Every Last Word

by Tamara Ireland Stone

[Sam@WLABB]

This book moved me a lot more than I thought it would. Books dealing with mental illness often hit home to me, as I have been walking the black dog (aka depression) as long as I can remember. I totally understood Sam's need to be normal -- no shrink, no drugs, and control over her own thoughts. I understood this need to keep this part of herself hidden. I loved that she was able to find a place where she could express herself and feel norma (Poet's Corner, the pool). I was glad she was able to find people with whom she could be honest about herself. I was glad she had a great support team (Shrink Sue, her family).

I actually liked that Stone showed the good parts of Sam's life more than the bad parts. I found it very encouraging. The embarrassment and shame was clearly illustrated, but so was "Summer Sam", that girl who was pretty normal.

One of the most important things in a YA story, according to me, is that the MC evolves. Sam changes a lot during this story. She is "cured", but she develops a different relationship with her illness, and it allows her more freedom to just be.

The "twist" at the end did not bother me. In fact, I found it interesting. It was Sam being completely honest with herself, and I actually shed a some tears during that part in the story.

I am so caught up in the illness part of the story, but I must mention the romance. Yes, Samantha finds a wonderful boy, who she is able to connect with. They share many adorable and swoony moments. He was a huge catalyst for the changes she made in her life, and really helped her be the best person she could be.

This book was about so much: OCD, family, friends, toxic friends, beginnings, endings, owning your words and the power of your words, forgiveness, remorse, regret, self acceptance. I had many feels.