OCD, the Dude, and Me

As a mom of a son who has ADHD and anxiety issues, I’m always searching for books that have protagonists that deal with similar issues. Not only that but the portrayal has to be realistic or else I put the book aside.

I was really excited to read the blurb to OCD, THE DUDE, AND ME and knew I had to read it.

I felt the voice of this book was right on the mark. Danielle's struggles and the way she looks at the world reminded me of my son. This story doesn’t follow the usual storytelling format but rather is told in a journal type style that also reflects the character so much. This is Danielle’s senior year in high school. She has her own share of highs and lows and is recording her me-moir, hoping her last year in high school will be eventful. A classroom trip to England is approaching and Danielle isn’t sure she wants to go. She doesn’t think she’s attractive but rather fat with unmanageable hair. A series of events happen that help her not only grow but come out of her shell.

I loved Danielle. Her almost blunt-like behavior might come across as too abrupt to some but to me felt very real. The author does a great job showing a character who looks at the world differently than most of us. Just because Danielle does this doesn't make it wrong but rather like her English teacher Ms. Harrison says: "she is a liberator of sorts, showing others to see things differently." I love this.

The essay format added to the charm of this story. I loved how the author shows us Danielle through her essays, journal entries and the ‘real’ story behind the forced assignments.

You can’t help but feel Danielle’s successes, her disappointments, and even the deep hurt that comes when someone doesn’t return your affections.

I also loved her friend Daniel who brought Danielle out of her shell. He challenged her in ways that others didn’t.

There’s some serious topics that pop up in Danielle’s me-moir. I’d almost say Danielle is a cautious optimist even after she’s ridiculed by more than a few others in her alternative school.There’s others that support her that include her aunt, her psychologist, and her parents.

There’s so many scenes that felt true to me including one major reveal that is haunting and tragic. Once again, the author nails this.

Quirky, courageous, and spunky, Danielle is sure to worm herself into reader’s hearts. I know she did with me!