The Lightness of Hands

by Jeff Garvin

[Sam@WLABB]

Her father was a rising star on the magic scene until he attempted a grand illusion, The Truck Drop, on live television and failed. Since then, a lot had changed. Her father had fallen from grace, and Ellie's life had become less stable. Though she was struggling with managing her bipolar disorder, she knew she had to help her dad redeem himself. This would be their last shot, and Ellie was determined to help her dad reclaim the magic that had once destroyed him.

I must admit, I was very intrigued by this book. I thought Garvin's debut was phenomenal, and I couldn't wait to read more of his work. From the first page, I was all in. I was so absorbed in Ellie's story, that I raced through this book, my heart wishing the best for her and her dad. Upon finishing, I declared this "stupendous", and here are five reasons why.

1. Ellie was phenomenal! She had lost so much, and was not dealt the best hand in life, but she persevered. I will always root for someone, who never gives up. But, it wasn't just her keep-going attitude, that made me love her. It was that she pushed forward, when it seemed like the universe was conspiring against her. She lost her home, her mom, and even her health insurance. They lived day to day, hoping for another gig, hoping her bipolar disorder would stay in check as the medication worked its way out of her system. She really had a full plate of worries, but she never gave up, that gave her a sort of hero status with me.

2. Though it was bumpy, Ellie shared a special relationship with her father. It was the two of them against the world, and although her dad failed to meet her basic needs at times, there was always love. This may have been Ellie's coming of age story, but it was also her dad's wakeup call. His call to step up, and be the parent she needed. To stop chasing his dream, and make the sacrifices necessary for his family.

3. I was so happy to see many different types of relationships explored in this book. I loved the friendship between Ripley and Ellie. Ripley was Ellie's best friend, who she had never met in real life, but was her source of support as she weathered all her storms. It's wonderful to see online friendships being validated, but also showing how they can have their ups and downs too. Ripley and Ellie experience a rough patch during her race to Hollywood, and it was realistic, both in the troubles they encountered, and the way it was resolved. There was also a bit of time dedicated to an adorable romance with someone from Ellie's past. It came in and out of the story, but it was a part I looked forward to, and I wanted Ellie to have that experience. It became important to me, and I was glad Garvin included it.

4. Garvin did an incredible job helping me understand what it was like living with bipolar II disorder. I wasn't aware this was an Own Voices book, when I read it, but found out later in the author's note, that Garvin himself, was bipolar. I always appreciate, when someone can share part of themselves with me, and that is probably why Garvin was so successful at weaving Ellie's symptoms and emotions relating to her mental illness into this story. He showed how her bipolar disorder affected her thoughts and relationships, and made me clearly comprehend the challenge each day could present to someone with this disorder.

5. The magic! Though I know it's all illusion and slight of hand, I am still always enthralled with magical spectacles. Garvin painted this world, vividly and in full color for us, and I loved being fully immersed in it.

Fantastic characters, rich emotional experiences, and a realistic picture of what it's like to live with bipolar II disorder made this a magical journey worth taking.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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