Talk Back

[alyson]

Found this in the adolescent section at the library. It's written from the point of view of a fifteen-year-old with OCD, and it gives the non-sufferer an interesting insight into what life can be like with OCD. It's definitely an individual's story, though, not a manual on How to Deal, or What's This Thing Called OCD.

It was a very fast read, maybe a day, and at one point I was rather moved by it. It wasn't clean or resolved by the end, but it was satisfying as a narrative.

However, I can almost imagine high school teachers assigning it and then asking the class for their opinions on the last paragraph. It did leave me thoughtful, I admit, but I felt just slightly manipulated, the way teaching material can make you feel when they're trying to lead you to a point.

[gharrar]

Alyson,

I came upon your short review of my novel and wanted to let readers and teachers know that I always respond if anyone has an opinion to share or question to ask about my stories. I can be reached through my web site (www.georgeharrar.com). I did leave the ending of Not As Crazy As I Seem open to interpretation because I don't want people to think that problems like OCD are solved forever in stories or real life. There are always temptations to fall back into previous comfortable ways of behaving.
Thanks for mentioning my book. You're obviously a voracious reader.
George Harrar