This was a tough read, but also an important one for better understanding someone living with bipolar disorder. Maddy is a typical teen with aspirations and angst, living with her family. When Maddy’s personality and physical appearance begin to change after her freshman year at NYU, her mother is concerned about what others will think and refuses to accept that her daughter may need help. Maddy’s behavior becomes extreme at times, even frightening, Through all the highs and lows, she just wants to be accepted and taken seriously, but she must learn a new way of life. I appreciated the author’s background in neuroscience, which brought authenticity to this story. It was both informative and enlightening!

My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of a novel dealing with a young girl with dreams who has to reappraise her entire life when she receives health information that makes everything she has gone through make sense, though it makes her future uncertain.

I read books to escape from things that's a given, but I also read books to learn new things, and even more to try and see the world from a different point of view. Reading the same old stuff only reinforces many of the believes that we have, sort of like only watching one news channel, or only following like minded people on social media. I read books to see life through other eyes, be it foreign mysteries, diverse authors, and those dealing with problems I might never face. I think reading books like this makes one more empathetic, and that is something this world needs a lot more of. Novel can put you in the shoes of a person, show their life, and make their problems relatable and understandable. And worth reading about. More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova is a story about a young girl, who has always felt lost, and finds out why, which opens up a whole new world of problems.

Maddy Banks is a young student at NYU, and just trying to get through the day without losing it. Maddy has dealing with a recent breakup and this one seems harder to get over. Growing up in Connecticut, Maddy always seemed out of step with her family, always the squeaky wheel, the nail that stands up. This might be why she dreams of a career not in business or in being part of family, but in comedy, particularly stand-up. Maddy goes on antidepressants, but instead of leveling out, Maddy goes higher and higher, feeling elation, energy and a loss of control, something she has never had before. The diagnosis is bipolar disorder, which leaves Maddy at a loss. Does this explain why she has always felt the way she has? What kind of an effect will this have on her, her relationships and her family. Does she give up dreaming? And what kind of a life can she have.

There was a lot I enjoyed in the book, and not because Maddy was the name of my favorite animal. I love the fact that the author treats the characters with respect, never trying to make this the disease of the week, or a Lifetime movie moment. Lisa Genova is a very skilled writer, and a trained neuroscientist, who can explain complicated psychological conditions, without losing the narrative, and without sounding like a lecture. In other books where there would be, oh woe is me alas, alack alay, these characters have realistic moments of doubt. And fear, and worry. Yet again not played for drama, but to show readers this is not the end of the world. Bad things happen, and yet we can adapt and go on. Maddy is a fun character, and can be funny, which is good as she does care about comedy. Genova revels things about Maddy that shows what here life has been like, and what dealing with mental disorders has cost her, and what it has given her. Plus there is a lot of strength in Maddy, and as she proves it to herself, readers can't help but be glad for her.

Lisa Genova has done much for readers highlighting many of the problems that people have and taken the stigma of their illness away. Readers learn not only about these disorders, but how not to be afraid, and how to be able to help. And to listen. This is a good book for new readers, as well as one fans will of course enjoy. I look forward to more by Lisa Genova.

What a powerful book. Through Genova's prose your are taken into the world of a bipolar character. You truly feel the struggle, frustration and ups and down of anyone with this disease. Beautifully written with compassion.

I am always looking forward to Lisa Genova's new book. As a neuroscientist, Genova has written novels about Alzheimer, autism, Huntington's disease, and ALS. Now, her latest novel, "More or Less Maddy," will tell a story of Maddy with her bipolar disorder.

TW: self-harm

"I find it fascinating that they put people with such a high risk for suicide on a cocktail of serious meds and totally trust us not to overdose. It's like handing us a loaded gun and saying, 'Just don't point it at your head, okay?'."


Maddy Banks is a freshman at NYU, juggling and trying to adapt a college life, city life, and single life after broken up with her boyfriend. She feels low, unhappy, the opposite of okay, yet she couldn't pinpoint what she has to be depressed about. Before college, Maddy had her life pull together, but now is a total mess, until at the end, she's having a total breakdown and experiencing a manic episode.

Genova is amazingly taking you to enter Maddy's chaos mind which gradually worsen, taking us to see from Maddy's perspective, and introducing us to the world of bipolar disorder - how to keep stable, how to not slip into manic stage, how to accept her condition.
I feel for Maddy, I feel for Maddy's family. While reading this book, I feel the tension (and hoping not) of Maddy is about to slip into manic state again.

