Barnes & NobleHere I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health by Cara Bean

Finally, A Mental Health Book for Everyone

First of all, I'm an adult, so when an advanced copy of this book landed on my lap, I wasn't sure it was for me. I mean, it has the look and feel of a book for kids, and that's what I thought. But I couldn't have been more wrong. Well, not 100% wrong. It IS a book for kids. But as I read the intro and the first chapter, I realized that it could be for anyone. More specifically, I felt like it was written for me. This book talks to you. I'm serious. You just have to read it to know what I'm talking about. The narrator, this little bean character which comes from the author's name, is your guide into the land of emotions, thoughts, everything. I mean, how many times did I read something that reflected exactly what I had thought or how I had acted THAT DAY? I lost count. The book's information resonated strongly with me, which really suprised me, and the further I got into the book, the more I couldn't put it down. This book is part science, part psychology, and all heart. The author goes into the brain, the mind, fear, stress, anxiety, depression. She unflinchingly tackles suicide and does so in the most sincere, quiet, and gentle way. She also discusses ways to cope and ways to get help. Read this book, laugh, think, reflect. I saw myself in its pages, and even though that might not happen to everyone, you might see someone you know. This book is going to save lives, period.