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304
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2017
YA
13-18 years
780L
Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton follows Adam, a 16-year-old living with schizophrenia, who navigates mental illness, starts a clinical drug trial, and adapts to life at a new school while keeping his condition secret. He forms friendships, engages in a romantic relationship, and faces the challenges of his condition as the efficacy of the drug trial varies. The book includes discussions of mental illness.
Emotional
Contemplative
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Challenging
16,672 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Julia Walton's Words on Bathroom Walls offers a poignant and sincere depiction of schizophrenia in a teen's life, praised for its authentic voice and compelling narrative. While some critics find the portrayal deeply moving and the protagonist relatable, others mention that the secondary characters lack depth. Overall, the novel balances sensitivity and humor effectively, making it a thoughtful read.
A reader who would enjoy Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton is likely a fan of contemporary YA fiction with deep emotional themes, similar to those explored in John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars and Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything. They appreciate stories that tackle mental health issues with sensitivity and authenticity.
16,672 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Maya Salvador
Maya is Adam’s love interest, portrayed as a skeptical yet genuine character who feels disillusioned by superficiality in others. She comes from a family facing financial difficulties and shares a guarded nature similar to Adam's.
Rebecca
Rebecca is a hallucination experienced by Adam, embodying a silent, comforting presence with distinctive blonde hair and blue eyes. She often reflects Adam's internal states and can foreshadow the arrival of more troubling hallucinations.
Dwight Olberman
Dwight is a talkative and optimistic friend Adam makes, distinguished by his bright appearance and positive demeanor. He maintains his friendship with Adam regardless of his schizophrenia, consistently supporting Adam without judgment.
Ian Stone
Ian is a student and antagonist at St. Agatha's, known for his habit of collecting secrets to highlight others' vulnerabilities. His actions towards Adam revolve around exposing and misusing personal information.
Rupert and Basil
Rupert and Basil are hallucinations representing Adam's internalized anger and sarcasm, often vocalizing his more negative thoughts. They surface when Adam feels constrained or powerless.
Paul
Paul is Adam's stepfather who initially struggles to comprehend Adam’s illness but eventually becomes supportive and protective. His journey involves overcoming fear to nurture a more understanding relationship with Adam.
Adam’s Mom
Adam's mom is a source of concern for him, as he worries about the impact his schizophrenia may have on her. Her decisions throughout the story signal her belief in Adam's ability to lead an independent life.
The Mob Boss
The Mob Boss leads a group of hallucinatory gangsters and symbolizes Adam's reluctance to accept his schizophrenia. The character challenges Adam's efforts to dissociate from his mental health reality.
Jason
Jason is a hallucination characterized by his nudity and philosophical nature, representing Adam's sense of exposure. His presence emphasizes Adam's discomfort with vulnerability while offering occasional insights.
304
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2017
YA
13-18 years
780L
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