Lisa Genova’s new novel, “More or Less Maddy” is a powerful, emotional story in which the main character has bipolar disorder. The descriptions of her illness and also her struggles with treatment are honest and thought-provoking. In the end, Maddy finds that for her, humor and comedy carve a path for her to live with her bipolar.
Maddy Banks is a twenty-year-old college student at NYU. She is dealing with difficult classes, exams, city living and a break-up with her boyfriend – no surprise that she is overwhelmed . . . But Maddy falls into a deep depression, followed by a manic episode and ends up in a treatment facility, diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her mother loves her, but is judgmental and controlling. Her sister, the ‘perfect’ one, tries to understand. Her friends just seem to disappear. Maddie has to find a new normal in order to manage her life. It is a rollercoaster ride that is heartbreaking and realistic. (The novel does contain situations about self-harm and suicide, as well as some adult sexual language.)
“More or Less Maddy” is definitely a book I would recommend! The author, Lisa Genova, is also a neuroscientist and really delves into the feelings of the character who has bipolar. She does a wonderful job of telling Maddy’s story and showing how it also affects family and friends, but that support is essential to helping a person live with mental illness. I learned a lot while reading this novel. “More or Less Maddy” would also be great for Book Club discussions!
Leave a Reply