An absolutely wonderful and heartwarming read about disability and hope. I loved the characters and have instantly recommended this to some students that are wheelchair users themselves. An instant hit!

When 16 year old Micah is struck down by a mysterious illness which leaves him wheelchair bound, it feels as though life has come to an end. Still reeling from his father’s sudden death, unable to play football and rejected by his friends, he wonders how his life could have gone so wrong.

Before his illness, Micah never considered what life would be like with a disability. He suddenly sees things from a different perspective and not much of it is good. His school building isn’t equipped for wheelchair users, he faces insensitive comments on a daily basis and even his doctor thinks he’s faking it.

The author has written a sensitive book about disabilities. I wondered how the author would deal with Micah’s illness as a potentially reversible condition. Would recovery be presented as a happy ending? If so, what does this say about disability? By introducing us to several characters, with varying disabilities, some recoverable, others not, the author explores many aspects of disability, in particular, how society views disabled people. I loved reading about Micah’s relationship with Evie, proving that disabled or not, these two characters are just ordinary teenagers.

I enjoyed this book and whilst I think I am quite aware of disability issues, this opened my eyes to things it’s too easy to overlook. I would thoroughly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Something's Wrong with Micah" by Jamison Hill is a captivating young adult romance novel that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles. Hill's storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, drawing readers into the lives of the characters as they navigate the complexities of young love and personal growth. The romance between the main characters is beautifully portrayed, filled with genuine emotion and chemistry that leaps off the page. While some readers may find the pacing a bit slow in parts, the depth of character development and the authenticity of the relationships more than make up for it. "Something's Wrong with Micah" is a touching and relatable read that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us that love has the power to conquer even the greatest challenges.

4 ⭐️
This was a great read.

It touches on such a wide array of difficult themes so well. It was great to read a book with disabled main characters, it's not often you see them get the coverage unfortunately.

Not only does it cover grief but it also has a sense of humor. I found Evie playful and sassy.

I would definitely recommend this book to friends.

This was a sweet story about two kids with disabilities who end up falling for each other. Micah is a teenager who played football until an accident appeared to cause him to have dizzy spells, nausea, and passing out just from standing. Evie is a teenager who was in a car accident and had part of her leg amputated. They are in the same class at school and slowly become friends.

Things I loved about this book:
Evie. She was so sassy and funny, but also vulnerable, scared and strong.
Micah. I could totally empathize with him losing his dad and not only that, but something that he felt gave him his identity.
The friendship group was so fun!
The way the kids stood up for each other.
The parents were so good in this story.
I loved how the sexual experiences were normal, fumbling teenager experiences, AND I love how Evie and Micah reacted the day after.
Learning to ask for help.
Looking for that happy ending that our kids got!
Super sweet epilogue.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this YA book about disability advocacy and head injuries in sports. Micah was a football star with a proud dad as coach, but a car accident changes everything and soon Micah is in a wheelchair suffering from inexplicable pain and nausea and most people think he's faking it. I love that this book has all of the features of a good YA, romance, teen problems, bullying/discrimination, while also show casing several important ideas related to disability, including inaccessibility, saviour complexes, mental health, stereotypes, disability discrimination and new perspectives. I also think that the use of grief, problems with advocacy in the medical system and concussion management, which are areas that are not often showcased in adult books even, much less in YA, and yet important areas to consider and discuss. I liked that the author chose to have Micah be abled bodied and a jock in the past because it really gives a unique opportunity for an able-bodied person to see life through the perspective of someone with a disability. I also love that multiple characters in the story had disabilities, but were generally shown in a very positive light, aside from specific scenes related to discrimination, which is a good contrast to many stories where people with disabilities are seen using tropes and stereotypes. I really loved the relationship with Evie, especially closer to the end when their relationship was truly tested, Overall, this is a very well written YA with some really complex ideas and discussions that are important for both adults and teens to consider. I would highly recommend this book and could see it being a valuable addition to high school libraries and potentially class reading lists. There is a tiny bit of fooling around and mention of drug use, but definitely not a huge deal, and I think that the YA content in general would be just enough to draw in teens and still send these valuable messages.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this excellent book!

I hate to do it but DNF @ 23% 😕

I was excited to read this one but once I picked it up, I immediately hated the writing style. It’s very hard to focus on!

