*mild spoilers*
Rep: depression 

Did I have expectations for this book? Yes!
Did the story go in the direction I was expecting? No.
Did this story completely grip me by my heart strings! Absolutely!!

If you want a YA book that reads maturely, has emotional content, family centered and brings depression to light, this book is fantastic. 

I absolutely adored Darius’ character and how we got glimpses of his internal thoughts of his depression. This story I felt did a great job on, yes he has depression but he’s more than that. He is more than his depression and I really loved that about this story. We watch as Darius struggles with different social anxieties, and how he is often misunderstood or where his thoughts go when he feels a certain way. The relationship between him and S was such a beautiful experience to read as well, it gives small potentially romantic vibes BUT the whole time you’re rooting for that genuine friendship that he gives Darius. 

And the family dynamics is, a lot. You’ve got the cultural impacts and how some cultures don’t accept or know how to approach those who struggle with depression. And that can trickle into those generational curses. The way his father and Darius had their conversation towards the end of the book, almost had me in tears, I literally wanted to just take them both and hold them because the weight one bears for their children can truly be more than one thinks they can handle. 

I just loved this story so much and can’t wait to read the second book!