Madness
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- $24.99
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- $24.99
Publisher Description
New York Times bestselling author Zac Brewer delivers his most honest and gripping novel yet, about a girl who believes she’s beyond saving—until she realizes the only person who can save her is herself.
Brooke Danvers is pretending to be fine. She’s gotten so good at pretending that they’re letting her leave inpatient therapy. Now she just has to fake it long enough for her parents and teachers to let their guard down. This time, when she's ready to end her life, there won’t be anyone around to stop her.
Then Brooke meets Derek. Derek is the only person who really gets what Brooke is going through, because he’s going through it too. As they start spending more time together, Brooke suddenly finds herself having something to look forward to every day and maybe even happiness.
But when Derek’s feelings for her intensify, Brooke is forced to accept that the same relationship that is bringing out the best in her might be bringing out the worst in Derek—and that Derek at his worst could be capable of real darkness.
A High-Stakes Lie: Brooke has convinced the therapists she’s fine after her suicide attempt. But it’s all an act to get one more chance to end her life, and this time, she won't fail.A Dark Romance: She never expected to meet Derek, a boy who understands her pain because he has the scars to prove it. But their connection, born from darkness, may have a dangerous price.Unflinching Honesty about Teen Depression: Go inside the mind of a teen grappling with suicidal thoughts in this raw, emotional story that handles sensitive social issues with unflinching reality.A Loyal Best Friend: As Derek’s obsession grows, Brooke's best friend Duckie may be the only one who sees the truth. But will she listen before it’s too late?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
After a failed suicide attempt, 17-year-old Brooke Danvers spent six weeks at an inpatient facility, now followed by therapy sessions. Her parents have removed every potential danger from their Michigan home and put strict rules in place to keep Brooke safe, yet she remains "determined to die." Brooke's origami cranes and her best friend, Duckie, are calming influences, but it's a new student and fellow senior, Derek, who helps her see a positive side to life. Derek, however, has his own painful history, and as their relationship intensifies, Brooke's therapist advises her that "sooner or later, you're going to have to learn to live for yourself." Love and hope counterbalance the many dark moments in Brewer's insightful portrayal of teens' mental struggles. Although the plot becomes predictable, the characters are richly drawn; readers will yearn for them to find the peace they desperately need. An author's note that includes resources for readers with depression or suicidal thoughts appears before the story, a small decision that establishes a sense of trust and safety from the outset. Ages 14 up.
