Under Rose-Tainted Skies

· HarperCollins
4.8
5 reviews
Ebook
341
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

A teenage girl must grapple with her agoraphobia as romance blossoms with her new neighbor in this YA novel—“a poignant work, infused with humor” (School Library Journal).

Seventeen-year-old Norah Dean hasn’t left the house in years. Her agoraphobia and OCD are so intense that when groceries are left on the porch, she can’t even step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did.

Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up.

Readers themselves will fall in love with Norah in this deeply engaging portrait of a teen struggling to find the strength to face her demons.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
5 reviews
Brooke Banks
September 21, 2017
I first heard about this book through Twitter. I quickly followed Louise Gornall 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. 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”.
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About the author

Louise Gornall is YA aficionado, film nerd, junk food enthusiast, and rumored pink Power Ranger. Under Rose-Tainted Skies is her first novel, and she can be found on Twitter @Rock_andor_roll. She lives in England.  

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