**Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book from the author for review purpose. This has in no way, shape or form affected my opinion on it**
Cover provided by author“Angels can’t swim” is a book written trying to end the stigma against mental health, especially eating disorders, and sexuality in the context of College swimmers.
Upon being approached to review this book, I got attracted around the mental health present in this book. Though the book is around swimmers, it is less about the sport that it is about finding yourself and figuring what your voice is and who you wanna be.
Suited for readers from YA & up.
This novella was published in June 2018 through KDP.
My review;
4 / 5 stars = i loved it!
** trigger warning; This novel includes eating disorder, specially bulimia. **
At first, this novella wasn’t quite what I had expected it to be. I was shocked to see that it was more in form of bullet points about three girls rather than the narrations form the other novels I had read have; this being in fact my first novella I do read.
After the shock was passed, I started to really love it. This book have a great moral at the end of it and each of the girls face a different struggle; yet all three come to peace with it and pass through it. The author pass the message that whatever might it be that you are facing, you can live through it with the help of friends and professionals if needs be.
I specially appreciate how this novella ended well, leaving me with a feeling of happiness and hopefulness rather than in tears; for many bad things could’ve happened, especially on Maggie’s side. I also feel at peace with how we all find our voice somewhere in the mix, it might just not be at the same time – but we will find it nonetheless. Really worth the read!
It makes sense that any competitive sport would create not only self-esteem problems but also body issues, especially if the players in question are under a lot of pressure to perform and compete in championships. So I’m not surprised.
I’m really glad this came with a positive message, though, and a happy ending! Wonderful review, Kristina 🙂
Thank you !
yep, you are right .. body issues, stress issues.. lot of mental health problems could be involved.
Great review Kristina! I always have a hard time reading books about characters having an eating disorder as my aunt had anorexia and bulimia and ended killing herself. I was around 16 years old and it “marked” me for life.
Ahh, totally understandable ..
I can watch almost anything gory or watever and it never bothers me; except one thing. An actor playing a scene of trying to end it’s life. that I cannot.