Trigger Warnings:

suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, death by suicide, mental and emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression

This was not an easy book to read. There are so few light moments to cut through the heavy content that makes up this story.

I absolutely hated Cassie's mother. I've seen some reviews that call her one-dimensional and not authentic, but I have personally known people like her. Everything revolves around them and their comfort and happiness and nothing satisfies them. In that sense, I felt that she was a perfect example of a narcissist.

I didn't feel like there was any point in this book where I was surprised by anything that happened. The thing that Cassie is repressing is pretty easy to deduce if you're paying even a moment of attention.

James' death by suicide was also something I assumed was going to happen from the very beginning of the book.

I had a tough time buying into parts of the premise of this book. Cassie has been in a mental institution for years and all of a sudden she jumps right into college? I also wanted to see her interact with her father and brother after her release from the hospital, and felt that it could've added a layer to the story.

I don't think a romance was necessary in this story, it felt very much like a contrivance to get Cassie to remember her past.

I appreciate this book, and I think that if someone is able to read it without being triggered by some of the heavier content, it's a respectful look at a person dealing with mental illness and trauma.