Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern

As she sees it, Anna Bloom has been carted off to the loony bin. Why? Anna has extremely low self-esteem. She is constantly afraid people will make fun of her for how she looks or what she does. This fear makes her have panic attacks. And apparently, Anna’s parents just didn’t know how to deal with her, so they sent her off to a slightly crazy shrink (who thought everything was sexual in some way). When that didn’t work, she was then sent to Lakeland Hospital, a mental institution. And a strange one, as Anna sees it.

The rules and hierarchy at Lakeland are confusing to Anna at first because no one explains them to her. But during her three week stay, things actually start to get better. She starts to lose weight. Her new roommate, who happens to be pregnant, becomes a great friend. And then there’s the cutie Justin who just might like Anna back.

Get Well Soon was told in diary entries and letters to Anna’s friend Tracy over the course of three weeks. It was a very cute book, but one that could be improved. Anna’s love of music could’ve been more developed. Julie Halpern mentions how Anna’s music always makes her feel better, but doesn’t really go into depth. That’s fine thought because music wasn’t the focus of the novel. I really enjoyed the cast of characters; even the creepy ones were in some way lovable or at least funny to read about. Anna did grow as a person, although not that much, but then again, I don’t think she had that many problems to begin with. I also highly enjoyed the romance between Anna and Justin.

All in all, Get Well Soon was one of the sweetest books I’ve read in a while. It left off on a bittersweet note, but one that was hopeful. If you like a lighthearted and short read, check out Get Well Soon.

Rating: 4.0

Review copy from personal collection