I Am Grey

I was really intrigued by the cover to this book. It is beautiful and I could feel the emotion through the cover along with the title of the book. Upon looking at the cover, I anticipated this to be an emotionally heavy book and boy did it deliver. I most enjoyed how deep this book really goes. The book covers issues that many people refuse to discuss in life when it comes to mental health issues. Jane Washington really bears it all in this book by sharing with the reader multiple perspectives of individuals who are being affected by mental health issues in different ways. I would have liked more detail on Nicholai’s (Nic) family tragedy like Amy. However, I also found myself questioning the likelihood of her finding her way to his father’s house without actually stalking him. Mika Grey even questions this in her mind, whether or not she had stalked him to subconsciously find his father’s house and I think the answer to that question is yes. Also, I felt like there were some parts where the story was too perfect and I find myself questioning the reality of situations working out so well for an individual (Duke finally getting busted and Nicholai’s father caring for Grey). I also read this book in one sitting. I started in the early evening and finished it very late at night! My motivation was the mystery. The book starts hinting at something having happened to Grey’s parents, but doesn’t give you particulars. It was enough to get her hospitalized in an institution for one year. As a reader, I needed to know what had happened, which is why I didn’t put this book down. This book is tragic, emotional, devastating, and serious. This is the second book by Jane Washington we have reviewed and the second book I have read authored by her. I find her writing style to be great. I think that she is really captivating in her word choices and construction of the book itself. I enjoy her writing and really think her talent is in painting a vivid picture for readers. This book is filled to the brim with deep emotions bordering on devastating for some readers. The characters are all dealing with something, much like we each are in life. I found the way the author described the main character, Grey’s, lack of feeling and emotion throughout the book to be real and true. You don’t get to experience stage IV cancer without struggling in some way with your mental health. The most stable person in the world will still struggle with their mental well-being. This book was uncomfortable for me to read at times, but the raw emotion also helps to let readers know they aren’t alone and there is life beyond the struggle. I think the characters were developed well throughout the book. I would have liked more background on Alicia’s family to determine more of Duke’s problem and Alicia’s struggle as a mother. I would have also liked more background on Nicholai’s family struggles. Just a bit more to get a better feeling for the characters. I think Grey’s journey after the loss of her parents is relatable as she journeys through her grief. When considering the plot of her other books in comparison to this book, I would say that it is clear that Jane Washington wanted to shed light on this very serious matter of mental health. The character of Nicholai/Nic wanted to really help Grey and knew that he wouldn’t be able to within the confines of his job. He goes about it appropriately and they find their way to one another. However, towards the end you find out he wrote a book to spread awareness on the issue. I think this is further evidence of the author’s purpose for I Am Grey. The name itself is enough to hint at the implications in the writing. I felt like the ending was tied up quite well into a pretty bow. I like a little more of a cliffhanger, but for the purposes of this book I can see why the author would want to wrap it up nicely. This is a wonderful ending for a young girl who has experienced too much grief in her life. It is an ending too few may receive, but hopefully it instills hope in readers experiencing difficult situations in life. This book may be a difficult read for many readers. I would recommend it for anyone looking for something with deep emotions and serious situations. It is a book that could help readers find hope through difficult situations. Readers should keep in mind that there is some violence, sexual situations, suicide, and language that should makes it more suitable for mature readers.

Wow I loved this book. I truly enjoyed watching Mika grow from a flawed tragic person into who she is supposed to be, with many struggles along the way. So deep it really makes you think. She is a great character, what a great book !