Title: Under Rose-Tainted Skies
Author: Louise Gornall
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: January 3rd, 2017
Page Count: 320 pages
Format: eARC
Source: From publisher via Netgalley
Summary:
At seventeen, Norah has accepted that the four walls of her house delineate her life. She knows that fearing everything from inland tsunamis to odd numbers is irrational, but her mind insists the world outside is too big, too dangerous. So she stays safe inside, watching others’ lives through her windows and social media feed.But when Luke arrives on her doorstep, he doesn’t see a girl defined by medical terms and mental health. Instead, he sees a girl who is funny, smart, and brave. And Norah likes what he sees.
Their friendship turns deeper, but Norah knows Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can walk beneath the open sky. One who is unafraid of kissing. One who isn’t so screwed up. Can she let him go for his own good—or can Norah learn to see herself through Luke’s eyes?
*The Reader’s Review*
My rating: 5/5 stars
Under Rose-Tainted Skies was technically the first book I started reading in 2017 but ended up finishing second since I had a more urgent read to review. However, this book is amazing. Absolutely wonderful. The kind that makes you feel grateful that the author decided to share with the world.
A funny thing is that I’ve been struggling for weeks to write this review. I fear that my words are not good enough and that I somehow will mess it up because guys, this book seriously deserves all the praise.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies is about a girl named Norah who suffers from Agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that makes it hard for someone to be in crowded or tight places, including fear to leave your own home. Norah hasn’t been able to step out of her house for years without feeling extreme fear and suffocation, also heightened by her OCD and other issues.
My knowledge before reading this book about Agoraphobia was pretty limited and I didn’t know what to expect from the characters and the storyline, but I believe the author splendidly shared her personal experience through Norah and how it brings awareness to this mental health condition. This book made me realize how easy some of us have it, and also how strong some people are for pushing on when even their own body/brain is constantly pushing them back.
It was painful to read about Norah and her struggles, making me want to jump into the book every time to… I don’t know, silently cheer her on or help her in any way she’d ask. But while it was hard, I also enjoyed so much being around her for she is pretty darn amazing and funny. I would be honored to be her friend.
This book has a small cast of characters but they are all amazing and worthy of your time. Besides Norah, you also have to meet Luke! And Norah’s mom! And even her psychologist! I cannot really say who I loved more, but I can say that Under Rose-Tainted Skies also offers a bit of swoons so that’s also a plus. 😉
So yes, I highly recommend this book and I hope everyone falls in love with it. It is very, very special. ♥
Trigger warnings:
Oh, but I must offer a little warning that the last chapters *might* cause a bit of anxiety, so proceed with caution while reading it. The turn of events even put me on edge, and I only deal with minor stress.
I just got this book yesss! I'll definitely be careful :S
YAY! Hope you love it ♥
The cover for this book is sooo beautiful, I wish I was more motivated to read this one. Your rave review does help, though! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it 😀 Thanks for sharing, Melissa!
Brittany @ Brittany's Book Rambles
You should really give it a try! It is not a particularly heavy read and you'll love the MC!
I have this book on my wishlist already – but love your review and I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I think I'll try and get my hands on this sooner rather than later 🙂
Thank you! I do hope you get to read it soon. ♥
I really need to read this. I have anxiety myself (although not on this level) and I love reading about characters who struggle with the same kind of issues as me. I read a quiet kind of thunder which I related to so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed this, I'm going to try and get to it this month! Great review <3
Oh, I heard that A Quiet Kind of Thunder is good! I feel that you will immensely enjoy this one, the MC and the author do a really good job at portraying anxiety issues.