I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't strongly love or hate it.

The depiction of Queenie's slow breakdown under all her stresses felt quite realistic - you could see the stress mounting until it reached breaking point. I'm glad the book also showed her getting the help and support she needed, and liked how the story showed and developed her family's responses to it. This book helped me to realise my lack of patience for characters who are struggling and thus making 'Bad Life Decisions.' I found this interesting as I always believed that in real life I was quite supportive of friends in this sort of scenario - something I will now have to examine a bit closer!

I liked the ending and how, whilst it didn't tie everything up in a neat little bow it did show the beginnings and potential for the future improvement of some of Queenie's difficulties, like those with her mother and her job. A lot of feminist and race issues were raised. The lack of resolution for them made me feel frustrated and I want to say I wish they had been given more resolution but sadly I know how they are is a more realistic reflection of real life.

The style of writing is one I haven't read a book of in quite a long time. I have to admit I didn't love the frequent use of texting or email format, but at the same time I do think it made sense for the type of story!

I think ultimately, my ambivalence towards this book comes from the fact that I didn't warm to Queenie. I think this is mainly due to the lack of patience I mentioned above - watching her make choices that I, as a reader know will be bad for her mental health was very frustrating! This is not a bad book, just not quite my bag. I'm sure some people will love it more than I did, and some will hate it more than I did!