I, Girl X by Annalise Grey

Synopsis:
Carleigh is a 14 year-old girl trying to carve her own place in this world. Her younger brother's mental illness is slowly invading every aspect of her life.

Her family is troubled. Friendships are unbearable. And just when calm begins to seem possible, one night will change Carleigh, and her family, forever.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Years ago, I read Annalise Grey's book, Gettysburg After Dark, and really enjoyed it. Ever since I finished it, I've been wanting to pick up more books by her. Recently, I finally had the opportunity to read I, Girl X. I loved it.

I thought I, Girl X was a beautiful, thought provoking story. We as readers don't often get to see what happens to the siblings of people with mental health issues, and how it affects their lives. It really puts things into perspective. I found Carleigh's story to be absolutely heartbreaking. I think Annalise Grey took the subject matter, and wrote about it in such a way that it was a true learning experience. While reading, I could feel Carleigh's emotions. It was almost like I was there beside her, experiencing what she was going through. It takes a very talented writer to do that. I also learned a lot about the specific mental illness that her brother, Carson, has. I didn't know much about that mental illness going into the book, although when he started displaying symptoms, I had a feeling that's what he had.

Another really surprising thing that I loved about I, Girl X was that it was written in verse. For me, books written in verse can either be a hit or a miss. This one was definitely a hit. I thought that reading the book through Carleigh's poems made what was going on around her, and happening to her, that much more impactful. The author did a fantastic job with that. It was also really cool to see the text changes throughout the story when Carleigh was feeling specific emotions. It really helped to get her emotions through to the reader.

I loved I, Girl X. It was a beautiful yet heartbreaking experience to read the book. It really makes you stop and think about situations that others could be going through. Mental illness (or any illness, for that matter) doesn't just effect the person that has it, but everyone around them. I think the book will definitely help me remember that in the future, and will help me be more compassionate to those around me. I really hope Annalise Grey writes more books, especially novels in verse. I will definitely be reading her backlog of books, and whatever she writes next.  

I give I, Girl X: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://www.ramblingsofatiredmind.com/ & http://www.annalisegrey.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annalise.grey
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnaliseGrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annalisegrey/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5434956.Annalise_Grey

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.