The existence of Amy - Lana Grace Riva

 

The Existence of Amy by Lana Grace Riva

Blurb

Amy has a normal life. That is, if you were to go by a definition of 'no obvious indicators of peculiarity', and you didn't know her very well. She has good friends, a good job, a nice enough home. This normality, however, is precariously plastered on top of a different life. A life that is Amy's real life. The only one her brain will let her lead.

My review

This is a very powerful read and one that will stay with you. I was so excited to read this for a few reasons. 1. Because I love reading 2. Because mental health is so important and we must keep talking about it and raising awareness. I have had anxiety and honestly I can say that I can feel it there just wanting to rear its head again and after having my daughter I was marched to my doctors with post-natal depression. I could instantly relate to the feelings and reactions of Amy, Lana is able to articulate mental health so accurately, realistically in a bare all way highlighting everything that goes along with it. Lana also highlights how the actions of someone having difficulty with mental health can appear on the surface – “It feels so unfair to be viewed in this way when it’s not the truth.”  However, also shows the benefits of talking, not even talking accepting a little bit of help and understanding that you don’t have to go through this alone, Ed and Nathan are proof of this, the book is full of light and shade.

Amy is such a likeable and relatable character that you can’t help but have all the feelings for her.

A highly thought-provoking read that I think everyone should read.

“It just seemed to come out of nowhere, I lost ability to see the good in all the good things in my life.”

You can get your copy below

and follow Lana on twitter @LanaGraceRiva