we follow Nat as she returns with a big secret and starts questioning her relationships as well as her lifegoals so far. What often helps her cope is on the one hand art, on the other hand the new connections she makes to people as well as one peculiar pug.
The most impressive thing about Christine Webbs book is that even though she does not shy away from touching very serious aspects of mental illness, she manages to do so in a very positive manner that in the end we as a reader get a better understanding of different illnesses without the urge to pity the people living with it. Nat learns that she is who she wants to be and this message makes this book one of my favourite reads this year.
Therefore, we follow Nat as she returns with a big secret and starts questioning her relationships as well as her lifegoals so far. What often helps her cope is on the one hand art, on the other hand the new connections she makes to people as well as one peculiar pug.
The most impressive thing about Christine Webbs book is that even though she does not shy away from touching very serious aspects of mental illness, she manages to do so in a very positive manner that in the end we as a reader get a better understanding of different illnesses without the urge to pity the people living with it. Nat learns that she is who she wants to be and this message makes this book one of my favourite reads this year.
December 21, 2022
All the trials, tribulations and emotions of mental health. Great writing and understanding of the effects, not only on Natalie, but on those in her life.
November 5, 2022
This story is on point of what it is like to be a teen with bipolar disorder, the hard truth. The author uses humor to help the main character cope. It is story of growth, finding out your parents are not perfect and who will be your true friends. This story could help a lot of young girls that they are not alone in mental illness and the struggles are real.
Natalie is just trying to make it through high school with her newly diagnose of bipolar disorder. Her mom wants her to keep it a secret but hiding seems harder than she ever imagined. Her artwork is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to make it into an art show. She takes on dog by helping a friend who loves her no matter what. There are new friends she wants to open up to about her past and her mental illness, but could she lose them? Her parents' secrets are revealed, can she come back from all the lies?
This story is relatable and had me hooked to the end, I hope to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen Published
Natalie is just trying to make it through high school with her newly diagnose of bipolar disorder. Her mom wants her to keep it a secret but hiding seems harder than she ever imagined. Her artwork is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to make it into an art show. She takes on dog by helping a friend who loves her no matter what. There are new friends she wants to open up to about her past and her mental illness, but could she lose them? Her parents' secrets are revealed, can she come back from all the lies?
This story is relatable and had me hooked to the end, I hope to read more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen Published
December 7, 2022
Mental health stigma is unfortunately still a thing, so I appreciated how honest and open Webb was with her writing. While not a perfect book, the strong support system Natalie forges and the bittersweet ending were nice to see.
I was especially impressed with how Webb portrayed being in the middle of a manic episode and overwhelming panic attacks; I have OCD and I immediately picked up on how difficult it was for Natalie to think clearly. A metaphor my therapist uses for being in the thick of a mental health spike is having a TV screen in your face, flooding your senses and being the only thing you’re able to focus on. Natalie had her own TV screen shutting her into her own thoughts several times, and it was easy to see why she couldn’t just “snap out of it”.
We need more books like this in general coming from authors who have authentic mental health experiences, especially in YA. I know I needed something like that when I was younger, and having that validation is so powerful and can be a huge help to someone who might be struggling.
I was especially impressed with how Webb portrayed being in the middle of a manic episode and overwhelming panic attacks; I have OCD and I immediately picked up on how difficult it was for Natalie to think clearly. A metaphor my therapist uses for being in the thick of a mental health spike is having a TV screen in your face, flooding your senses and being the only thing you’re able to focus on. Natalie had her own TV screen shutting her into her own thoughts several times, and it was easy to see why she couldn’t just “snap out of it”.
We need more books like this in general coming from authors who have authentic mental health experiences, especially in YA. I know I needed something like that when I was younger, and having that validation is so powerful and can be a huge help to someone who might be struggling.
November 13, 2022
5 stars because I would pick this up and immediately read it again! The main character, Natalie, is relatable and it was easy to access her mind. I was also pleasantly surprised at how easy of a read it was despite some tougher mental health topics being discussed. It was nice to hear Natalie's feelings on how others reacted to her diagnosis. It took me a chapter or two to get into the book but once I got past the set up of characters and the story line, I was hooked. I raced through it in a few days. I'm also a sucker for a secondary plot of romance so that was fun! I would definitely read another book about Natalie but I'm really pulling for a book about the character Ella; she was so entertaining!
January 18, 2023
I wish this book would have existed when I was a teenager. As someone with mental illness, I was ashamed for so long. I resisted treatment because of the stigma associated with all of it. Natalie reminds me soooo much of teenage self. She is a girl with a lot of friends and talents, but she can't even think of the future because she doesn't know how she will even make it there. I could totally connect with her attempts to "self-treat" and her moments of isolation. I am so happy books like this are being published to show young people they are not alone. The author, Christine Webb, has bipolar disorder, so this book qualifies as an "Own Voices" read. It makes me glad to see she has a good life with a family and a job she loves.
March 21, 2024
3.75 stars!
13+
Genres: Realistic fiction (mental health), romance
I received this as an ARC, and these are all my own opinions and are not biased in any way.
This follows Natalie, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her mother is very insistent in keeping it a secret, and this book follows her and her journey. She's an aspiring artist, and the pressure of everything is building up. An inspiring story of passion, journey with mental health, and a tinge of romance.
13+
Genres: Realistic fiction (mental health), romance
I received this as an ARC, and these are all my own opinions and are not biased in any way.
This follows Natalie, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her mother is very insistent in keeping it a secret, and this book follows her and her journey. She's an aspiring artist, and the pressure of everything is building up. An inspiring story of passion, journey with mental health, and a tinge of romance.
September 11, 2022
I really liked the book!! The concept, the characters, everything. I typically don’t like reading books about mental illness because sometimes I feel that they are portrayed inaccurately, but I think this book did a great job with it!
September 19, 2022
A great book that explores the mental health journey of teens through the eyes of the protagonist. The author doesn't shy away from the struggles that come with a mental health diagnosis and bring raw and real emotions to the forefront.
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