I realized that Sadie isn’t defined by her mistakes or the drama around her. She’s defined by how she processes it, reflects and grows. The nonlinear nature of her journey really stood out to me. It reminded me that healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence and learning to hold yourself with compassion along the way.

In the beginning of the book I wanted to shake some sense into her. I’ve been attracted to my share of bad boys, so when she fell for Josh I wasn’t surprised and could relate but it was still frustrating to read. THe contrast between Sadie in remission versus Sadie untreated was done beautifully. I’m not in remission yet but seeing the differences the way she coped was inspiring. It gave me hope I could get better too!!!

I think when I first started, I saw Sadie mostly through the lens of her struggles. But as the story progressed, I began to see the depth beneath all of that. I realized that Sadie isn’t defined by her mistakes or the drama around her. She’s defined by how she processes it, reflects, grows. The nonlinear nature of her journey really stood out to me. It reminded me that healing isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence and  compassion. 

early on, i read sadie almost defensively. like i was watching her from a distance and cataloging the choices i wouldn’t make, just to reassure myself.

by the end, i wasn’t reading her as someone to fix or root against. just someone learning, slowly. that felt like the point.