Saint Jude

Rating:
Summary: St Jude
Review: "We read to know we're not alone," said C.S. Lewis. Dawn Wilson writes so that young people -- young people struggling with mental illness -- will know they are not alone. This writer takes us inside the head of Taylor Drysdale who tells us, from page to page, about the "art of going crazy." When Taylor steps onto the porch of Saint Jude for the first time, the boards creak with her weight. The reader enters the weighty world of Saint Jude as Taylor describes a world that is "billowy and shaking," a world that is "all underwater." When Taylor finally leaves, however, she is aware that the boards no longer creak, as if she has somehow grown lighter. Dawn Wilson invites all readers to visit Saint Jude; she invites all readers to understand what happens there.

Rating:
Summary: A book that takes on the real world
Review: Dawn Wilson has written a book that tackles an "embarrassing" subject in the real world - mental illnesses. I found the book hard to put down because the plot is riveting and the cast of memorable characters made me feel and think. I really enjoyed "watching" their often humorous interactions and reactions to one another. Plus, the author didn't write it solely as teens with mental illnesses story, but the pages perceptively weave in the total picture of teen issues such as body images and gossip at high school and making life decisions and so forth. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Rating:
Summary: Been There, Done That
Review: I could completely relate to this book. I went through an experience similar to the one Taylor did, and it was uncanny how Dawn Wilson actually explained what really happens in that kind of situation. The book was great, it's one of those books that you cannot put down. The ups and downs of Taylor's experiences are explained in great detail, it makes you feel like you are right there with her, going through everything she does. The book makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it brings out all your emotions.

Rating:
Summary: ...Alright...
Review: I thought this book gave a very realistic view of mental disorders, although there seemed to be no punctuation what so ever and the spelling left much to be desired.

Rating:
Summary: Well written story
Review: Ms. Wilson does an admirable job of character development in Saint Jude, taking you on a journey into subject matter few writers tackle. She creates complete empathy for the often shunned and misunderstood members of society who deal with mental illnesses, giving incredible insight into their trials and tribulations, hopes and dreams. Her descriptions are vivid and her dialogue witty. My favorite line from the book is when the new, no-nonsense director of Saint Jude, Dalton, suggests to Taylor, "Why don't you let God go to high school and you can run the universe?"
Well worth your time.

Rating:
Summary: ...Alright...
Review: This book was o.k., and a little weird. Though I probably would not consider the actual writing very good (quite a few typos, and some neglected puncuation)the ideas that are formed in your mind when you read are very real. Self-mutilation is growing more and more popular in the U.S., and people really need to start accepting this more as a real issue. Also, just because you cut yourself DOES NOT mean you have a mental problem, afterall... Overall, I think that this book was pretty good, but could have been better. It left some to be desired, though the haunting realness of the book, especially at the end, really brought it all together. I think that this is a good book if you or a 'loved one' cuts, but I certainly wouldn't suggest it for some random, light reading. Thank you.