Under Rose-Tainted Skies

by Louise Gornall

[layawaydragon]

OMFG!!! YESS!!! I'll write something up when I'm more coherent.
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I read this as soon as I was approved on Netgalley months ago, fell in love, squealed over it, and got buried in other stuffs. *sigh* The lack of spoons is killin’ me.

I first heard about this book through Twitter. I quickly followed the [author] and love how she brightens up my TL. If you can’t read this book, for whatever reason, following her is still a great idea, IMHO.

Trigger Warning: Self-harm, Panic Attacks, Violence,

I don't have agoraphobia, just an aversion to people as an introvert and a lack of ability to go out due to depression that up until a year ago was untreated. My lowest point was a stretch of 4 years where I could hardly get out of bed, let alone work and function.

This however is nothing like what Nora is going through. Equating experiences

Agoraphobia is wildly different and is vividly described. The abundance of metaphors and detailed style might be a turnoff for some.


The Mental Health Rep: Brilliant. Accurate.

As a former cutter, those scenes were on point and shows a side not many see or show. Love the positive therapy portrayal and the therapist being so understanding, helpful, and accommodating, It’s an ongoing process. No miracle or savior. Just her working her ass off, taking care of herself, and slowly progressing.

Love how the internet and social media were incorporated.


The Romance:

She isn't saved by a guy or "fixed". She makes strides and progress on her own. She has a supportive mother and a therapist. She is medication resistant for common, understandable reasons.

To be honest, the romance could be removed and she'd still improve. The ending would be the same. It wouldn't be as sweet and swoony and adorable, but including that doesn't lessen her accomplishments. It doesn't make her less impressive for having a support system. It'd horrendous having to do it on your own and the odds of success drastically reduced.

I am glad it was included because it shows how important talking, and consent is. It shows how it should be done: depending on someone’s boundaries. Nora is touch averse, but a romantic and has dreams. However, if you’re looking for touch-averse representation beware because Norah constantly puts herself down as a “freak” and wanting to be “normal”.