Thank you NetGalley for the digital copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
This book centers around Maddy who is a freshman and college. She does everything she can to bring herself back to "caring" about school when she discovers she is bound to fail. Then summer comes, and she reconnects with her friends and ex-boyfriend from home, but things start to take a turn for the worse. Maddy becomes obsessed with Taylor Swift, starts skipping classes and has a mental breakdown.
This book centers around manic depression, and how Maddy and her family cope with it.
This is my typical type of book to read, but I am glad I took the time to read it.

As an author who has focused her novels on various diagnoses, Lisa Genova has excelled once again with More or Less Like Maddy. Maddy, a student at NYU, is uncertain about her interests and professional ambitions when she discovers her passion for performing stand-up comedy. However, her struggles with depression evolve into the complexities of Bipolar Disorder.

This narrative resonates deeply with the values and concerns of social work education. As an MSW instructor, this novel serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to understand the intricacies of mental health and the lived experiences of those navigating its challenges.
The novel's strength lies in its ability to depict the fluidity of mental health diagnoses, the impact of life transitions on psychological well-being, and the intricate interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. This aligns with our multifaceted approach to mental health, which we strive to instill in our students.

More or Less Like Maddy provides a unique lens through which students can explore several key social work concepts. The book sensitively portrays the challenges of identity formation in the face of a significant mental health diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of resilience and coping mechanisms, such as Maddy's pursuit of stand-up comedy, as well as the critical role of social support systems. It also offers a powerful illustration of the stigma surrounding mental illness and the barriers individuals face in obtaining and maintaining treatment and support. Additionally, it is essential to recognize that Maddy's journey is significantly influenced by her socioeconomic privilege and the unwavering support of her family. This access to resources undoubtedly eases her path to diagnosis, treatment, and overall stability. This reality stands in stark contrast to the experiences of many individuals with mental illness who confront systemic barriers and a lack of support.

More or Less Like Maddy is more than just a captivating story; in my classes, it can serve as a valuable teaching tool. It offers a nuanced, empathetic, and ultimately hopeful portrayal of an individual's journey with mental illness, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the human experience and the importance of trauma-informed, person-centered practice.

Maddy felt like she had it together. She did well in high school and was well-adjusted.

College threw curveballs. As a freshman, she was resilient and managed to navigate the turbulence. Sophomore year, though, Maddy had a depressive episode that prevented her from completing her school work. She was prescribed antidepressants. At first, they seemed to work. Her academics improved, and she felt more in control. In retrospect, it was hypomania.

Then Maddy became manic; she thought she was Taylor Swift’s biographer, spent loads of money, and hooked up with strangers. Her behavior provoked a mental health hospitalization.

Maddy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and began medication, therapy, and behavioral changes. Adjusting to her new reality was challenging. It took multiple cycles of depression, mania, and hospitalizations for Maddy to come to terms with coexisting with bipolar disorder.

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder provokes a flood of feelings. Numbness, fear, relief, worry, and the sense that things finally make sense are all normal. Living with bipolar disorder, while not easy, is manageable with the help of the right supports, resources, and skills.

Here are tools for adjusting to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Believe it’s Going to Be OK: It is a myth that bipolar disorder is cataclysmically life-altering. Truly, it is entirely reasonable to believe you can achieve stability through a mix of medication, therapy, and behavioral changes.

Tell Your People: Friendship, love, accountability, and support will help you achieve and maintain wellness. No one can adequately help you without the pertinent info. Help them help you by being honest with close friends and family about the diagnosis.

Identify Your Triggers: Common triggers include alcohol or substance use, lack of sleep, skipping medications, relationship changes, stress, and arguing with family and friends. Avoid these triggers and, for any that can’t be avoided, pre-plan a healthy response.

Learn More to Help with Acceptance: Knowledge is power. Read about bipolar disorder from a well-researched source like More or Less Maddy, An Unquiet Mind, and The International Bipolar Foundation.

Oh wow, this is a hauntingly accurate depiction of bipolar disorder. The way Genova writes drops the reader right into the brain and the tunnels of terror that go hand in hand with the diagnosis. Brutally honest and at times, hard to read, this story about Maddie will stay with me for years to come. Bipolar runs in my family and there were triggering moments, but they were so well written, it was hard to tear my eyes from the pages.

More of Less Maddy is the riveting novel about Maddy Banks, a young woman who is diagnosed with bipolar after a truly harrowing mania that almost alienates her from her family. The challenges of her family and friends are also staggeringly accurate. The read is heavy, it hurts your heart, but you love Maddy all the same. Go in with empathy and hope for understanding. I loved this read. I loved the angle of her being a stand-up comic. It’s worth the read for all to learn about the sufferers of bipolar.
4.5 stars.

This was a book that I just couldn't put down! Still Alice is one of my favorite books and this one is decently up there with it. Lisa Genova just knows how to write a book. Highly recommend!!

