Review Detail

What worked: This is an authentic portrayal of a teen who deals with severe anxiety. I know, as I deal with anxiety too. The author nails the feelings, struggles, fears, and yes, worries that go through someone's mind while dealing with anxiety attacks. I had to put the story down a few times, as the emotions Maeve went through, rang very true.

Maeve worries all the time to the point that she thinks of the worse scenario for everything. Very authentic! Maeve's mother goes off with her boyfriend Raymond to help for six months in Haiti. Due to Maeve's anxiety, she is sent to live with her father and his new family in Vancouver. Her father is a recovering addict and her stepmother is pregnant. A big plus for not having the stereotypical terrible stepmother. Maeve tries to hate her, but can't.

Though I loved the portrayal of a teen struggling with severe anxiety, I did feel that some of the issues in the novel were almost handled too perfectly. I did like that neither of her families are judgmental about her coming out and do feel that sends a positive message out there. But it felt almost as if they were too accepting of her addict father after he starts using again. Though the father is pretty honest to Maeve on what to expect.

Salix balances out Maeve and tries to help her to take chances and not let fear rule her life. Readers also learn more about Maeve's first girlfriend and an experience that goes terribly wrong with another friend.

This is also a coming of age story with a sweet same sex relationship. When she meets Salix, she feels something more than worry. Their relationship is filled with firsts.

Powerful insight into the life of a teen suffering from severe anxiety but also one that shows the power of friendship and love. Maeve's journey is sure to resonate with teens.