Review of Through The Noise

Post by **Seetha E** » 13 Mar 2025, 23:53

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Through The Noise" by Dr. Simon Haddadin.]

4 out of 5 stars

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Carl and Sarah are deeply in love and want to be together forever. However, their love seems to struggle under the weight of challenges. Carl spent thirty-eight years feeling different until an ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) diagnosis explained his unusual behavior. Dopamine dysregulation is the root cause of ADHD. Dopamine, as understood from my daughter's psychology book, is commonly known as the feel-good chemical. Its dysregulation results in symptoms like impulsiveness, distraction, or mood swings. I learned that ADHD often gets diagnosed in childhood. But, in Carl’s case, his coping mechanisms masked the symptoms. All through the years, he managed a complex storm alone.

The prologue explained that the notes were for personal reference, as an attempt to understand himself and his actions. In this book, he presents his notes as an imagined conversation between Sarah, Carl, and Dr. Hartmann, a specialist on neurodevelopmental disorders.

As the chapters unfold, we learn about his childhood, pride in his family, teenage years, relationships, military experiences, demanding work life, friendships throughout various stages of life, his marriage, and most importantly, his instant connection, followed by a growing rift with Sarah. Through the dialogues, he opens up about the challenging instances and his inner conversations to reveal how he always wanted to share his excitement and feel loved and safe with the people he cared about. He recounts experiences at a birthday party, a math competition, an argument with Mrs. Brandt, and later with Mr. Brandt that left him with invisible scars. He talks about the deep wounds he carries from being humiliated to being misunderstood.

Sarah was the anchor of his life. While Carl believed he was doing everything to protect Sarah and express his undying love for her, Sarah often felt neglected. Their attempts to rekindle the lost passion did not last long, leading to communication gaps and sadness. And, when that relationship seemed to fade, it was unbearable to him. To learn more about ADHD, ways to navigate it, and how things turned out, I urge you to pick up a copy of Through the Noise by Dr. Simon Haddadin.

Early detection and assistance with managing, coping, and healing rather than blaming or resenting people with ADHD are the key takeaways. Though ADHD and associated challenges are the crux of the book, it is a guide for fostering healthy relationships. It also highlights the importance of effective communication. An excerpt from the book that is universally applicable: Love can sometimes make us protective in ways that don’t always serve the relationship. Although teenagers can benefit from this read, I recommend guidance while reading it as it deals with themes of molestation, other violent attacks, substance abuse, profanity, and sexual references.

It is worth noting that some readers may not appreciate the slow pacing of the book. I do not necessarily see it as a negative aspect, considering the intended audience. The author provides an insightful perspective into the thoughts, gestures, and actions of those with ADHD. It almost felt like I was privy to a long, live therapy session. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to understand ADHD better.

I recommend another round of editing to fix the errors and repetitions. How this book concludes might surprise or upset the readers. I am now left feeling eager for the next book. I would deduct half a star for this aspect. However, as this platform does not allow it and deducting one star does not seem justified, I am taking away 1 star only for the errors. With no further negative comments or suggestions for improvement, I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

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Through The Noise
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Post by **Surabhi Rani** » 03 Apr 2025, 05:30

The review makes the topic of disease interesting for readers through storytelling. It widens our expanse of knowledge about ADHD and similar diseases. I feel more curious and inquisitive about this field of knowledge now. Thanks for the healing touch!

Post by **Seetha E** » 04 Apr 2025, 00:20

Surabhi Rani wrote: ↑03 Apr 2025, 05:30 The review makes the topic of disease interesting for readers through storytelling. It widens our expanse of knowledge about ADHD and similar diseases. I feel more curious and inquisitive about this field of knowledge now. Thanks for the healing touch!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Surabhi.

Post by **Victor Nwabuisi** » 18 May 2025, 15:54

I like that the author presents his story through imagined conversations which seems like a fresh way to understand the complexity of living with ADHD and its impact on relationships. Thanks for the insightful review.