Sixteen year old Solomon has agoraphobia. He hasn’t left his house in three years, which is fine by him. At home, he is the master of his own kingdom — even if his kingdom doesn’t extend outside of the house.
Ambitious Lisa desperately wants to go to a top tier psychiatry program. She’ll do anything to get in.
When Lisa finds out about Solomon’s solitary existence, she comes up with a plan sure to net her a scholarship: befriend Solomon. Treat his condition. And write a paper on her findings. To earn Solomon’s trust, Lisa begins letting him into her life, introducing him to her boyfriend Clark, and telling him her secrets. Soon, Solomon begins to open up and expand his universe. But all three teens have grown uncomfortably close, and when their facades fall down, their friendships threaten to collapse as well.
So, this was yet another book that I’d been promising to read for months, that has traveled a lot, but always end up being put on hold. Not anymore! I am SO glad I finally picked it up.
I have to admit that I was a bit scared when I picked it up, because I was afraid that the story would either fall into some trope, or I wouldn’t like the writing or something – because I had never read anything by this author. But to be honest, nothing like that happened. The writing was magnificently fun and witty and humorous and so darn fast. The pacing was crazy fast and the way it incorporated pop culture, geekiness and fun into it was amazing. I am a fan!
The book is told through the point of view of 2 characters, Solomon, who suffers from agoraphobia, and Lisa, who decides that she’s gonna cure him.
I loved Solomon right from the start, even though I don’t suffer from social anxiety and panic attacks like he does, the writing made it relatable. I understood him! His voice is strong, his reasoning strong, and me (as a reader) understood his decisions and his life. I absolutely adored him. I loved his relationships with his parents and grandmother, and later on with Lisa and Clark.
Lisa was a tough pill to swallow… I had a few troubles connecting to her and liking her. From the start, it’s impossible not to think that her reasons for befriending Solomon are all wrong. ALL WRONG! And the way she keeps sticking to them? WRONG! I kind of got why she thought she needed to do it, but her behaviour? HIGHLY ILLOGICAL! BUT… she turns out to be a great friend for Solomon and it’s clear that she really likes him, even if her reasons were not correct.
Another character that I absolutely loved was Clark… he might be my favorite. Clark is a mystery, because he’s the only one we don’t get a POV from, so one never really knows what’s going on in his head. He starts by being Lisa’s boyfriend, but quickly becomes Solomon’s best friend and the 2 are like two peas in a pod… so darn cute! I loved how he was just an amazing person, who sought to help and be the best he could be, and wanted to do right by the people he loved.
I am so glad the book didn’t go where I thought it was headed… on multiple paths. The book is not about curing someone, it’s about accepting that what is true for you and what works for you, might not work for someone else, and that’s ok. It’s about learning to accept what you do have. It’s about realizing that you are more than just a label!
The friendship and connections in this story are amazing, and they all give great banter. Oh… I loved the banter!
I have to say, I’m a bit in love with this story. I wish everyone would read it.
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