As I was finishing up this book, I was trying to decide whether or not I should give this book five stars or four and a half stars. Did I overlook something that would knock it down a star or two? Was it really good enough to merit that extra star? 
 Yes, yes it was. 
 I was hesitant going into this. It has glowing reviews from GR friends, and I was curious to see if anxiety and mental illness was handled as well as reviewers claimed. I was also hesitant when I discovered Audrey is 14. There's nothing wrong with a younger protagonist but I usually struggle to read books that have a middle school/early high school age MC. 
 Needless to say, I was impressed. 
 Audrey is adorable, and I thought her mental illness was handled so well. I've read reviews that have complained about how humor was used to "lessen" the issue of mental illness and how it ruins Audrey's characterization. I understand that argument, but I completely disagree. Writers have used humor to ease tension with serious issues for hundreds of years. If used well, it can add a lot to a story past comic relief. Book don't really make me laugh. I'll smile, provide the occasional giggle or snort, but never full laughs. I laughed so much at this book. It was funny. Her family is hilarious and satirical; their dynamic was easy and realistic. I bought into their humor because of how well Kinsella develops their family relationships. It doesn't take away from Audrey's anxiety or depression, but rather provides a platform for her to explore them within that humorous and serious balance. 
 I loved watching Audrey progress through the narration. Kinsella balances the therapy and Audrey's home life very well. There were never any moments where I questioned what Audrey was going through or couldn't relate to her struggle in some way. As someone that also struggles with mental illness (which is a weird, controversial phrase), I appreciated that a lot. Her relationship with Linus was so sweet to watch, and I enjoyed seeing him try to understand what she's going through. 
 My only reservation is with the ending. I wouldn't say it's a complaint because it's not a complaint of the story. It's more of a suggestion for what I want to see more from YA authors who tackle mental illness. I don't personally have anxiety, but I am clinically depressed. My highs and lows are very extreme. When I'm high, I'm on top of the world. When I'm low, it's a bottomless pit of nothing. I wish YA authors were brave enough to show more of the lows that come with depression. Kinsella tackled anxiety so well, and I know the focus was mostly on the anxiety. But I wish I saw more authors get into the scope of depression. It's not just one good week, and suddenly that person is all better with minor bumps in the road. Those depressive episodes are absolutely debilitating, and the fact it is a lifelong struggle is overlooked a lot. 
 Overall, I really enjoyed it. I may even buy it to add to my shelves. It was a lovely read.