My Heart and Other Black Holes

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 2, 2016

Review

This is a first novel for the author about a sixteen-year-old Aysel, who is suffering from depression and obsessed with ending her life to escape the pain of the "black slug" inside her. She is an outcast, child of divorced parents, her father, a Turkish immigrant, who murdered the town's star athlete and Olympic hopeful three years ago and a mother and step-family who barely tolerates her. Afraid she will not be able to go through with the suicide, she discovers a website for suicide partners, meets and makes a pact with Roman, a teenage boy who blames himself for his sisters death. Together they plan their deaths, but get to know each other, she has feelings for him and begins to question her decision. Ultimately Aysel must decide if she wants to live or die, and then will she betray Roman and reach out for help or let him decide for himself. The feelings of depression are well articulated and Aysel is well presented. The other characters are not as well developed, but the message comes through clearly and the message of hope and needing to get help are well done. A list of resources are included. A good book for discussion.

Overall Book Score: good