*Thank you partner @gallerybooks for the #gifted e-galley.*

More or Less Maddy follows a college freshman, Maddy Banks. She has the perfect wealthy family, but somehow she just does not fit in. One day she just spirals into a breakdown that ends up giving her, what she sees as a death sentence, the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
While Maddy tries to live like any normal college girl, she now has to navigate BD, while proving she fits in with perfect family, and can deal with it all. Overwhelmed, she finds a light in the tunnel that is stand-up comedy.

I never turn down a Lisa Genova book. They are always well-thought-out and crafted with actual research. I could not put this book down. I actually felt like I was sitting right next to Maddy while she maneuvered her new life. I did think the last few chapters were a little rushed, but the ending really tied it together. The main character had depth and gave life to the story instead of being a "woe is me" the poor rich girl type.

MY REVIEW:

TW: Mental illness
Self-harm

More or Less Maddy, a captivating and well-crafted novel by neuroscientist Lisa Genova, delves into the complexities of neurological disorders through fictional narratives. This approach is ingenious because it offers support and understanding, making it accessible beyond the confines of dense textbooks. Genova’s exploration of a young woman’s journey with bipolar disorder and her coping mechanisms is particularly poignant. The portrayal of family dynamics and the support system that emerges for this young individual adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Beyond her medical expertise, Genova draws from the experiences of individuals living with bipolar disorder and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to enrich her portrayal. The acknowledgments at the end of the book reveal the extent to which she meticulously researched and incorporated valuable information to convey the diverse experiences of people with bipolar disorder.

Before delving into Maddy’s personal journey, I would like to highlight Genova’s other works that explore various neurological conditions. Her books on Alzheimer’s, brain injury, autism, Huntington’s disease, and ALS are must-reads for anyone interested in understanding these complex disorders. Genova’s commitment to providing accurate and compassionate portrayals of these conditions is truly commendable.

Now, let’s turn to my review of Maddy’s experiences in the novel. Maddy Banks, a 19-year-old college student at NYU, finds herself adrift, struggling to find her place in the world. Her academic performance is faltering, and she yearns for a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Amidst this uncertainty, she reconnects with old friends who invite her to a comedy club. This unexpected encounter proves to be a pivotal moment in Maddy’s life, leading her to discover a hidden talent and a path to self-discovery.

But that avenue was not immediately traveled for Maddy. As the novel truly unfolds, we discover that Maddy is grappling with profound struggles. She is in the early stages of barely recognizing an imbalance within herself, manifesting in a form of self-harm that she initially concealed from her family and boyfriend.

During this period, before Maddy’s diagnosis and the subsequent treatments, there were setbacks, failures, and the stigma often associated with mental illness. However, the ultimate objective was to establish a stable foundation for Maddy’s well-being.

Throughout the novel, Maddy undergoes significant transformations, as do her family members. I highly recommend taking the time to read this book. Even if it doesn’t directly resonate with you, it could be relevant to a family member or a close friend who may be struggling with a similar illness. Personally, I believe this book has the potential to broaden our compassion for individuals like Maddy.

As someone who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, even as a woman in my 60s, I found numerous parallels between Maddy’s experiences and my own. Although Maddy was decades younger than me, her journey has provided me with valuable tools that have been instrumental in my own life. Kudos to Lisa Genova for crafting yet another exceptional book that has the potential to touch the lives of many readers.

Many thanks to Gallery Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I think this author is amazing. No matter what subject she focuses on for the plots of her novels, I always glean such knowledge from her work.
The subject of this latest, bipolar disorder, was so sensitively covered. Maddy Banks, a college freshman, is eventually diagnosed with it. Genova is such a good writer that you had to sympathize with the unbelievable highs and lows that Maddy experienced.
Genova always makes her readers aware of prevalent illnesses and makes us smarter and more sympathetic to the problems of others. Great, as always!

I'll admit, I love everything I've read by Lisa Genova. This book is a nice addition to her oeuvre. Maddy is an interesting character, and I liked seeing her interact with her family both before and after the Thanksgiving episode. I will definitely be recommending this book. Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

It's been a while since I've sunk my teeth into a Lisa Genova! I always appreciate her tenacity in tackling the taboo. This book wasn't quite what I expected based off of the synopsis, but I really enjoyed following along with Maddy's journey. I expected there to be more stand-up comedy included for comedic relief of the heavy topic- and by the end I got that! We just had to travel the hard road together to get there. I loved the subject matter, the NYC scene, and the multiple topics tackled. I did long for more substantial relationships for Maddy, and kept hoping that her grandmother would grow into a more prominent character for her journey. It was a bit "too little, too late", although I was glad they got where they did. Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was both informative and fascinating! Nineteen-year-old Maddy is a stand-up comic who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She's been hospitalized but believes the meds she is on make her "crazier" than she already is so she experiments with taking more...or none. But she's determined to open for Taylor Swift on tour and will do what ever it takes to get there. This is a masterful look at the disease and how it can mask itself into so many different things until the patient is willing to let themself be helped!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Lisa Genova does it again. I loved this and learned so much about bipolar disorder. Maddy is so well drawn and I really felt what it would be like to experience the high highs and low lows that come with this disease. The standup comedy was funny and honest and her relationships with her mom and her sister, as well as men, felt honest.

