All Things New

by Lauren Miller

[Sam@WLABB]

This book follows Jessa on her journey of healing. She was healing from a car accident that left her scarred and unable to form images in her mind's eye, but she is also healing from years of hiding her mental health issues.

There were many things I liked about All Things New, and here are five of them.

1. Mental health issues are front and center
My anxiety is not as bad as it used to be, but I still remember what it was like to pass out in public, I often still cry while at the supermarket, and I sweat as my heart races when I have to go out after dark. Needless to say, this is a world I navigate on a daily basis, and I thought Miller did a great job portraying the feelings and other issues that are by products of one's mental health issues. Mental health is not a one size fits all thing, but I did find a lot of commonalities with Jessa. Maybe someone else will too.

2. Multiple ways to deal with mental health issues were explored.
Again, it is not one size fits all. Jessa had to try different medications and therapists. She tried group therapy and even religion. I really appreciated that this idea that there is more than one way to treat mental health issues was explored.

3. Jessa's dad
When her dad left, Jessa's world sort of fell apart for her, but here he was now, when she needed him most. He was patient and understanding, but also pushed her a little. With his love and encouragement, Jessa grew and began to believe that things could be different for herself. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and heal as Jessa grew and healed.

4. The twins
I liked Hannah from the her first appearance on-page. There was something special about her, and I knew I wanted to know more. But the real star of and owner of my heart was Marshall. This fun and fancy-free boy with the devilish smile and the wounded heart carried the sun to every scene he was in. I cried when he was in peril, and kept was mush when he was flirting so adorably with Jessa. Marshall accepted Jessa as it, mental and physical scars and all. I kind of wanted him on page more often.

5. Magical realism or unreliable narrator?
There are some things that happen within the story that may or may not be real. Some are addressed, while this other bigger one is sort of left up in the air. I am not sure what these things were a product of, but I liked the extra dimension it gave the story.

I am really struggling with properly articulating my thoughts about this book, but I will say, they are all positive.

Overall: A thought provoking and emotional story, which left me feeling quite positive and buoyant at the end.

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