Review by Booklist Review
Mental health and wellness lie at the core of this novel in verse that follows high-school senior Chiara as she lives an ideal life: smooth sailing at school, a reliable babysitting gig, strong friendships, and a nurturing family, not to mention an opportunity to pursue her ice-skating dreams. But the world doesn't realize what lies beneath the surface, in Chiara's psyche. Despite her opportunities and blessings, she is plagued by unstoppable, violent thought patterns that threaten to take over her life. Though her ever-supportive and understanding family--of Indian Italian heritage--encourages her to try therapy, Chiara is too scared and embarrassed to share her thoughts and compulsions with anyone else, and she worries that if she doesn't get help, her life will spiral out of control. Through verse, Chhabra weaves a complex story of the fears and stigma associated with mental health and mental illness, and though readers should be prepared to encounter trauma and violent thoughts, it is a privilege to watch Chiara grow and take control of her life.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
An aspiring figure skater is shaken when she begins having violent and unwanted thoughts in this powerful novel in verse for reluctant readers. In many ways, Chiara Benedetti is an ordinary high school senior. She and her best friend, Olivia, spend their free time at the ice skating rink; Chiara dreams of skating at the collegiate level. To earn some money, Chiara begins babysitting for her downstairs neighbors, the Guptas, caring for their adorable toddler, Julie. Everything changes when Chiara suddenly begins to imagine hurting Julie while she's in her care. Terrified that she'll get into trouble, Chiara doesn't know what to do about her intrusive thoughts. It's not until her parents find her a therapist that what is happening becomes clear: She is struggling with OCD. Chhabra details the extensive and often grueling treatments Chiara goes through with compassion while realistically depicting both Chiara's pain and her immigrant parents' struggle to understand why their child's personality has altered. As readers follow Chiara's story, which is narrated in clear, direct, first-person poems, they will be heartened to discover that treatment options are out there, and they will be rooting for her as she learns to manage her illness. Chiara's mother is Indian, and her father is Italian. A sympathetic and ultimately hopeful story of strength. (Verse novel. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