I had a hard time getting into this book. The reviews were great and i love everything she writes but this one wasnt my favorite of hers.

This is so well written to help understand the impact of bipolar disorder. It was clear and relatable. I love that Maddie is likable as a character throughout her struggle.

Maddy Banks is the victim of her own mental disorder. During college, her behavior becomes ever more erratic and then she learns she suffers from bi-polar disorder. Given that the novel is written from Maddy’s perspective, readers are inside the chaos and turmoil that is her brain. It’s a hard book to read because of the depressing state of Maddy’s mind. Despite this difficulty of dealing with the stresses of the character’s illness, the book immerses the reader in her life, sharing the full experience of the highs and the lows.

The insights into the frustration with the illness and the subsequent treatment are striking and tremendously impactful. Genova brings bi-polar illness into the light, just as she has done with her other books on Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS and autism. She delves into each disorder with a sensitivity that creates awareness and also empathy for those who suffer and the impact on their families and friends.

Lisa Genova is definitely the author to read when reading a book about mental health issues. In this book, Maddy is a 19 year old who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It is a heart-gripping yet informative read. I got such insight into this disorder that would have helped me years ago when I had a 17 year old student wh0 confided a lot in me about her disorder. Her mom wasn't in her life and she really felt drawn to me. My point is, so much of what happened to Maddy, spending thousands of dollars on a whim, sleeping around, going off meds and feeling fine and more happened with my ex-student and I believe this book would help loved ones understand someone living with this disorder.

One comment that really hit me was saying that people are said to be "manic" or "she's bipolar" rather than she HAS bipolar; yet, nobody says things such as "she's cancer" which made sense to me because the disorder doesn't define who a person is.

I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you are someone living with or who cares about a person who has this disorder. I also think it's good book to read if you're living with bipolar disorder,

Lisa Genova’s heart-wrenching masterpiece More or Less Maddy is the must-read book of the year. This is the story of a college student whose emotions- and actions- begin to spiral out of control. Her lows are all-consuming and her highs are manic. When Maddy starts to struggle, she can barely get out of bed and drag herself into the shower. But when Maddy is flying high, she truly believes that she is writing Taylor Swift’s authorized biography and creating Netflix’s next big comedy special.

After a deeply traumatic episode, Maddy is hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This news shocks Maddy and her family to their core. Her family loves her but they don’t know how to help her without making her feel like she’s in prison. Maddy desperately wants to pursue her dream of performing stand-up comedy but she can’t go anywhere without her mother’s constant surveillance. Everyone thinks that Maddy’s comedic aspirations are an indication that she’s becoming manic again, but what they don’t understand is that she’s funny…. REALLY funny. She’s also a talented performer but every time it seems like she’s about to get her lucky break, one obstacle or another jumps in her path and derails Maddy’s plans.

I have never had my heart broken and put back together so many times in the course of one book. Lisa Genova has created an unforgettable portrait of a resilient young woman who tries -and fails- and tries again to battle the mental illness that is working so hard to destroy her wellbeing.

I’m so grateful to NetGalley for this ARC of More or Less Maddy.

This book offers a deeply authentic portrayal of mental health struggles, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the experiences of someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Lisa Genova masterfully draws you into Maddy’s world, capturing her journey as she navigates the challenges of coping with her diagnosis while striving to lead a normal life despite the weight of stigma.

As usual, Lisa Genova hits it out of the park. There are so many people who are living Bi-Polar and this book is a must read for those who love them and are trying to understand what that means. Her writing style brings you right into the head of someone who is experiencing manic episodes. Even though it's fiction, it is so well-researched, that it really helps the reader understand.

I’ve long been a fan of Lisa Genova’s books and her newest novel, More or Less Maddy, is my favorite read of the year so far.

Genova uses this latest novel to examine bi-polar disorder. It centers on Maggie, a young college student whose boyfriend has broken up with her and who is realizing she doesn’t want to follow the traditional path her family expects. What she does want is to be a stand up comedian. What first looks like a simple case of the blues soon morphs and devolves to a deep depression and later into full blown manic psychosis. All Maggie knows is that she feels great! She is accomplishing so much- working on her Netflix comedy special to writing a book about Taylor Swift. Surely Taylor will be thrilled. She obviously needs to go see her. Taylor would expect it. And clothes- she needs new clothes. Her mother will understand the $30,000 she charged on the credit card.

What Genova does so effectively here is make you seem like you are in Maddy’s mind. Her rapid thoughts that jump from one place to another. Her lethargy, as she sinks into a depression so deep she borders on catatonic, the reader experiences Maddy’s descent on a visceral level. The reader also comes to love and care and root deeply for Maddy. And yes, this is heavy subject matter, but it also has some levity and a sense of humor, because Maddy is funny! She has a unique perspective and the genius of her comedic gift shines through. If only she can get a hold on this disease. I loved this book. It made me laugh and cry and feel. Lisa Genova has done it again. Thank you to @netgalley and @gallerybooks for this arc.