Under Rose-Tainted Skies
Publisher: Chicken House
Seventeen-year-old Norah is essentially trapped in her own home, caught in the vice-like grip of Agoraphobia and OCD. She only leaves the safety of the house when her mum drives her to the regular therapy appointment - an almost unbearable weekly trial. Any other contact with the outside world is enough to trigger an intense panic attack.
Then one day a new young neighbour on the street arouses her curiosity and the smallest foundations of a relationship start to slowly evolve.
Norah is a convincing and captivating protagonist, and the book paints an authentic portrait of a teenager's struggle with mental health, clearly created with real knowledge. Observing her battle with OCD is agonising and at times brutal, bringing to light issues such as self-harm and severe depression.
However, this is first and foremost a beautifully told love story, and the book remains eminently readable, with genuine warmth, charm and humour. Honest, brave and utterly compelling.
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Books to support mental health awareness
Books that acknowledge or explore mental health issues can help to increase awareness, encourage dialogue, reduce stigma and develop real understanding. The following suggestions offer a spectrum of different perspectives and are well worth seeking out.