Girl Against the Universe - Hardcover

Three things you should know about Girl Against the Universe
1. This is a book about mental illness.It's not immediately apparent from the sales copy above, but main character Maguire is suffering from PTSD, specifically survivor's guilt. After being in multiple serious accidents where everyone but her was injured or killed, Maguire worries obsessively that she might be a "bad luck charm" to anyone who gets close. To help combat her anxiety, she has developed unhealthy coping mechanisms like isolating herself from people and obsessively checking her environment for hazards. The first four chapters of the book are Maguire beginning a course of cognitive behavioral therapy after yet another accident pushes her to her breaking point.
2. This is a funny and uplifting story.A lot of mental illness books are dark and gritty reads with depressing storylines and negative portrayals of therapy. Maguire's issues are treated seriously and respectfully, and the book's therapist is competent and helpful without doing all the work for her. There are places where she is suffering from panic attacks or engaging in compulsive behaviors that might feel all too real to readers with similar issues, but early reviewers have described the story as "hopeful" and "healing." There are plenty of lighthearted funny moments to balance out the darker places. If you are struggling with anxiety and/or dealing with grief, Maguire's journey will probably both comfort and inspire you.
3. The romance does not "cure" the mental illness.As someone with anxiety, I can tell you that most of the time a new romantic relationship exacerbates one's current struggles by adding additional stress and expectations. There is a romance in this book, but it begins as a friendship, and Maguire has no problem telling Jordy that she's not healthy enough to date anyone at first. Even after they later become involved, Jordy supports her as she works through her therapy challenges, but she is the one who drives her journey toward healing, a journey which continues long after the final pages of this book.