Reading More or Less Maddy is like riding a Roller Coaster. The diagnosis and treatment of a young woman with bipolar disorder is skillfully handled by Lisa Genova who has the scientific background and writing abilities to take on this difficult topic. I was fully engaged with Maddy and her family’s struggles. This will definitely be a timely book for book club discussions.

I really liked the realistic mental health rep. As a person who lives with bipolar many parts of the story rang true to real life experiences - cause when you don’t know what’s happening and the mania hits, it’s euphoric and the impending depression swing is terrifying.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova.

I LOVE Lisa Genova. If she is writing a book, especially about a certain disease or disorder that I have yet to learn more about, I am reading it. She is not only an amazing educator through story, but she's an even better storyteller who educates.

Maddy is riding high, everything in her life could not be more incredible. She's currently working on her Netflix hour long comedy special, and it is shaping out to be HILARIOUS. And not only that, but Taylor Swift has hired her to write her memoir, Taylor Swift! She couldn't be luckier.

Except none of that is true, and Maddy hasn't slept in days, and she's also engaging in self harm. Maddy has bipolar disorder.

This is the story about one young woman and how she discovers, and then lives with bipolar, a disorder that we used to call manic depression. It's incredibly hard to treat, and the highs and lows are equally scary. Genova does SUCH an amazing job giving you an incredibly raw look into this difficulty of this disease, not only on the sufferer, but the family members, friends, employees etc as well. I walked away with so much more of a compassion and understanding for those who have dealt with it, and I'm so grateful to know better.

Maddy Banks is a stressed-out freshman at NYU. Schoolwork, exams, a breakup and navigating life in the city is a lot to deal with at once. It is normal to feel overwhelmed. But Maddy's low is devastatingly low causing her to take an antidepressant. She spirals high that results in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Maddy struggles to adjust and create a new balance in relationships, mood, identity and dreams for the future.

Lisa Genova has the blessed ability to put into words the effects of a medical condition. She tackles the hard topics, the lesser known, the difficult to discuss, the complicated to explain. She masterfully writes from the perspective of loved ones and the person directly diagnosed. In More or Less Maddy, she brings to light the phases of a bipolar episode, accurately describing depression and mania. As a loved one of a close relative diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I recognized many of the signs. I got a glimpse into the thoughts accompanying a manic state.

More or Less Maddy is not an easy read. There are chapters that will make you flinch, ooze empathy and open your heart to hope. I appreciate Lisa Genova bringing awareness to mental illness. As a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, she knows what she's talking about and putting it into fiction form for us to digest. We need more books by her and more authors like her!

Happy Early Pub Day, Lisa Genova! More or Less Maddy will be available Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

This is such a poignant read. Having studied psychology and witnessed people close to me struggle with mental illness, I loved the main character Maddy's story. Her struggle with bipolar came across as so real it brought tears to my eyes. Mental illness is prevalent, and it's truly nothing to be ashamed of. I'm so glad that message comes across in Lisa Genova's novel. I think everyone should read this book so they can understand their fellow human a little better.

What an incredible depiction of the rollercoaster that is bipolar disorder. Managing mental health needs is not linear-- rather, it can be two steps forward, three steps back. She brings light to the stigma associated with bipolar, as well as the toll it can take on both the individual and those around them. Highly recommend this one.

Maddy is going to NYU and is struggling. She is depressed and can barely make herself do normal activities. After taking an antidepressant she discovers she has bipolar disorder after a wild manic event. The author takes us through some gritty, raw, terrifying, heartbreaking and complicated events surrounding Maddy’s diagnosis and health journey. I was engaged in this book throughout the story and at times felt like I was on the edge of my seat. This book is so heartfelt as we follow along as Maddy faces conflicted feelings about having this disorder and trying to live the life she wants. There is really nothing I can say to do this book justice! It is exceptional! Everyone wanting to learn more about bipolar disorder should read this book!

This is certainly a compelling read and gives the reader the perspective and insight of a young woman struggling with mental illness. Genova does a good job of working to eliminate the stigma and show support for those struggling with bipolar disorder. Some scenes were difficult to read and I think the reader needs to be in the right space to dive into this type of story. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

4.5 Stars

This is definitely an emotional read and anyone who suffers from bipolar disorder or knows someone who does will be able to relate to Maddy’s story. Although the book is fiction, you definitely get a real life view of what is means to live with bipolar disorder. I really felt for Maddy as she navigated this new reality. I felt for her when she received the diagnosis and was really rooting for her to overcome each setback caused by her manic episodes. I loved that she found enjoyment through comedy and that we got a glimpse of her routines throughout the book. Genova not only does a great job representing the life of a person with bipolar disorder, but we are also able to see how it affects the family and the struggles they all went through to find balance again.

This is definitely not my typical read, but I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone looking for an emotional well written novel about a very real and many times misunderstood disorder.

Wow! I don’t even know how Lisa Genova does it, but she just has this way of transporting you into the mind and emotions of her MCs in a way no other author can. AND this also makes it about impossible to write a review that can do justice to any of her books!

