More or Less Maddy

Wow! I don’t even know how Lisa Genova does it, but she just has this way of transporting you into the mind and emotions of her MCs in a way no other author can. AND this also makes it about impossible to write a review that can do justice to any of her books!

In all honesty, I was quite hesitant when it came to reading this book and only picked it up because Genova is one of my lifetime favorite authors. My own mother was diagnosed as being bipolar (after my parents were divorced and I was living with my father). She was abusive, suffered from manic episodes, and I was afraid this story would take me back to my childhood. However, rather than the story being told in an overly dramatic way, which could have been the manner some authors may have approached the story, Genova related it in a most respectful, considerate and compassionate manner that allowed me to feel for both the MC and her family without my past bogging me down while reading.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

I’m not sure if it is proper to say that I really enjoyed reading about a young woman with bipolar disorder and all the struggles she has gone through, because they were at times difficult to read about. However, Genova yet again, has provided a magnificently insightful and intuitive account into the world of someone who coming to terms with her bipolar diagnosis. I really can’t put into words how well written this book was.

I also always appreciate all the research Genova does for each of her books and was beyond intrigued by the various medications and all their side effects.

How was the pace?

Fast!

Do you recommend this book?

I couldn't put this compelling book down! This story is heartbreaking, BUT I saw something else in this story. Pain and heartache and change comes into everyone's life in some form and not everything that comes from that is bad. Genova does a good job of showing the devastating parts in bipolar disorder but also the beauty in redefined relationships.