Article contributed by Raathi Chota
The cover of this book draws in its audience to read the blurb. Once I realised it was a Wattpad book and dealt with themes that are honestly expressed these days, I knew I had to read it. Micah Good dives into anxiety and PTSD, so readers become aware, yet are still comfortable, with these topics that are explored.
For an ebook, it’s slow paced and wished it could’ve been trimmed. The story stretches from summer break through to Brennan and Jonas’ first year in college. The writing itself was beautiful with its eloquent language and captivating emotions, which helps readers to truly connect with the characters! The third-person point of views could have been more structured as while reading, it felt like there was a bit of uncertainty on what point of view to base the story from.
The plot itself is impressive as we’re dealing with two teens, battling with their daily obstacles, who eventually meet and help each other. I loved the realism behind their personalities: Brennan with her constant anxiety and Jonas suffering from PTSD. Few books can touch so deeply on subjects like this and it makes the book more understandable as to why it was slow paced. It’s because of our two main characters and their recovery/progress through the challenges they face. Of course, there will be fails and doubts which both of them have to go through, but there were small ways they reformed and advanced the story.
Brennan had a great representation of someone with anxiety. Her thoughts conjured up most of the book, but it’s the reality she faces. Sometimes I wished she gave in, but I know it’s tough. The same can be said for Jonas’ PTSD as well. Part of me was glad that they weren’t romanticised too much in the novel because otherwise it would’ve given the impression that they only got further and more confident through each other. The author made sure we understood that they were there for each other but still gained the courage themselves with each other’s help on the side.
The relationships they have with their family and friends were paced out well. They weren’t involved as much, so readers could concentrate on Brennan and Jonas. I adored the development of Jonas and his mother, although it was a bit cliché, but the build-up of her being there for him was well addressed. Brennan and her parents faced a lot of miscommunication, which is relatable, however, it showed that parents don’t understand as much. The challenges Brennan went through with her parents also seemed like an important factor to her anxiety. Overall, the relationships between characters were written and developed nicely.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and I highly recommend this novel to romance lovers who are looking for deep and thoughtful characters. Being a Wattpad book, I enjoyed it even more and hope to see more blossom in the future. The Opposite of Falling Apart received a rating of six out of ten.
The Opposite of Falling Apart is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
After losing his leg in a terrible car accident, Jonas Avery can’t wait to start over and go to college. Brennan Davis would like nothing more than to stay home and go to school, so she can keep her anxiety in check. When the two accidentally meet the summer before they move away, they’ll push each other to come to terms with what’s holding them back, even as they’re pulled closer to taking the biggest leap of all—falling in love. The Opposite of Falling Apart has more than 2.1 million reads on Wattpad.