This was a fascinating read, hard to put down, and definitely will stay with me for a long time.

I’m a huge fan of this author and her books that tell amazing stories. Maddy is a college freshman when she is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. We follow along with Maddy as she learns her diagnosis and struggles to accept the stigma that goes with mental illness. My favorite part of the book is near the end when Maddy tries to say, Is she bipolar or does she have bipolar. The comparisons she makes are so real and highlights that having a mental illness is not who a person is, the same as a person with cancer that’s not who they are. This is an eye opening book that everyone should read. I loved the characters and lost track of time reading this book because it is so good!

This book is about an aspiring stand up comedian who has undiagnosed with bipolar disorder. Maddy Banks thinks she is just like any other stressed out freshman…but what starts with antidepressant leads somewhere she doesn’t expect.

This book felt like a very authentic look at someone with bipolar disorder. I think Maddy’s character is really going to resonate with readers.

I really liked how we see this through Maddy’s eyes - honestly at times it was a little shocking but also really made me think.
We see so many different aspects of her life and how mental illness affects it. Sometimes it is truly heartbreaking but also inspirational.

Yes there are some tough scenes to read but overall this is a heartwarming story. I was really rooting for Maddy!

Lisa Genova has written another wonderful, gripping book! I love how she writes about what she knows - this time about bipolar disorder. I learned so much about the disease while also so engaged in the characters and their lives. I had a very hard time putting this book down!

"More or Less Maddy" by Lisa Genova is a poignant exploration of mental health, identity, and the complexities of adolescence. The story follows Maddy, a high school student grappling with the challenges of anxiety and depression. Genova's empathetic writing offers an authentic portrayal of Maddy's internal struggles and her journey toward understanding herself.

One of the strengths of the book is Genova's ability to create relatable characters who resonate with readers. Maddy's friendships, family dynamics, and the pressures of school life are depicted with sensitivity and realism. The narrative balances moments of hope and despair, illustrating the ebb and flow of mental health.

Genova also emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the various forms that support can take, making the book not just a story about struggle, but also about resilience and growth. The inclusion of coping strategies and the importance of community adds depth to the narrative.

Overall, "More or Less Maddy" is a heartfelt and insightful read that captures the complexities of navigating mental health in today's world. It's a valuable resource for young adults and anyone looking to understand the nuances of mental illness.

Thank you NetGalley, Gallery/Scout. Press and Lisa Genova for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of More or Less Maddie.
This is a beautifully written story filled with strong emotions about a young woman struggling through life with bipolar disorder. The writing captured me at the very start and I was immersed with our main character, Maddie as she rode a fast moving roller coaster, sometimes without a seatbelt. I was with her from start to finish and I hate to see her leave me behind. I felt her pain, lack of self esteem, ups and downs that never end all the while admiring her strength and decisions she needed to make.
Maddie’s family is described in detail as they are critical pieces in Maddie’s puzzle. I felt their pain, and worry along with a different kind of roller coaster.
I will be thinking about this novel for a long time. Bipolar disorder has such a stigma along with lack of information. It opened my eyes and heart with a need to learn more. I was only able to see a portion of Maddie’s life and would love to know what happens next. I will definitely read more from Lisa Genova whose stories pack a punch along with important information about mental health.

I just love this book (and this author). More or Less Maddy is about Maddy a young woman headed off to college who has undiagnosed bipolar disorder. We experience the world through Maddy's eyes and brain and Genova does such a good job of helping us experience the world through her eyes. That duality sometimes tilted my response or feelings to be in opposition to what my rational brain told me might be happening. We also experience the lives of her family and friends and understand their fear and concern while always pulling for Maddy to make it through to have the life she wants.

I will be recommending this book for our book club in the new year as it is rich with discussion topics and perspectives and is a topic we have not discussed in the past. Genova has done it again by shining a light on an illness that is not understood by many but is experienced by too many.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Lisa Genova is one of my favorite authors and once again she didn’t disappoint. While the book is uncomfortable at times, I so appreciate how she opens up a whole new world to me with each of her books. By offering a page-turning story, she also makes us understand what it means to be affected by an illness that deserves to have a lights shone on it. Bravo!

