Get Well Soon by Julie Halpern August 30, 2007

Anna Bloom’s deep depression has landed her in a mental hospital, where she encounters an array of dysfunctional teens. Anna is also self-conscious about her appearance, which intensifies after the hospital strips her of clothing and beauty products, and the “a-hole” psychiatrist suggests she lose weight. In-group sessions Anna encounters a shy boy named Justin who is mysteriously disfigured, and obsessed with The Doors. She later crushes on Justin, but is not sure if he feels the same way. In addition, Anna gets a roommate who carries a secret as well as a plastic baby. However, as the weeks go by Anna finds herself oddly comfortable in the loony bin and is making friends, talking to cute boys, and surprisingly losing weight!

Based looslely on Halpern’s experience as a teen in a mental hospital, Get Well Soon is an honest and often funny look at teen depression. Anna’s character is so endearing that at times I found myself cheering at her little accomplishments. And the love story between Anna and Justin will make you smile remembering your first crush. Get Well Soon could also be compared to Girl Interrupted or Prozac Nation except a lot less dark and lot more fun!

*Also stay tuned for The YAYAYA’s WBBT interview with Julie Halpern!