More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova (eBOOK)
OVERVIEW
All I can say is, "WOW, WOW, WOW!" This was a brilliant book by Lisa Genova who is a Harvard-trained neurologist. I have read most of her books which are about a specific brain disease and are incredible.
This book was different as it was about a mental illness - bipolar disease. This was a raw, real, and insightful deep dive into bipolar disease. As with most mental illnesses, it is a hidden secret that is not shared with others due to the potential for stigmatism. It was a horrifying ride for the main character, but it offered so much hope at the end.
TRIGGER WARNING: Death by a suicide attempt, drug use, manic/depressive episodes, alcohol abuse, mental hospitalization, cutting, foul language
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Lisa writes so, so beautifully. She writes knowingly about this disease without talking down to the reader. It was just such an incredible job of making bipolar disease understandable and less frightening as it is not a death sentence.
I also loved the text exchanges with emojis and the cultural references to Taylor Swift, It was perfect for a character who is a Gen Z!!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main character is Maddy. Her name is in the book title and the one who suffers from bipolar disease. She is an NYU student whose life unravels during her sophomore year. Her character is so developed that I can visually picture her.
The secondary characters are Amy (Maddy's mom), Emily (Maddy's sister), and Dr. Weaver (Maddy's psychiatrist/therapist). These characters were relatable and believable parts of Maddy's story.
The tertiary characters are the rest of Maddy's family, her hometown friends, her NYU friends, and New York City.
As is true for most novels, this novel had many characters to round out the storyline and to fully explain Maddy's situations.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
This novel is told in organized flashbacks which I liked because it would have been difficult to understand what was happening without the prequel. This storyline covers about two years in Maddy's journey before, during, and after her bipolar diagnosis.
Honestly, at times it was hard to read, but it describes bipolar disease as it is with the good, bad, and the ugly.
The main locations were New York City and Connecticut.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
As someone who has depression, there are so many positive takeaways. But, the biggest is someone has bipolar disease and is not bipolar disease. The wording is important and significant to anyone with any disease, but especially mental illnesses.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Gorgeous!
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrowed (eBOOK)
More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
367 pages
Gallery/Scout Press
Release date of 1/14/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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