Review: Detached by Christina Kilbourne

Detached by Christina Kilbourne

Anna has always been so level-headed, so easy-going, so talented and funny. How could anyone have guessed she wanted to die?
Anna is not like other people. For one thing, she’s been an accomplished artist since she was a preschooler. For another, she’s always felt like she didn’t belong: not with other kids, not with her family, not in her body. It isn’t until her grandparents are killed in a tragic accident, however, that Anna starts to feel untethered. She begins to wonder what it would be like if she didn’t exist and the thought of escaping the aimless dhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26257689-detached" target="_blank">

Publishes in US: August 13th 2016 by Dundurn Press
Genre: ya contemp
Source: earc from Dundern via netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced review copy). I am not paid for this review, and my opinions in this review are mine, and are not effected by the book being free.
Series? no

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Author stalk away: ~site

    I wanted to read Detached because I am drawn to stories that deal with mental illness and it sounded like one that would deal with the issue as well as suicide in a realistic way. 

   It's told in multiple narratives from Anna, perfectly normal and middle class from the outside, she even has her looks and talent with art to boost that. But it also shows that depression does not discriminate. She's never felt like she fit in, and she has an obsession with a bridge that is known as a suicide spot. She thinks that she's suffering too much, especially since the death of her grandparents, like it opened her eyes that death is an ending, and in her mind- a sweet release and escape. It's tough to get inside that mindset and the hopelessness... but it is true to life. I deal with these thoughts and bipolar--so the author has done her research. 

   The other point of view is her close friend Aliya. She's moved a lot and transferred schools a ton, and she was drawn to Anna from the first time she saw her. She said it was her beauty, but also that she looked distracted and she wanted to know what was on her mind. 

   We also heard from Anna's mom, where we got a picture of the family dynamics. Anna's grandmother was close since they shared the love of art. We also got to see some of Anna's actions--skipping school, the party where she ended up in the river freezing cold, and such from another perspective, and how worried she was. 

   The ending where we saw her go through treatment was such a transformation. To see her not numb and actually feeling was wonderful. She still had a hard time don't get me wrong, but seeing the difference that meds can  make and transform the way she sees the world, feels things and sees herself was a beautiful thing to see. 

Bottom Line: Realistic look at depression, suicidal thoughts, how mental illness can effect everyone around the person.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Are you at all artistically inclined?