There’s something about a Lisa Genova novel that just hits you right in the chest. More or Less Maddy was no exception—it’s raw, heartfelt, and achingly real in its portrayal of mental health, identity, and ambition.

Maddy Banks is such a compelling main character: she’s messy, ambitious, and painfully relatable in her struggles to find herself while balancing a life that feels like it’s spiraling out of control. Watching her navigate her diagnosis of bipolar disorder while also trying to pursue her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Genova’s writing really captures that sharp edge between light and dark, comedy and tragedy, and the balance feels so authentic—probably because it’s exactly what so many of us experience in our own lives.

One of my favorite things about this book was how vividly it depicted Maddy’s freshman year at NYU. The chaos of a new city, the pressure to succeed, and the terrifying freedom of being on your own for the first time—it’s all here. And it’s all so beautifully layered with Maddy’s inner turmoil, making her triumphs feel even more rewarding and her setbacks all the more gut-wrenching.

That said, there were moments where the pacing dragged a bit, and some of the side characters felt a little underdeveloped compared to Maddy’s magnetic presence. But honestly, it didn’t take away from the story's impact.

This book shines in its exploration of mental health, and I have to applaud Genova for how she portrayed Maddy’s bipolar disorder—not as a plot device, but as an integral part of who she is. It’s nuanced and empathetic, and it doesn’t shy away from showing both the beauty and the pain of living with a condition that’s so often misunderstood.