Archival Quality

Archival Quality

2018 • 280 pages

Ratings3

Average rating4

15

The story and its characters are imperfect. I felt that the pacing was decent, it's a little slow in the beginning, but I think that's due to its genre and is therefore fitting. The boyfriend is supportive, but not in the exact way that Cel wishes him to be, which I find true to life in the general way of boyfriend/girlfriend relations as well as with people experiencing mental illness and their support group.

I love this book's messages and I love the various volume that they are sounded at.

Positive LBGT message, sounded at a subtle volume: Holly and Gina are girlfriends. However, it's not a big deal, it's only implied that maybe Gina's father doesn't approve, and it could be cronyism equally as likely as bigotry — or that he just a stick in the mud and might not approve of anyone. Also they have a positive relationship, in which I didn't spot any overt stereotypes.

Positive mental health message, at a loud volume: over and over again it's written that it's ok to get and seek help, to start again, to try again, to engage in self care, and to take breaks. This is amazing and I don't think can be emphasized enough.
Cel was never labeled as crazy by anyone besides herself. And although what Cel was saying was implausible (eg ghost/haunting) her support group still believed in her and labeled her feelings as valid.

Additional message that the field of medicine (and arguably psychology and where they intersect) has a very messy past. Especially when it come to women and people of color...and the poor. I highly enjoyed the afterward

July 15, 2019Report this review