Thankful for the opportunity though!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Something's Wrong with Micah" by Jamison Hill is a realistic exploration of the challenges of disability, identity, and self-acceptance. Through the compelling story of Micah, a high school football star whose life is upended by a tragic car accident and a mysterious illness, Hill skillfully explores the complexities of living with a disability. Before going into the review, I do want to note that as someone who does not have a physical disability, I am unable to provide that perspective with my review, so I highly encourage others to find reviews with that perspective. I do believe that teen readers that have physical disabilities will be able to connect to Micah and his experiences, so I would definitely consider this book a must-have in the school library or English classroom.

Micah's journey is one of struggle and growth as he grapples with the physical and emotional effects of his condition. From the devastating loss of his father to his newfound reliance on a wheelchair, Micah faces numerous obstacles on his path to acceptance. Hill's portrayal of Micah's experiences is raw and honest, capturing moments of frustration, anger, and hope.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of diverse disabilities and the importance of representation in literature. Micah's interactions with his classmates, particularly his friendship with Evie and Frankie, offer insight into the varied experiences of individuals living with disabilities. Through these characters, Hill challenges stereotypes. While Micah’s old friends act as more extreme ableists with their ignorance and treatment of Micah, I really enjoyed his new friends and how Micah is able to surround himself with a supportive and understanding community. I love the found-family aspect of the book,

Overall, Hill’s writing was very engaging, and I enjoyed learning more about Micah’s perspective. There was so much care given to the depiction of Micah’s condition, and you really get to see Micah’s growth as a person as he learns who he is with the disability. Through Micah's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Hill delivers a powerful message about the importance of resilience, empathy, and the strength found in community.

Thank you to netgalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this book in exchange or my honest opinion. This book gave me mixed feelings I like where it was going but I think it could've been executed much better.

this book was quite a struggle to get through. Many of the abled characters feel unrealistically cruel and one-dimensional. not my favorite.

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - January 5, 2024
Publication Date - November 4, 2023

*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @jamisonwrites, @victoryeditingngc and @netgalley!

Something’s Wrong With Micah provides the reader with an honest insight into what it’s like to live with disabilities. It dives deep into ableism and the struggles of misdiagnosis. It also addresses many myths and the stigma that surrounds disabilities. I appreciate how this book doesn’t shy away from pointing out the ways that people internalize stigma and myths, even when they have disabilities themselves. Something’s Wrong With Micah emphasizes that not all disabilities look the same and everyone experiences life in different ways.

There’s romance, there’s tears, there’s anger and there’s hope. Go into this book with an open mind and I know you will come out of it with a new perspective!

Something’s Wrong with Micah is now published so read it today! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

Thank you Net Galley and Victory editing for this ARC of ‘Something’s Wrong With Micah’

I was so excited to start this from the moment I was approved to read this. I finally got around to it and read it in one sitting. I’m always looking for interesting books about disabilities. This one was exactly what I wanted! It was such a sweet love story and I really enjoyed reading the dialogue between each other. This book is truly perfect and I still feel speechless from this.

Micah is a high school football star. He is in a car crash with his father (who doesn't survive); Micah starts becoming light and dizzy ... to the point of passing out ... with even light physical activity. He becomes wheelchair bound. The beginning of the book describes his symptoms and what daily life is like. The elevator at school is broken and he has to take the "long way around" and his motorized wheelchair stops midway on the hill. My heart goes out to Micah at the beginning of the book.

Shortly after Micah is able to do most of his classwork in a classroom that has many other disabled peers. Frankie is my favorite character in the book and always looks at the bright side. Micah hates the wheelchair because it represents his weakness and constraint; Frankie is thankful for his crutches because it provides mobility and lets him get out and about (otherwise he would be at home).

When ever there is a confrontation, Micah's answer is to resolve it with physical violence. I found this really bothersome. Even from his wheelchair, he was always ready (and looking) for a fight. I kept hoping he would use brains rather than brawn.

At one point Micah, love interest Evie and Micah's mother go on a trip that requires a flight. Evidently Micah thought you could just drive a motorized wheelchair onto a plane; they seem to blame the airlines. Not sure if the wheelchair in question was this brand, but redmanpowerchair.com indicates Air Carrier Access Act that mandates that airlines provide a place to store collapsible, folding wheelchairs.

I really had much higher hopes for this YA book. The author said that many publishers rejected his book and implies it is because of the disabled characters. If I were a publisher, I would steer clear of this book as well. Not because of the disabled characters, but due to the physical violence, lying and constant caving to peer pressure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing the opportunity to read Something's Wrong with Micah in exchange for an honest review. I believe in reading the entire book before reviewing.

