Review of This Mess You've Made
Posted: 24 Mar 2025, 14:11
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "This Mess You've Made" by DJ Hawkins.]
Savannah wants to make it to graduation. This is her only real goal. She is deeply troubled due to mental health issues and unresolved childhood trauma. Aryn, the boy who lives next door, also faces his share of troubles; he considers himself to be a monster. Their worlds collide when Aryn, out for a run, sees Savannah sleeping outside by a tulip. While neither holds all the answers, perhaps they can heal together. Come face the turbulence of high school, mental health, and young love by obtaining a copy of This Mess You've Made by DJ Hawkins.
The writing style of the book felt like poetry at times. It also contains hard-hitting lines, such as the opening of the novel: "The mirror is the ultimate enemy." The statement sets the tone of the novel. Both Savannah and Aryn have aspects of themselves they are fighting against. Seeing oneself in a mirror can often bring emotional issues to the surface, as is highlighted by this opening line. The strength of Hawkins' writing brings the story to life.
The characters were also well-developed. Savannah is a broken girl. She struggles with depression that is exacerbated by her parents not being around often. The empty house she lives in echoes the emptiness she feels inside. Aryn has unresolved trauma as well that is constantly threatening to bubble up. However, when Aryn meets Savannah, he wonders if maybe love at first sight is possible. Throughout the book, they both face aspects of themselves that force change.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. From the opening pages, Hawkins' haunting prose drew me in. The characters were strikingly real, and I can think of nothing I disliked about the book. While I will caution readers this book deals with several heavy topics, such as self-harm and thoughts of suicide, it is an emotional read that I highly recommend. There is some strong language, but I believe it would suit older teens and adults. If you are looking for a deeply emotional slow-burn romance, look no further than This Mess You've Made.
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This Mess You've Made
View: on Bookshelves
Savannah wants to make it to graduation. This is her only real goal. She is deeply troubled due to mental health issues and unresolved childhood trauma. Aryn, the boy who lives next door, also faces his share of troubles; he considers himself to be a monster. Their worlds collide when Aryn, out for a run, sees Savannah sleeping outside by a tulip. While neither holds all the answers, perhaps they can heal together. Come face the turbulence of high school, mental health, and young love by obtaining a copy of This Mess You've Made by DJ Hawkins.
The writing style of the book felt like poetry at times. It also contains hard-hitting lines, such as the opening of the novel: "The mirror is the ultimate enemy." The statement sets the tone of the novel. Both Savannah and Aryn have aspects of themselves they are fighting against. Seeing oneself in a mirror can often bring emotional issues to the surface, as is highlighted by this opening line. The strength of Hawkins' writing brings the story to life.
The characters were also well-developed. Savannah is a broken girl. She struggles with depression that is exacerbated by her parents not being around often. The empty house she lives in echoes the emptiness she feels inside. Aryn has unresolved trauma as well that is constantly threatening to bubble up. However, when Aryn meets Savannah, he wonders if maybe love at first sight is possible. Throughout the book, they both face aspects of themselves that force change.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. From the opening pages, Hawkins' haunting prose drew me in. The characters were strikingly real, and I can think of nothing I disliked about the book. While I will caution readers this book deals with several heavy topics, such as self-harm and thoughts of suicide, it is an emotional read that I highly recommend. There is some strong language, but I believe it would suit older teens and adults. If you are looking for a deeply emotional slow-burn romance, look no further than This Mess You've Made.
******
This Mess You've Made
View: on Bookshelves