Chelsey (a_novel_idea11)'s Reviews > More or Less Maddy

I absolutely loved this book and it is one of the best depictions of mental illness I have read.... maybe ever!

Maddy was a wonderful protagonist. I loved reading her story and learning of her struggles. Her experience with bipolar disorder felt so authentic and genuine and I appreciated the unfiltered honesty Genova pushed forward. I felt for Maddy as she grappled with questioning what was real, what was the bipolar disorder, and how she would navigate this new normal.

More or Less Maddy also raised really strong points about how we treat people with mental illness. I particularly liked Maddy's insight into having bipolar disorder, not being bipolar. Just because you have a disorder, it does not make you that disorder. The analogy to eating a mushroom pizza not making you a mushroom pizza hit home and will stick with me.

I also really loved the comedy aspect of this novel. Recently I've read some books about female comics that didn't quite make the mark for me. I loved learning of Maddy's process, hearing her jokes (the good and bad ones!), and seeing her gain her footing and grow her confidence in a male dominated industry.

This was a quick read and one that was very powerful. It felt well-researched and gave so much insight into the bipolar disorder. There is so much to digest and discuss - it would definitely make a great book club read.

Thank you to THE BUZZ for putting this one on my radar. Highly, highly recommend!