Made You up Published by Greenwillow Books on May 2015
Pages: 428
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
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Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion. Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. She’s pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles. Didn't she imagine him? Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers. But Alex is used to being crazy. She’s not prepared for normal.
Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion. Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. She’s pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles. Didn't she imagine him? Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers. But Alex is used to being crazy. She’s not prepared for normal.
Although this is Zappia’s debut, I fell in love with her sophomore novel Eliza and Her Monsters first. After reading that, I couldn’t wait to explore Made You Up.
The story flows freely encompassing Alex’s first day at her new school, meeting new friends and trying really hard to keep her paranoia at bay. I love her. She is so fragile and strong and raw. Alex’s journey was so wonderful to read. I love an unreliable narrator, and even though I knew she was one going in, the surprises were still heartfelt and sometimes shocking.
All of her friends in the club are fun to be around. One highlight for me is Janna and Miles and their banter, especially all of the German thrown in as they both speak German fluently. I like how loyal the group are to each other. Even Tucker, who isn’t a part of the group, is a wonderful side character for Alex. He is her best friend and it’s easy to see why they get along. Both odd ones out.
Miles is flawed and human and grumpy and wow. I really liked reading about him too. His character is so multilayered. I love how unperfected he is and yet, how he really gets Alex and how they find sanctuary in each other.
The plot is fun and strange and weird. I loved every bit of it. Plots and b&e, jobs and darkness all circle around the school. This isn’t for a young crowd and there are some heavy topics including abuse. But don’t let these things deter you from this beautifully written novel.
I can’t wait for this author to write more books. I can’t wait to eat them.
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.