In all honesty, I was quite hesitant when it came to reading this book and only picked it up because Genova is one of my lifetime favorite authors. My own mother was diagnosed as being bipolar (after my parents were divorced and I was living with my father). She was abusive, suffered from manic episodes, and I was afraid this story would take me back to my childhood. However, rather than the story being told in an overly dramatic way, which could have been the manner some authors may have approached the story, Genova related it in a most respectful, considerate and compassionate manner that allowed me to feel for both the MC and her family without my past bogging me down while reading.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

I’m not sure if it is proper to say that I really enjoyed reading about a young woman with bipolar disorder and all the struggles she has gone through, because they were at times difficult to read about. However, Genova yet again, has provided a magnificently insightful and intuitive account into the world of someone who coming to terms with her bipolar diagnosis. I really can’t put into words how well written this book was.

I also always appreciate all the research Genova does for each of her books and was beyond intrigued by the various medications and all their side effects.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

Fast!

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

I couldn't put this compelling book down! This story is heartbreaking, BUT I saw something else in this story. Pain and heartache and change comes into everyone's life in some form and not everything that comes from that is bad. Genova does a good job of showing the devastating parts in bipolar disorder but also the beauty in redefined relationships.

Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Maddy is a typical college student at NYU. That is until she has her first bouts with serious depression, followed by an all out manic episode in which she is convinced she is meeting up with Taylor Swift to write her biography. Maddy is ultimately diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Learning to love with the diagnosis is a struggle, for both Maddy and her family. They all must learn who Maddy is with bipolar and how to help her live her best version of normal.

I have many friends who have been touched by this diagnosis; their husbands, children and themselves. It’s never easy because mental health isn’t treated like physical health and there is a lot of stigma attached to it. Genova always does such a wonderful job humanizing things so that you can really see the effects on everyone involved. Highly recommend all her books!

Maddy is your everyday college student. Sure she is struggling a bit with fitting in, but the health center gave her an antidepressant to help with that. Shortly after however, she is filled with energy, realizes that Taylor Swift is obviously waiting for her to come find her, and Netflix is calling to offer her a comedy special. All which leads to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Maddy went from normal to not knowing how to live her life overnight. The lows and dangerously low, and the highs are just as dangerously high.

Ok so I feel I need to start by saying that this is not an easy read. I read the first half before bed one night and seriously had dreams that I was having a full blown breakdown. I think bipolar is something that so many people know very little about, and probably judge. Years ago I listened to a podcast with a comedian that had manic episodes and it was so fascinating and heartbreaking to listen to his story. Reading this book, I was taken back to that podcast, and while I don’t know what it is like to have this diagnosis, comparing the two I feel like Lisa Genova did an amazing job writing from Maddy’s perspective. I definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants to understand what someone with this diagnosis may be feeling and going through. Again, not an easy read at all, but so well done, I could not put it down.

Thank you to @gallerybooks for my gifted copy of this book!

📚 PRE-PUBLICATION BOOK TOUR BOOK REVIEW 📚

More or Less Maddy By Lisa Genova
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Publisher: Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
(Rounded Up To 5⭐)

📚MY REVIEW:

More or Less Maddy is a poignant and powerful story about life with bipolar disorder, offering an eye-opening perspective into its impacts on both the person diagnosed and those who love her.

Maddy is a sophomore at NYU in her early twenties, trying to cope with the stresses of classes, an on-and-off-again relationship with her high school boyfriend, and figuring out what she wants to do with her life. Initially, she appears to just be struggling to adjust to college life. As the story continues, however, the reader begins to glimpse the downward spiral in Maddy's life that ultimately culminates into quite a dramatic scene with her family as her mental health challenges become glaringly apparent. The remainder of the story highlights the ups-and-downs of the diagnosis for Maddy, as well as those who love her, as everyone tries to figure out how to cope with and accept this new normal in their lives.

This book is brilliantly written, laden with highly emotional storylines that are handled with respect and authenticity. Though I wondered if this book might feel like really heavy, it didn't at all. In fact, it was a fast read for me. The writing felt realistic and honest. Though seeing the cyclic nature of the mania and depression from Maddy's viewpoint - and in real time - was gut-wrenching at times, it also provided a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder for me and I greatly appreciated that. I enjoyed reading about the honest struggles of Maddy's family members, as they tried to balance their desire to protect her with their need to allow her to live with - and thrive with - this life-changing diagnosis. I felt tears spilling over in the last chapters and realized how incredibly emotionally invested I had become with the characters of this book.

More Or Less Maddy was a beautiful story and I applaud Genova's commitment to getting bipolar disorder right. Her acknowledgements and author's notes at the end of the book really shine a light on her dedication to doing the research and ensuring the reader received an accurate portrayal of this character's mental health journey. I was grateful and honored to be part of this book tour with Book Lovers The Buzz, Gallery Books, and Lisa Genova herself, and this is my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced e-copy of this book too.

