Stormi's Review: A Bitter Pill to Swallow by Tiffany Gholar
Author Provided Copy
Publisher: Pronoun
Released: January 2, 2016
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Length: 330 pages
Format: ebook , paperback
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Synopsis
On the edge of the Chicago medical district, the Harrison School for Exceptional Youth looks like a castle in a snow globe. Janina has been there since she was ten years old, and now she's fourteen. She feels so safe inside its walls that she's afraid to leave.
Devante's parents bring him there after a tragedy leaves him depressed and suicidal. Even though he's in a different place, he can't escape the memories that come flooding back when he least expects them.
Dr. Gail Thomas comes to work there after quitting her medical residency. Frustrated and on the verge of giving up on her dreams, she sees becoming a counselor as her last chance to put her skills to the test.
When he founded the school, Dr. Lutkin designed its unique environment to be a place that would change the students' lives. He works hard as the keeper of other people's secrets, though he never shares any of his own.
But everything changes late in the winter of 1994 when these four characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways. None of them will ever be the same.
Five Boundless Stars
I really loved A Bitter Pill to Swallow. I took Psychology in high school and college and loved the subject. I am not cut out to be a doctor or a nurse, but that doesn't mean I can't help people and its something that brings me a lot of fulfillment. Some people don't need physical help, they just need emotional or mental help. Sometimes they just need to know they are not alone in the troubles they face, even though they feel as if they are. This book shows that. A Bitter Pill to Swallow follows a group of kids that are currently in a school for children with disabilities, some mental, some emotional. We are given a very sad depiction of their lives and the problems they face, I couldn't help but to feel moved. I was struck by the realism of the characters and I was touched on a profound level. I think this would be a great book for teens who have dealt with any issues of this nature. Sometimes you just have to know you are not alone. The "gifted" portion really helps in understanding some things. I have studied Psychology and misdiagnosing is something that comes up more often then most would believe. I really Loved that part. Excellent book start to finish.