Official Review: Unhinged by Steve Galley

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Supergirl1
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Latest Review: Unhinged by Steve Galley
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Official Review: Unhinged by Steve Galley

Post by Supergirl1 »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Unhinged" by Steve Galley.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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For as long as he could remember, Eddie has had an ongoing battle with the “Hunter.” That’s the name he’s given to the voice of despair and depression constantly whispering disparaging words and soul-crushing comments in his mind. On the outside, Eddie seems to have it all together; athletic, loved by girls, adored by his younger brother Trent, bad at math, supportive circle of friends, and even gets to date his crush. But sometimes, the brightest smiles hide the greatest pain. On the inside, the “Monster inside his head” is tearing him apart at the seams.

Unhinged is a story with a mental health awareness theme that I am convinced will resonate with teens and young adults. Like many people, young and old, Eddie tries to battle his demons on his own. Multiple real-life experiences have proven time and again that depression and anxiety are serious health problems. The author, Steve Galley, highlights the fact that seeking professional help for mental health issues is very important. Just as one cannot wish away physical illness, mental illness also cannot be ignored into oblivion. Having a support system is essential too. Various fun activities with his friends provided Eddie with a few cherished moments of escape.

The setting is in modern-day Canada, and the main characters are teenage high-schoolers. The author’s descriptions of the places and people are very realistic and relatable. Dysfunctional families, teens struggling to fit in with their peers, struggling to get good grades despite so many personal and home issues, making mistakes and feeling overwhelmed by them, the list goes on. Plus, I loved the ending.

Perhaps what I loved the most about this book was the fact that I could reconcile most of the issues the characters faced with issues both myself and the people around me face. From Eddie’s friend Jess and her problems with her no-good boyfriend Jimmy, to Rob, who Eddie looks up to, but who has problems of his own too. I also appreciated the celebration of friendships. Eddie’s best support system were his friends and girlfriend. It’s a refreshing opposite to the tired old narrative of bad friends leading the protagonist down the path of ruin.

There is some very mild swearing in this book, and very few grammar errors. However, I still think it deserves all 4 out of 4 stars, and that’s my rating. Lest I forget, did I mention teenagers and young adults?

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*Publisher's Note: Based on this review, the book was edited to remove the swears and correct the few grammar errors.
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Unhinged
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Ngozi Onyibor
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Post by Ngozi Onyibor »

Mental illness is rarely given the attention it deserves. Most persons think the sufferers are making it up because they seem fine on the outside. I'm glad Eddie found solace in his tribe of friends. Thanks for your review.
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Post by kandscreeley »

Wow! I love that there is a name to this "alter ego" of depression. This sounds like it could be quite powerful and useful as so many go through what Eddie went through. This would be especially great for young adults who sometimes don't feel like they can trust their parents or teachers. Thanks so much! Great book.
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Post by Erin Painter Baker »

I think it's great that there are books out there aimed at teenagers and young adults that address mental illness and the need to get help for it. So many teens think it's only them, that people will think they are weird, that no one can help. Books that let them see they are not alone are some of the most powerful out there. I am glad this book exists and that it was done so well.
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Post by kdstrack »

The author has a creative way of talking about a sensitive subject. I like the different ways that the book suggests to help combat depression and anxiety. Your enthusiasm for the book is making me want to read this one. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Post by maggi3 »

It’s hard to find an accurate depiction of
mental illness that isn’t glorified or romanticized. I’m glad the author was able to make such a relatable story that might help people who are dealing with depression or anxiety. I’ll have to read this one. Thanks for the review!
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AntonelaMaria
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Post by AntonelaMaria »

I think this is a great and important book. I agree that authors often use friends as antagonist making them bad, I'm glad this book celebrates friendship. Excellent review.

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Post by RoxieReads »

This sounds like a book that young adults need to read. When talking about mental illnesses in books, it is important that they demonstrate things like support systems, which it sounds like this book does well.
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Post by Intuitive Catalyst »

A book I can relate to from personal experience. Your review accurately depicts the experiences from a young adult's point of view. The author has obviously done a good job going by your enthusiasm. Thanks
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Post by Mbrooks2518 »

Depression isn't a subject I like to read about, so I'll pass on this one, although it is important to have books like this to help with mental health awareness. Great review!
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Post by Nisha Ward »

Mental health in teenagers is an important issue I don't think we touch on enough. That Eddie has "monsters" in his head is a clear warning sign and I'm glad the author decided to tackle this.
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Post by ReneeBrown »

This book sounds like a powerful book. I was intrigued with the title. Thanks for the well-written review!
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Post by BookPower9 »

Very timely for this book to be out in the market. There are numbers of personalities who suffers for depression. Hope they can use this book a guide to handle such. Experts on this field should consider this material for added info. But in the end, only God can help the most. Just always pray. Very nice review. Thanks.
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Post by TheAshedPhoenix »

Times like this require a positive handling approach and I am glad the writers are shedding light on the draped up issues that don't get managed well in the real-world. Miles away from the generic hero-villain conflict, the readership certainly yearns for known yet new content like this. Thank you for such an extensive review. :)
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Post by FelDee »

I feel like we have read two different books. I found the premise of the book to be great, but I found how the author addressed depression was very 2D and as someone that has suffered from depression and anxiety as a teenager I couldn't relate to this book at all.
Question did you happen to notice the huge plot hole in chapter 15?
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