This book initially unfolded at a leisurely pace, failing to captivate my interest. As an individual grappling with an invisible illness, I found myself struggling to connect with Micah's perspective, particularly the aspects tied to reliance on a wheelchair and parental assistance for mobility—a reality distinct from my own experience with chronic illness.

Nevertheless, I must commend Jamison for their meticulous attention to characterization. The depictions of classmates, parents, and the enigmatic Evie were exceptionally well-crafted. Despite the varying physical abilities of readers, the narrative skillfully immerses them in the protagonist's mindset and the unique challenges faced. The inclusion of subtle grief elements resonated with me, acknowledging that individuals, irrespective of physical capabilities, navigate the complex landscape of emotions.

Jamison's discerning eye for detail shines throughout the narrative, from witty banter and occasional profanity to clever Snapple jokes. These elements inject a lighthearted quality into the storyline, offering moments of respite from the profound themes explored. This balance is particularly commendable, given the inherent difficulty of delving into traumatic subjects. The intermittent humor serves as a reminder of the characters' normalcy, affirming that they are not defined solely by their disabilities but are, above all, typical teenagers.

In its entirety, this book emerges as an exemplary #ownvoices narrative, providing an authentic representation of disability. Its uniqueness has kindled within me the aspiration to share my journey with an invisible illness through writing. While I'd assign it a rating of 4.5 stars for its commendable qualities, I acknowledge the constraint of the absence of half stars in this evaluation. I wish the pace was faster.

Review posted on IG: @asian bookstorekat today.

3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the book and thought how it tackled disability and the damaging stereotypes that can be linked to wheelchair users engaging and useful for learners. I would have liked to see even more sass from Evie though!

Thanks to netgalley for the arc.

Something's Wrong with Micah is a young adult novel that follows the lives of Micah, a boy who has a rare genetic disorder, and Evie, a girl who has a terminal illness. The novel explores the themes of disability, friendship, love, and identity, as well as the power of truth and choice.

The novel has a captivating plot, with twists and turns that keep the reader interested and invested. The novel also has realistic and relatable characters, who have their own arcs and growth throughout the story. The novel is written in a simple and engaging style, with witty and emotional dialogue, and vivid and detailed descriptions. The novel has a hopeful and inspiring tone, but also a poignant and heartbreaking one, as it portrays the joys and sorrows of the characters' journey.

The novel is a well-written and well-crafted work of fiction, that succeeds in creating a compelling and realistic story, with memorable and relatable characters. The novel has a few minor flaws, such as some clichés and coincidences, and some unresolved questions and loose ends, but they do not detract from the overall quality and impact of the book. The novel is a satisfying and rewarding read, that leaves the reader with a lot of emotions and thoughts.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult novels, especially those that deal with disability, illness, friendship, and love. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a realistic and touching story, that will make them laugh and cry, and that will inspire and challenge them. However, I would also warn potential readers that this book contains some sensitive and mature topics, such as death, suicide, and abuse, and that it may trigger some strong and negative reactions. Therefore, I would advise readers to be prepared and cautious before reading this book.

#netgalley #disabilityrep #somethingswrongwithmicah #jamisonhill #youngadult

●I was sent this by NetGalley. It released November 2023. My feelings regarding this were very mixed. That is because I am an adult with disabilities as have 2 children with disabilities. Chrissy and Jordan were absolutely insufferable. It definitely read as a young adult novel. Reading Evie's perspective and Micah's unique medical journey and personal growth was interesting.●

-Courtney @smalltownbigreads

In Jamison Hill's poignant and deeply moving novel, "Something's Wrong with Micah," we are introduced to two teenagers, Micah Hunter and Evie Thompson, whose lives are irrevocably intertwined by a devastating car accident and the subsequent challenges they face. Micah, a sixteen-year-old football prodigy, finds his dreams shattered when a mysterious illness leaves him unable to pursue his passion. Confined to a wheelchair, he feels lost and alone until he meets Evie, a headstrong and resilient fifteen-year-old living with her own set of obstacles. As Micah and Evie navigate the complexities of coming of age and coming to terms with their disabilities, they find solace and companionship in each other. Their bond deepens as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. With Evie's unwavering support, Micah delves into the truth behind his illness, uncovering secrets that bridge the gap between his past and present. However, amidst their growing connection, Micah remains oblivious to Evie's deteriorating health, which she conceals out of concern for his well-being. When the gravity of Evie's situation finally dawns on Micah, he is confronted with an excruciating dilemma: prioritize her health by seeking medical intervention or respect her wishes and risk losing her forever. This heart-wrenching choice sets the stage for a powerful and emotional climax that will leave readers deeply affected. Hill's skillful storytelling captures the raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and resilience of Micah and Evie, making them characters that readers will root for and empathize with. Through their journey, the novel explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the transformative power of love and friendship. "Something's Wrong with Micah" is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking story that delves into the depths of the human spirit, leaving readers with a lasting impact long after they finish the final page.

