This article was written by Khalia Solomon of Northwest Highschool
Disclaimer: This book depicts realistic feelings and experiences of OCD.
Disclaimer: This review includes spoilers.
Do you sometimes feel like everything is all in your head? Like those first moments before you take an exam? Or before you jump into a pool? Feelings are complexities that come from the mind in different formats. For some people, a mere thought of something small can be truly life engulfing. Mental illnesses may be a myth for some but are familiar to those who live with them. There are hundreds of mental illnesses. However, for this book, we’ll be focusing on one: obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by irrational thoughts and fears that can lead to compulsive behaviors. Some examples of compulsive behaviors include double checking things excessively, counting, tapping, or even repeating things to reduce anxiety. Anyone can be affected by it but despite that, it can be kept under control with either medications or therapy. The thoughts someone experiences with OCD are unwanted and intrusive. This can trigger distressing feelings which in turn lead to the compulsive behaviors mentioned earlier. One who has OCD is sadly stuck inside their head.
A boundless author, Tamara Ireland Stone, delves into this illness in her book Every Last Word. In this book the main character, Samantha McAllister, Sam, seems of course normal. She has rich parents, popular friends, gorgeous style, and let’s not forget the flock of boys that drool at her feet. However, she has OCD. Trying to find a balance between toxic popular friends, medications, fluctuating thoughts and weekly visits to her psychiatrist are exhausting for her mind until her brain creates a new reality to cope with it all.
It’s such a fascination with what the mind can do. The brain is a very intricate organ. It plays a role in everything the human body does. However, in this particular case, it creates a more comforting reality for Sam. In the first few chapters of the book, we’re introduced to a character named Carolina.
“‘Apparently not.’ She points to the end of the row. ‘My locker has been there since freshman year, but we haven’t formally met or anything. I’m Carolina Madsen.’” -Carolina from Every Last Word
People cope with pain or stress in ways that are comforting to them. In cases like these, the brain takes control and develops a comforting reality. That’s what happened to Samantha. Her brain formulated a new reality to provide comfort in times of extreme vehemence. When I realized this moment in the book, I threw my book and just sat there in complete and utter shock. Before that moment I thought the book was going to be a cliche of some sorts. I thought that she would fall in love with someone who accepts her and her flaws, having more supportive friends, and a positive influence. However, Tamara decided to pull out a complete plot twist that even made me question my sanity.
Tamara’s thought process for writing this book is truly admirable. First, let’s address the use of proper names. In today’s time, people are arguing over correct pronouns and preferred names. Though this book came out in 2015 Tamara’s address on the proper use of preferred names and how it makes a person feel is amazing. Samantha makes it clear that she prefers to go by Sam but when she expresses that to her best friends they laugh at her and make smart remarks.
“‘Last year, I asked the eights to call me Sam. Kaitlyn laughed and said that it’s her dog’s name and Olivia said it’s a guy’s name…’” -Sam from Every Last Word
The character development was phenomenal. Most of everything was introduced subtly, like Sam’s obsession with the number 3.
“‘Lane 3. It’s always lane number 3. My coaches think it’s funny. Quirky. A thing, like not washing your lucky socks or growing a rally beard.’” -Sam from Every Last Word
This helped me understand a little bit more about OCD. Its complexities and effects were thoroughly explored and brought alive in this book. Her dedication to learning about this mental illness and learning how to present it carefully but truthfully truly shows in Sam. None of it was cliché; it was authentic emotions and reactions to different things. From Sam’s boyfriend reacting to her telling him about her OCD—
“And I’m so relieved when he kisses me back. I feel the thoughts that have haunted me for the last four days pop like bubbles, disappearing into the air, one by one. ‘I like you too much, too,’ he says”-Sam from Every Last Word
—to her friends’ understanding that she is growing beyond them.
“‘I think we’re supposed to change, and when we do, that has to be okay. I’ve changed over the last few months, and I like the person I’m becoming.’
‘And who is that?’ Olivia asks.
‘That’s the thing,’ I say with a shrug. ‘I’m not sure. The truth is, I don’t know who I am without you guys. But I think I need to find out.’” -Olivia and Sam from Every Last Word
Her ability to broadcast different perspectives yet keep the focus on the main character is breathtaking. My aspirations of becoming an author have stemmed from long before I read this book. However, when I read this book I truly understood why I wanted to become an author. To be able to take something so complex and so intricate to reveal its hidden qualities is motivating. To be able to express different feelings and perspectives through any character is truly beautiful.
Comments