Between the Bliss and Me
on Goodreads (360)
What’s inside...
A contemporary YA novel about mental illness, young romance, and the impact of family history on one teen’s future. When eighteen-year-old Sydney Holman announces that she has decided to attend NYU, her overprotective mom is devastated. Her decision means she will be living in the Big City instead of commuting to nearby Rutgers like her mom had hoped. It also means she'll be close to off-limits but dreamy Grayson—a guitar prodigy who is going to Juilliard in the fall and very much isn't single. But while she dreams of her new life, Sydney discovers a world-changing truth about her father, who left when she was little due to a drug addiction—that he has schizophrenia and is currently living on the streets of New York City. She seizes the opportunity to get to know him, to understand who he is and learn what may lie in store for her if she, too, is diagnosed. Even as she continues to fall for Grayson, Sydney is faced with a difficult decision: Should she stay close to home so her mom can watch over her, or follow the desire to take risks and discover her true self?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Sydney felt when she discovered her father's condition, and why?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and trust from Sydney's interactions with her friends?
In what ways do the characters in the book show resilience in the face of challenges?
Why is it important to seek help or support when dealing with personal or family issues?
How do Sydney's dreams and aspirations influence her decisions throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after reading significant passages to ask your child how they might feel in a similar situation, fostering empathy and understanding.
Relate the story's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, reinforcing that their perspective is valuable.
Discuss the importance of mental health awareness, as highlighted in the book, and explore any questions your child might have about it in a supportive manner.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of mental health awareness
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Between the Bliss and Me' faces challenges related to mental health, shedding light on the complexities and the importance of understanding and support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the signs of mental distress in themselves or others and understand the value of seeking help and supporting peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As characters interact and face personal struggles, the story emphasizes the need for empathy towards others’ experiences and feelings.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be more considerate and empathetic in their daily interactions, promoting a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book portrays how the main character overcomes personal setbacks, highlighting resilience and the ability to adapt in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, understanding that it’s possible to emerge stronger from tough times.
Example Lesson: The value of honest communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters experience the consequences of both poor and effective communication, emphasizing the importance of being open and truthful.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly and honestly in their everyday relationships.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of oneself and others
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to accept their flaws and those of others, promoting messages of self-love and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing their unique qualities and appreciating the differences in others, fostering an inclusive attitude.