When I purchased this book, I did so because I love Neal Shusterman’s Unwind series and also his Scythe series. I didn’t look at the synopsis or reviews or anything like that.

When I saw the cover, I just assumed it was a story about some sort of diving expedition. So imagine my surprise when I start reading and realize it is a story dealing with mental illness. And, in my very uneducated opinion, it handles the topic with respect and sensitivity.


Shusterman wrote this book in a way that I think anyone could relate to it, because even though we’re experiencing this through the perspective of someone struggling with mental illness, we do see his family’s feelings of helplessness and I think that’s something everyone can empathize with.


I don’t really know what else to say about this book other than that. It was heartbreaking but also hopeful in its way. When I read the note from the author at the end, that probably had as much emotional impact on me that anything else in the book did. He explains that his son has dealt with schizophrenia and the drawings that appear throughout the book were done by his son while ‘in the depths.’

I really think this is an important book that more people need to read. I’m so glad I was mistaken about the nature of this book. Definitely one of the most surprising and impactful books I’ve ever read.