Micah, a football player, gets in a car crash with his father. He gets sick, standing for too long, and he loses his dad. He struggles to come to terms with having to use a wheelchair until he meets a few people in his new class. After being told ways to “retrain” his brain to “get better”, it doesn't work. His new friends, Evie and Frankie, eventually help him.They find out why he feels the way he does and gets help to get better.


As someone who recently got sick and can't walk far distances like Micah. I was happy to find a book like this. I related to how Micah was before and when he got his wheelchair. How he didn't like it much, I didn't like myself using a wheelchair as I always think I can walk, just not a lot. I was very embarrassed about it and always felt like a hypocrite. People knew I could walk, so I was afraid that they would see me walking and say things. Slowly, I realized that I should just use a wheelchair to help me get better. There was no point in trying to prove myself if I couldn't walk far without wanting to pass out and be light-headed. This book was really nice to read as I don't really have someone to help me through everything I'm going through. It definitely felt like Evie and Frankie were talking to Micah and me, helping us come to terms with the fact that there's a spectrum in different disabilities.


So this book has some pros and cons for me.


PROS

It's very diverse in different disabilities, like muscle dystrophy and more!

I really related to Micah

I loved his friends and how they helped him


CONS 

His doctors before he met his friends, I'm sure most doctors nowadays aren't how his doctors are. (personally, I've yet met a doctor like his, and mine have all been pretty understanding)

How quickly he recovered. His symptoms are similar to mine, though I'm sick with something different from him. It felt unrealistic how he was under a new doctor, and he was able to do stuff like walking and running after a few weeks. I've been sick for a few months, and I try not to use my wheelchair as much, but I always end up feeling too tired by a couple of minutes. Though it maybe be different for everyone, I just couldn't comprehend how he was having a hard time and he gets a new doctor and a few weeks later he was able to do stuff he had a hard time with a few weeks ago.

Meet Micah, most popular man on campus, football star, handsome, prettiest girlfriend… we all know him, you may have even been him. His dad shares his love for football and lives to watch his son perform. Micha is aggressive on the field and has taken some blows to the head. This concerns both parents who want a healthy son over a football hero. Still he is on the gridiron for intense practice and games, constantly.

Then there is a devastating car accident, and sixteen-year-old Micah Hunter’s world begins to unravel. His beloved father dies in the accident. Then a mysterious illness leaves him unable to pursue the football dreams that he once shared with his father. We learn that his condition is CTE, Chronic traumatic encephalopathy which is a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated trauma to the head, exacerbated by traumatic events. Micah, unable to stand or walk without blacking out, is now confined to a wheelchair. His mother has handicapped equipped the house and bought an expensive adaptive van to transport him. Micah’s popular friends have abandoned him except to make fun and bully saying hey, just get up and walk, you’re faking. He’s not! His girlfriend has left him for a more popular guy. She’s the real deal, huh?

He is seeing a doctor really a quack who is after his money. She focuses on mind retraining to improve his health and it’s not working! In the peak of his illness, Micah bumps his wheelchair into Evie Thompson, a headstrong fifteen-year-old living with her own challenges. Once a track runner, she had to have her leg amputated and her doctors are struggling to get her infection at the site under control so she can use a prosthetic. The two become very close as boyfriend and girlfriend. In the meantime of their dating and make outs, Micah finds a new doctor who puts him on the path to recovery. He’s not suddenly, but slowly coming back, by walking and rekindling his relationships with coach and his team. He is so desperate to get back on the field, he puts his friends betrayal behind him. Should Micah play and risk a setback that could affect the rest of his life? Can he and Evie’s love survive this?

This is a Coming of age and coming to terms with disabilities novel. I really enjoyed the way Micah and Evie find solace and companionship in each other even though it was not always rosey.

Will this have a happy ending?

A must read!