Clean Read #1- Challenger Deep

I chose Challenger Deep as my first book to review and share with you, first because it was one of the last books I completed (I usually end up reading two or three concurrently, while also listening to an audio book or two before bed) so it is pretty fresh in my mind. Secondly, this is one of the most beautiful, thought-provoking novels I’ve read (technically listened to) in a long time. It is an incredible journey into mental illness, told from the perspective of the main character, Caden Bosch’s, hallucinatory world alternating with his reality. This book is a work of art in my opinion, painted so masterfully by the author, at times I felt just as unsure of what was real as Caden himself. The audio version read by Michael Curran-Dorsano is also done very well, his reading perfectly punctuated the story, without distracting me or detracting from the book itself.

So What’s It About Then?

Caden Bosch is your average teenage boy, trying to get through school, maintain friendships, and accept the responsibilities of growing up. That is until he starts believing one of his schoolmates, whom he has never actually talked to, wants to kill him. This one paranoid thought soon blooms into something he can no longer control on his own. This is the story of his up and down, over and under, and everywhere in between ride through his own mind.

Why I Loved It

I loved this book because I felt it was a realistic portrayal of what it is like discovering you have a mental illness. Although I don’t suffer with the same diagnosis as Caden, I do have a mental illness of my own. Neal Shusterman manages to capture the frustration, despair, loneliness, guilt and every other nameless emotion that comes with a mental illness diagnosis, as well as the affect it has on the loved ones of the ill, without ever being melodramatic or saccharine. The story is also intriguing and well-paced, so that you know enough to actually understand what’s happening, but not so much that it gets boring and you end up knowing the ending seemingly before the author does. This book, while written with a YA audience it mind, is never condescending and is something adults can enjoy as well.

Is It A Clean Read?

Yes and no. Yes because there is no sexual content or use of expletives (a few mild swears such as crap and ass are used a few times) and only mild violence; my baseline for a clean read. However, given the context of mental illness, there are a number of things that could be considered triggers and may not be suitable for all readers. First, there is a minor character that is the victim of rape, although the details are never described, it is mentioned clearly a few times. There are also brief mentions of substance addiction as well as a non detailed depiction of self-harm and attempted suicide. None of these issues seemed to me to be used for the purpose of entertainment, but simply to highlight the causes and effects of many mental health problems. All in all there is very little offensive content, but sensitive consumers may choose to skip it. I would rate it PG.

Do I Recommend?

Yes, Yes and Yes!!!! I love this book. It’s a 5/5 from me.