Thank you for the advanced copy of More or Less Maddy. The book was exciting for me because I have enjoyed Lisa Geneva’s prior books and also because of the topic. Frankly, this was a hard read. Mandy’s illness is so authentically portrayed alongside the reactions of her family and friends that is was heartbreaking. The start was disturbing, and I was afraid during the book that it would end badly. Thank you for not leaving the story there! I appreciate the book for its portrayal and once again, Lisa’s masterful writing style.

This book was a sneak peek into the life of a person with bipolar disorder. It is VERY interesting and entertaining to read, as the extremes of behavior are jaw-dropping. All the while, I felt guilty for deriving so much enjoyment from this woman’s horrific struggle with bipolar disorder. As always, Genova treats this mental health issue with compassion. Its is hard to read at times because of the nature of the story, but a fantastic read, and important for us all to know about.

I was so excited to see that Lisa Genova had a new book ready to come out! I've loved all of her previous novels. She's such a talented writer, and makes us feel like we are part of the character's family. I found myself holding my breath during Maddy's manic episodes, wondering how long they would go before the inevitable crash. Definitely recommended. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

📖 Book Review 📖 When I was in graduate school for social work, we had a whole class dedicated to diagnosing mental illness. It was fascinating and of course we went through all the symptoms and age of onset and did a little bit of self-reflection and perhaps a casual assessment of close family and friends (obviously not a formal diagnosis). I went on to intern and then work on a psychiatric unit and it turned out to be the favorite job that I ever had (and I met my husband working on the psych ward so mental health advocacy is huge in our household).

Lisa Genova has written an absolutely beautiful and poignant coming of age that tackles the scenario of what life looks like when a mental health diagnosis comes your way. More or Less Maddy is the most intimate look into the world of living with bipolar disorder that is so hard to truly capture but will help people understand the lived experience of so many young adults and beyond. And for those living with this disease or any other kind of mental health diagnosis, I certainly believe that they will find a connection in Maddy and hopefully feel seen and heard in Lisa Genova’s newest work, a realistic look at the reality of mental health yet this masterpiece resonates with vulnerability and a hopeful tone of resilience.

More or Less Maddy is a soulful story. It's sad, it's funny and very honest. The further I read, the more I enjoyed the story. This could and I'm sure is like true story, and it sure makes you think. Thank you @NetGalley@ScoutPress@LisaGenova

I’ve been a fan of Lisa Genova since Still Alice, so I was excited to read her latest book, More or Less Maddy. Genova is a neuroscientist by training, so I love how she dives deep into different neurological conditions in her novels. The novel is about a young college student who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Maddy is a student at NYU living in New York City learning to navigate young adulthood and her newly found independence. Early in the novel she cycles through depression and mania and diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

We follow Maddy through her struggles and treatment, navigating this unknown world. It gave me a better understanding of what it’s like to have bipolar disorder and how disruptive the medications used to treat it can be. Her family is affluent, and she has monetary support, but her mother seems limited in the emotional support she can give. I found her very frustrating and controlling but understand that reaction to a diagnosis like this is probably all too common. I found it super easy to get into this novel and root for Maddy. I so wanted her to find her way, to be able to pursue her interests in standup comedy and have stability in her life. Overall, this was a compelling look into bipolar disorder.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

I love Lisa Genova's novels and the way that they give the reader a look into the mind and viewpoint of folks with different neurological conditions. More or Less Maddy is the story of a young woman who experiences manic and depressive episodes. This is not a particularly easy situation to read about but it is interesting to see how the entire family is affected and how devastating the diagnosis and condition can be for everyone. I appreciate the thorough research that was clearly put into this novel. The reader is given a front row seat to Maddy's thoughts and feelings as she navigates the diagnosis, the treatment and how to handle her life.

Maddy is a twenty year old college student who suddenly finds her life spinning out of control. A diagnosis of Bi-polar disease explains what has happened but not how to live with it. Maddie and her family must navigate the new normal and it affects all of them in different ways. Maddie did not ask for this and must now figure out how to live the rest of her life. An insightful look at a difficult disease, I would like to have seen a bit more about the effects it has on family members. The whole storyline about stand up comedy was a bit distracting. Overall a good look at this disease but not one of Genova's strongest efforts.

Maddy, the main character in 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘆, is a young woman learning to live with bipolar disorder. From Maddy’s first manic episode to her multiple suicide attempts, her obsession with Taylor Swift to her desires to become a comedian, Lisa Genova masterfully weaves a narrative that has us living in Maddy’s head, taking us through her highs and lows - an uncomfortable journey for sure but a masterpiece as always.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