OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu
When Bea meets Beck, she knows instantly that he's her kind of crazy. Sweet, strong, kinda-messed-up Beck understands her like no one else can. He makes her feel almost normal. He makes her feel like she could fall in love again.
But despite her feelings for Beck, Bea can't stop thinking about someone else: a guy who is gorgeous and magnetic... and has no idea Bea even exists. But Bea knows a ton about him. She spends a lot of time watching him. She has a journal full of notes. Some might even say she's obsessed.
Bea tells herself she's got it all under control, but this isn't a choice, it's a compulsion. The truth is, she's breaking down... and she might end up breaking her own heart.
Publishes in US: July 23rd 2013 by Simon Pulse
Genre: YA contemporary
Source: Simon Teen via Edelweiss
Series? No
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OCD Love Story takes an in depth look at obsessive compulsive disorder, it doesn't just skim the disease, it shows what I would imagine it is like to have verified OCD. And it is not all fun and games. From the eyes of Bea, we get a girl whose disease is worsening before her eyes, and at first she doesn't really think that anything is wrong, but when she starts going to support group and meets Beck who is in the middle of his first full blown panic attack, which she is familiar with, she begins to see things through a new view. Including herself.
We get a healthy dose of humor in this one, and Bea is very self deprecating, making light of things, but that is how she deals, and it also provides a bit of relief for the reader. We see many ways how OCD can work itself out and manifest, and dealing with anxiety myself, I feel for these kids. I see little bits of myself in them and I am so glad that I haven't crossed into that territory (yet and hopefully never).
Bea grows as a character in this one, through her friendships, through her trying to be supportive family, her therapist Dr. Pat, and the support group. But it also shows that the battle with OCD isn't something you can take a vacation from. It is part of who you are and while meds and therapy can help, there is no real cure. So, it doesn't give a false view of the mental disorder in that sense, but it does show a sense of hope for the future, and for management. Though of course, Bea has to get to all time lows in order to accept that help, but you expect nothing less from a contemporary novel.
Books similar to :(links go to my review) Secret for a Song by S.K. Falls, Crazy by Amy Reed, A Blue so Dark by Holly Schindler, Hannah by Hannah Westberg
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you have any obsessions or compulsions?
I do fear I have a bit of OCD myself, but it's only a tiny part that do not give me trouble
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% that this book was NOT just a fluffy, happy, fun read, it dealt with OCD deeply. I'm so glad that you enjoyed this book! I loved it as well and couldn't be happier at the opportunity to review it:) YAY!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise that this book goes into so much depth when tackling OCD. It must be really interesting to see how the author tells the story of someone with a mental illness but still adds humour. I'm glad you enjoyed it, I'll have to five this one a go. :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis is the second positive review of this book I'm reading today and it's making me super curious about it! I love that it has humor to balance the uncomfortable making subject matter but I'm really intrigued by this disorder. It's often one that people don't understand or realize how much it can affect someone's life! Great review, muffin!
ReplyDeleteThe cover sort of gives off a "happy" vibe, but I'm glad the story has a strong take on OCD. I will definitely be reading this at some point!
ReplyDeleteI like that this accurately portrays OCD and mixes humor in as well. Bea sounds like a fun character and I am so glad you enjoyed this one:)
ReplyDeleteSounds really good. My bf of 8 years has OCD really bad and it can be so hard, for both of us. So I tend to not respond well to light, fluffy OCD. I'm going to have to check this one out, since it deals so honestly with it! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that this book actually explores OCD well. I'm definitely curious about it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of this but sounds really interesting. I've not read a book that touched on OCD. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
I like that it mixes humor within the story. Usually makes the book more appealing. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI love that the OCD isn't taken lightly in this one, but rather seriously and realistically. That alone makes me want to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the OCD topic is being approached in an honest way. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMetal illness with humor... I love this combination.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy it when stories conquer tough subjects. Especially if they can do it with a side of humor and a lesson to be learned. Great review! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that this story seems to deal realistically with OCD instead of glamorizing it like a lot of stories do. This sounds like a wonderful read. Great review, Brandi. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I'm curious to read a book about OCD, I've read one and it was really interesting.
ReplyDeleteI think this sounds like such a fascinating read, and I'm glad there's a dose of humor to go along with the serious look at mental illness. Definitely going to give this a try, thanks for the thoughtful review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting! I haven't heard of any books that talk about OCD, but I really enjoy books where there is a serious topic laced with humour. Glad you enjoyed this!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Brandi! :D
~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
I haven't read the synopsis until now, and I think it sounds amazing! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteMy son goes to middle school with a boy who has OCD among other things. He is the target of brutal bullying. I wish there were more understanding and empathy starting at an early age about mental illness so kids like this boy didn't have to suffer. I wonder if they read books like this if they would feel any empathy or if they'd just laugh at the funny parts and take nothing away from it. I think I'll read this and see what I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little compulsive but reading books like this shows me how much I have to be grateful for. I'm so glad I had this experience and hope others read it for an eye-opening time.
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