This novel in verse about a teen with Harm OCD was beautiful. How the novel flowed allowed me to be transfixed to the story, be transported into the brain of the MC. It was great to see the narrative come full circle, from before diagnosis to receiving help and learning to live with it. Reading about how Chiara was scared to tell her parents or friends, I think that will resonate with readers who have various mental illnesses. I would recommend this book to high school students and adults.

This was a Hi-Lo Novel in verse about a girl trying to understand why she has dark thoughts: about harming herself, her friends, people around her. With the help of a therapist and support from her family and best friend, Chiara is able to “control” these thoughts through ERP. She is diagnosed with OCD, which I learned doesn’t have to mean washing your hands, or doing repetitive actions over and over. I appreciate the way the author explains what is happening mentally with Chiara by using layman’s terms. A short novel in verse about mental health. Thank you for the ARC NetGalley.

TW: harmful thoughts against others/self

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I absolutely enjoyed this authors writing style. This is a fast paced poetry book. It keeps your attention from the first page. Would I recommend reading, this book to anyone and everyone, yes I would highly recommend it. This has great mental health representation. The family relationship in this book is great and the friendships is phenomenal. If you love poetry books written in verse this is definitely the book for you. This wbook will be in stores on April 1st for $19.95 (USD).

The cover of this book is quite dark which totally fits with the thoughts that the main character Chiara starts to have on an increasing basis. Also featured on the cover is the ice rink, where Chiara regularly goes for lessons. I think the ice skating is the one thing that acts like a light at the end of a tunnel for Chiara. This book is a Hi-Lo book and is told in verse. There was a time I would have shied away from anything told in verse or poetry but these Hi-Lo books published by West 44 Books really have changed my view on poetry and I find I really love these books told in verse.

The one thing Chiara wants most to do is to go to skating summer camp. Her parents have agreed to help her dream of going but she also has to contribute to the cost, which is why she eagerly takes on babysitting duties. However, its whilst babysitting that Chiara experiences her ever darkening thoughts of harming those around her. She abruptly stops babysitting resigning herself to not going to the summer ice skating camp. Eventually she ends up speaking to her parents who encourage her to go to therapy to talk about her dark thoughts. At first Chiara resists, but slowly comes around to the idea and speaks and reveals what has been going on in her head and her thoughts to the therapist.

I think, once again West 44 Books has published another book that deals with an extremely serious issue in a format a large age range and reading abilities will be able to read and relate to. Chiara really has a problem that’s deep inside her own head. At first, she seems to be able to shrug it off and push the dark thoughts away, but gradually they build up and become stronger and darker. Though her parents help her by encouraging her to go to a therapist, which it does seem to help Chiara somewhat, but her therapist explains that it will be a slow process. That its only Chiara herself that can learn to live with, learn coping strategies and eventually defeat and hold off the dark thoughts.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading this book were that though it’s a short read, it was an interesting and thought provoking one. Once again, West 44 Books have published yet another conversation starter book about an extremely important issue.

Summing up, another great, short but thought provoking and enlightening read.

Very interesting read about learning to cope with OCD. I felt it was a little short and rushed but I really enjoyed Chiara's journey.

Some amazing poems in this collection. Loved the authors writing style, the layout and the cover was intriguing too.

This book didn’t work for me. It’s formatted in Hi-Lo and I just couldn’t dive as deep into the words as I craved too. I think had this been on audio then it would have blew me away. But hi-lo in book formatting just felt scattered.

Chiara in the dark does cover mental illness and dealing with it as a life time effect.

So please keep in mind the rating is based on my opinion. With that said the books didn’t work for me. I didn’t particularly enjoy it. But if your a fan of hi-lo poetry then this will probably be right up your alley.

Book 10 of 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Chiara in the Dark in exchange for an honest review.

THIS IS SUCH A SMART WAY TO PORTRAY MENTAL ILLNESS IN AN IMPACTFUL AND ACCESSIBLE WAY. I know I talk about hi-lo books a lot but y'all I am so mad hi-lo books don't get enough hype, especially ones as good as this one. Hi-lo books are intended to be of high interest to their target demo (in this case YA) while also at a lower reading difficulty which makes them and their stories more accessible to those with reading disabilities, language barriers that might make it hard to read english books at a higher level, or people who are just looking for a quicker, easier read in the middle of drowning in assigned university work (yes, I'm projecting).

Chiara in the Dark is both hi-lo and told in verse and as a result, makes it really easy to get into the character's head which makes her coming to terms with and seeking out help for her OCD all the more impactful. Very cool big recommend making mental illness education both entertaining and accessible for wider audiences is always a plus.

I am pleasantly surprised with this book. Most people who have thoughts really don't say anything and it turns into something else. This book of "poetry" is like a life story that she is wanting to write about and warn people about this form of mental illness. She is so brave and a true hero in my eyes, writing this book. I love it because she is so trying to help people in her own way which is through poetry and everyone can understand her. Love it, great book. I think everyone should read this excellent book.

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review.