My Heart and Other Black Holes

Originally posted on bluchickenninja.com.

This book was really fantastic at portraying depression in a real way. It was so accurate that I actually became frustrated with the characters. In the past I have had low moments and though about death and I came to the realisation that I would much rather be alive than dead. Having experience with depression I know I should have sympathised with the characters but I couldn't help but be frustrated at Aysel because she couldn't see that she still had so much to live for.

Jasmine Werga told me that she hopes this book would “start a dialog about the realities of depression” and I think it has done that. Especially after Robin Williams' suicide it was great to have a book which shows that just because someone appears to be happy on the outside doesn't mean they are happy inside. Even though this is a young adult setting I think that anyone who has experience with depression could read this and relate to the characters. I know it has made me want to write about my own experience and I hope that it encourages others to write about it too.