This is such a beautiful read that focuses on mental health!
Rating: 5/5
Amy has a normal life. That is, if you were to go by a definition of 'no immediate obvious indicators of peculiarity', and you didn't know her very well. She has good friends, a good job, a nice enough home. This normality, however, is precariously plastered on top of a different life. A life that is Amy's real life. The only one her brain will let her lead.
I received a copy of The Existence of Amy from the author, Lana Grave Riva, herself. In return for an honest review. Thank you so much for this opportunity!
From start to finish, I simply adored reading this. It’s such a beautifully written story that focuses on mental health from the perspective of someone struggling with their mental health. This was such an easy read, I read it in a single day. I just didn’t want to stop reading.
From start to finish, I simply adored reading this.
We follow Amy, who’s been silently struggling with her mental health. On the outside, she appears somewhat normal to her coworkers and friends, just a little shy and quiet, and a bit anti-social. But inside Amy’s head, she often struggles to simply leave her own home, among other mental blockers. We get to see Amy trying to live her life while her mental health slowly declines.
I don’t personally struggle with any mental illnesses, though I am familiar with them through friends’ experiences. And while I may not have any mental illnesses, I still found myself able to connect with Amy with how she felt in some situations especially regarding work. Amy felt so real. It was easy for me to feel exactly what Amy was feeling. My heart ached for her as she struggled to simply find the courage to go to work. I just wanted to give her a big hug.
My heart ached for her as she struggled to simply find the courage to go to work.
The pacing was great. As I mentioned, I read this in a single day. I found the storyline so easy to follow, I didn’t want to stop reading. I wanted to see how things would end for Amy, if she’d get the help she needed and be able to break free from her depression.
Speaking of the ending, I truly loved how it ended. I couldn’t see a better ending for Amy given the events that had happened. I found the way it ended to be so sweet!
Overall, I loved this book in its entirety! It was an amazing simple read that showcases mental health beautifully with all the darkness that we don’t always see. I think this would be a great read for anyone who enjoys Contemporary books that focus on mental health.