#MoreOrLessMaddy #LisaGenova #GalleryBooks #GalleryScoutPress #booktour #bookloversthebuzz #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #ARC #mentalhealthawareness #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #bookaddict

I completely devoured this book.
As someone who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age and has been through it, Genova really hit the mark.
We follow along Maddy’s journey of being diagnosed, depressed and manic episodes along with stopping medication when thinking you don’t them. Going through a cycle. How hard it can be for her family but also them not understanding.
Very thought out and educational. It would be a great book club pick. So happy to be able to pick this one up with The Buzz.

I love to read books to learn about things that I haven't experienced. This book hit the mark! It delved into bipolar disorder in a way that seemed very genuine. The characters were well developed. The story covered the effects of the disorder not only on the person with it, but how it affects the family members. Well told, heartwarming, empathetic and riveting. Kept me up a few nights. Glad I'm done with it only because I hope that means I won't stay up reading late anymore.

This is only the second novel I've read by Lisa Genova. It just confirms that I definitely need to read more of her writing.

I'm really impressed by how a woman from my generation is able to write from the mind of a Gen Z girl. She does it so well and really captures her voice on page, making her feel so real the entire time. And while I know of bipolar disorder, I've never really seen it play out the way I did through this novel. I felt like I was watching a train wreck every time Maddy went through one of her manic periods, especially when it got to an extreme. She'd have everything under control and then suddenly it would all spiral at a rapid pace. The depression was hard to read about too, as it felt so raw and painful.

I found myself getting so angry at Maddy's mother, but also could relate to her at other times. It made me think of when I was watching Felicity and would get angry at her parents for judging her choices but also understood where they were coming from.

Overall, this is a really well-thought-out novel that put me right in the head of someone going through something really difficult in their life. I really liked the comedic bits that were included and found myself laughing along with Maddy during her career journey. More or Less Maddy will be available in mid-January, so be sure to grab a copy and devour it like I did!

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Maddy: Rachel Sennott
Emily: Elizabeth Lail
Amy (Maddy's mom): Marley Shelton
Maddy's grandma: Blythe Danner
Max: Joe Keery
Dr. Weaver: Melissa Leo
Adam: Cody Christian

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TW: suicidal ideation, attempted suicide, intense scenes during manic periods

More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova is a powerful, empathetic exploration of bipolar disorder through the eyes of Maddy, a young woman navigating the chaos of diagnosis and treatment while finding her voice as a stand-up comedian. Genova’s portrayal is raw, authentic, and respectful, shedding light on the challenges of mental illness without reducing Maddy to her condition. The story seamlessly balances emotional depth with humor, offering vivid comedy club scenes that showcase Maddy’s resilience in a male-dominated industry. Blending Genova’s expertise as a neuroscientist with her literary skill, this quick yet impactful read is both educational and deeply moving

Maddy is a teenager, she lives in a wealthy suburb in Connecticut with her mom, step dad, brother and sister. Maddy has a boyfriend and is all set to start at NYU as a freshman in the fall. What Maddy and her family do not know is that within the next year, life will change drastically for Maddy as she suffers from the mental illness labeled bipolar disease. Lisa Genova expertly shows how this brain imbalance affects not only Maddy but her family as they all come to terms with Maddy's diagnosis and try and navigate through this. Not only did I learn a lot about bipolar disorder and the side effects from the current medications, I also learned how it's possible for someone to live with this condition with the love and support of family and friends. Fans of Lisa Genova's stories should put this one on their reading list! Jan 2025 Pub Date.

Books are often referred to as being "windows" or "mirrors"-- I think that "More or Less Maddy" is a great "window" into what it would be like to live with bipolar disorder AND could potentially be a great "mirror" for those living with the mental illness as well. I really enjoyed reading and learning about Maddy's experience and felt deeply for her and her family. I'm so thankful for Lisa Genova for providing such well researched books with well developed stories and characters, to help provide windows and mirrors into illnesses that we may otherwise not have personal experience with. This is one that will stick with me for a long time.

Freshman year at NYU is not turning out exactly how Maddy imagined her college life to be. Happy to be distanced from the watchful eye of her mother’s country club mentality, Maddy expected more fun and freedom to follow. Instead she is finding classes difficult, focus nearly impossible and as her high school boyfriend Adam is thriving at Columbia, she is faking most of their time together. Finally accepting some assistance at the student health center Maddy goes on a widely used antidepressant that immediately takes effect. She has more energy than a rocket ship and school, partying and visions of a future become crystal clear. Until they don’t. With the fog lifted Maddy falls into a severe mania that spirals out of control landing her in the hospital, diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her family cannot understand how a perfectly healthy girl with every opportunity is falling apart before their very eyes. While her mother grabs the reins to rebuild Maddy’s life, and keep her safe, Maddy falls further into a complex world of drug cocktails with multiple side effects leaving her a shadow of her former self. One she cannot recognize or love. Maddy must learn to navigate this new world she did not choose and does not know if she can ever accept. Once again incredible author Lisa Genova introduces her readers to the unpredictable world of bipolar disorder, formerly called manic-depressive, a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings and episodes of mania. As these characters capture our hearts and imaginations we learn about an illness that effects an estimated 4.4% of adults nationwide. This novel educates, fosters empathy and forces us to ask questions. I could not put it down. Releases in January, this is a must read for 2025!!