The Weight of Zero

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Seventeen-year-old Catherine struggles with her diagnosis of bipolar disorder, living in constant dread of the feeling of "zero" returning, where in the past she was crushed beneath the hopelessness that occurs when her illness is at the height of its depressive phase. Having survived attempted suicide, Catherine is also wracked by guilt at the stress and fear she has caused her overworked and dedicated mom, who watches her like a hawk, desperate to keep her safe. However, Catherine has carefully squirreled away whatever medications she's can obtain and feels that killing herself is her only option and the only thing that will release her mother from the predicament. Fortunati imbues Catherine with an acerbic wit and intelligence and describes a very realistic treatment plan that includes medication and both individual and group therapy, all of which Catherine initially views with a great deal of skepticism. As the novel progresses and she begins to grow close to Michael, a boy from school and finds a friend in Kristal, who also attends her therapy group due to an eating disorder, she gradually, almost without realizing it, begins to feel some hope. There is of course some risk in her extending herself in these new relationships, and they are not without their own messiness, but their resolution suggests an auspicious future. Teens who have loved ones or friends with bipolar disorder, or those who may be bipolar themselves, will be inspired by this engaging and informative novel.

Overall Book Score: very good