Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall
Release Date: July 7, 2016
Pages: 336
Rating:💜💜💜💜💜
Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Norah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did. Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realises Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up.


Trigger warnings: Self harm

I ADORED this book. Not only does it have a gorgeous cover, but the words inside are also gorgeous. I read it in one sitting, and it will definitely be one of my favourite books of this year.

Norah was a kooky but strong character who didn't let her severe mental condition get the best of her (I know that sounds strange but let me explain). Even though she couldn't leave the house without breaking down, Norah still managed to have fun inside her house. She wasn't defined by her mental illness and she was able to do things other than curl up in a ball and cry. One of the many things I loved about this book was that Norah's illness was prominent one every single page. It wasn't just a plot device to drive the story, it was a real thing that affected her daily life. You also get to see how her two illnesses bounce off each other, leaving her in some crippling scenarios.

The romance on this story was on point as well. At no point in this story was it the typical boy-saves-girl cliche; instead Norah fights her inner demons by herself. Luke was the perfect boyfriend for her; he is understanding, loving ,supportive and encouraging (plus he researched her illness. *swoon*). He proves to Norah that he isn't going to leave, even when thing get tough, which I think is key to showing Norah that he loves her. However, he isn't her cure and there is never a point in the story where Luke seems to 'fix' Norah. It was lovely to see a mental health story where a romance can exist without the ill person being cured.

If you found Finding Audrey a little unrealistic (with the whole insta-love, curing cliche) definitely give this book a try. Norah is a much more developed character than Audrey ever was, and doesn't 'forget' her illness when it's convenient. This book has great mental health representation, and I think it is great if you want to learn more about mental illnesses.

I highly, highly, highly recommend you read this book because I absolutely adored it and will be re-reading it soon!