Challenger Deep

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 21, 2016

Review

This National Book Award Winner is finally out in paperback. This is the story of Caden Bosch. He lives in two worlds. The first is the one where his family, friends, & high school. Caden suffers from OCD & paranoid schizophrenia. He does his best to deal with it and tries to lead as normal a life as possible. He even has some people fooled. In his other world Caden is part of a pirate crew that is journeying to the deepest & darkest part of the ocean (Challenger Deep). In this world Caden is also paranoid. Soon the two worlds collide and Caden's paranoid schizophrenia takes over. His parents are left with a choice in order to help and save their son. This is a well-written, lyrical, moving, stark and honest portrayal of living with mental illness. The author lends much authenticity to the story due to his own son's diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. The author's son also provided the illustrations in this novel. Challenger Deep is an important book that delves honestly & realistically into the mind of a teen living with mental illness. Those who read it will gain a better understanding of what it is like to deal with a mental illness and therefore become more empathetic and patient when dealing with those who suffer. It may also provide hope & a catalyst to seek help for those who suffer from mental illness. Challenger Deep is best suited for grades 7 and above as well as adults. This book would be ideal in a high school class on mental illness as a discussion starter. Those libraries that already have the hardcover edition should buy at least one copy of this paperback edition so more patrons can read it. All libraries should have this title in their collection.

Overall Book Score: excellent