Don't Touch

by Rachel Wilson

[Katie King]

**I received my copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

**3.5 Stars**

Don't Touch left me with very...mixed feelings. On one hand, I appreciate where the author is coming from and the story, but on the other hand, it felt a little too unrealistic.

The plot itself is very interesting. Caddie has some sort of obsessive or anxiety disorder and is constantly controlled by her set of rules about touching. Touch someone's skin, her parents won't get back together. Let someone touch her, her parents will fight. All this has led to Caddie wearing gloves and long-sleeves 24/7, even in summer. This presents a problem when she is cast in the school play, Hamlet. I thought that Wilson really accurately represented the emotions of having a mental illness and trying to appear "normal." I felt Caddie's anxiety and shame once everyone realized what was going on. I got hopeful her dad would pull through and then angry when he bailed yet again. The wishfulness that she would overcome this almost pushed me over the edge. However, at the same time this is where the book's faults are.

Caddie's obsession is resolved entirely too easily. She has been following her rules for a while (months? years?) and within a few weeks, she doesn't wear her gloves, is holding someone's hand, making out, etc...it all seemed very unrealistic to me. Yes, some mental illnesses are easier to get over than others but this was like night vs. day for Caddie in a very short period of time. I guess you could argue that the power of Peter's love made it easier for her? Which, if that's true, it's sort of offensive...

Caddie also joins this art school and happens to get the lead part in the school play? She leaves practice, has meltdowns, etc, and the director still doesn't replace her? Caddie's mom or brother never notice she always wears gloves and never touches anyone? Mandy or Peter or NONE of her classmates ever think that something else might be up? She has a history of mental illness, so I would think that her mom would be very perceptive with her, although she did have a lot going on in her own life.

I really liked Caddie's family and friends. They all felt very real to me. Her mom struggled with moving on in her life and salvaging her marriage to keep her kids happy. Her brother was upset about his parents' separation. Caddie's dad was an asshole who clearly liked being away from all his responsibilities. Mandy was jealous and flawed but loyal. Oscar was a drama queen because he's been on a small TV show before, but deep down he's not quite that shallow. Peter was understanding and caring, but not "perfect." The characters were all well-written.

Overall I thought this was a good book. I'm glad that the "stereotypical" mental health issues weren't presented and not in the traditional cliche fashion they always are. At the same time, there was that fairytale-this-would-never-work-out-in-real-life element that sort of bothered me. Still a nice read. :)