Unhinged

 

Unhinged by Steve Galley is a novel of emotion, pain, darkness and the discovery of finding yourself.

I actually obtained a copy of this book through a review system at Online Book Club. So thanks to them and Steve Galley! I really enjoyed the book and it is probably the only book so far that I've reviewed in minute detail so I am excited to share my review: 

Eddie seems to have it all: he is popular, he is charming, he is good in all sports and he has a deep relationship with the girl of his dreams. But perhaps Eddie is more than he seems. Plagued by thoughts of inadequacy, sadness and blame; Eddie is tormented daily with his inner demons as his depression and anxiety reach an all time high. Motivated by the want to be someone someday, he must accept he needs help for once instead of trying to help others.

Unhinged is an interesting story that delves into the mind of a mental health victim who is aware and at the same time ignorant of his own demon nicknamed "The Hunter". But who exactly is this hunter? The book does not really go too deep to answer this question. One can quickly tell that Eddie seems to have anger management issues, self-inadequacy and general anxiety. But the novel fails to present exactly how Eddie feels until very later into the story. However, I would have preferred more instances of his mental health problems in order to match up with mental health awareness being the focus of the story.

The novel does an excellent job in connecting with the reader by portraying emotions and every day situations on vast detail, especially in terms of being a high school senior trying to find their next step in life. However, it does fail to continue with its primary goal of telling the story of Eddie and "the hunter". Instead, it goes off on tangents and at times, it feels like there is no primary focus. Originated in a town in Canada, Eddie must handle his own problems along with his need to help others in distress like his best friend Jess, a drug addict with serious issues of her own.

At times, the story felt like it was a bit too simple and the emphasis of mental illness awareness was lost during the descriptions of Eddie playing sports. In a way, I found myself trying to remember that Eddie's unknown mental health issues is the thesis of the novel. However, the story was entertaining although perhaps a bit too long. Due to going off on tangents about sports, the novel could have been written shorter and with stronger impact if it had focused on mental health.

Overall, the author did an excellent job with portraying the anxiety, fear and boldness Eddie felt when dealing with his Father. The situations and the way the emotions were written are certainly very believable and you cannot help but feel how Eddie feels. The connections were done very well and that is something that remained in my mind as I read through the book.

Overall, I give this book: