Support groups often provide listening and understanding beyond what professionals can offer. When that sort of personal contact isn’t immediately available, a book such as this can serve as a close substitute. The elegance and honesty with which these writers share raw emotions and practical knowledge make it a valuable resource.
Dublin-based songwriter Hession has written a tender and hilarious debut. The title characters are unforgettable, and their shared amazement of the world is a gift to readers. Essential reading, especially in these times.
Recommended for those interested in mindfulness and self-help, but also for those who identify as spending too much time catching up on COVID-19 news via social media.
For sophisticated readers, this novel offers an insightful and haunting portrait into a disintegrating mind, featuring visceral descriptions of a girl’s self-loathing and self-destructive behaviors. Yet the difficult subject matter is tempered by the wisdom of the adult author and, for the reader, the knowledge that she has made it through to the other side.