An extremely well-written story about a little-known and little-talked about mental health disorder. It deftly deals with heavy topics and packs an emotional punch. I have a handful of students who I know I can immediately hand this to and they will enjoy and appreciate it immensely.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Pieces of Me by Kate McLaughlin in exchange for an honest review. This was an interesting take on dissociative identity disorder. I find the topic fascinating and have for years. I couldn't really connect with the main character's background though and therefore her. I can imagine how scary it would be to loose chunks of time and never really know what was going on. Interesting book.

Pieces of Me is a very moving and gripping story of a girl struggling to get a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder and deciding who she is.

Dylan finds herself in a strange apartment with a strange boy and realizes that she has blacked out and lost 3 days. She’s been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and tested for multiple other disorders but is still suffering from something else. Her grades are dropping, and friends and family are getting to their breaking point. What is going on in her head to make her lose time?

This book balanced some really unsettling and upsetting plot points with an almost too perfect support system. I didn’t think that was very realistic but it was nice to read! Dylan’s friends, new boyfriend and family all so supportive and understanding to her diagnosis (even her brother who she has some arguments with, overall supports and loves her). You can tell Kate McLaughlin did a lot of research into DID in order to shed light and de-stigmatize preconceived notions the reader may have.

I couldn’t put this book down and I think it’s a great read and taught me a bit more about DID.

I was able to read an advanced reader’s copy of Pieces By Me through Netgally. The book interested me through the description of a young adult struggling with mental illness. The character provided an intimate view into the life and hardships of a person with DID. Highly recommend!

Thank you to @wednesdaybooks and @NetGalley for the #gifted copy of the book.

This is the first book I have read by Kate McLaughlin. I was immediately drawn into the story. It was gut wrenching, emotional and sometimes it was just hard to read. As a parent, I could not imagine my on child going through something so traumatic.

Dylan is constantly finding herself in places she doesn't remember. Large chunks of time are missing and she can't figure out what is wrong. Her brother thinks she does it for the attention, but the truth behind her diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder is almost too much for her family to bare.

I learned so much about DID. I have never heard of it before. The author did leave a note about her research and the path she took to understand this form of mental illness.

I did not finish this book as it has a trigger for me in the very beginning. I'm beginning to think Kate McLaughlin isn't for me. All of her books have started with drug usage and I just can't. I won't be finishing this, but I will still purchase a few for my library. Although it isn't for me, I know there are some teens who may need/want to read it. I just won't be recommending it to others.

Well written story, interesting topic, likeable characters, although overall never seemed relatable or realistic for me. This story reads as the absolute best-case-scenario for anyone discovering they have a life-defining mental disorder like Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and even ends a little too happily ever after. Previously referred to as multiple personality disorder, we learn just how serious and complex early onset trauma on top of long term trauma effects people who couldn't cope in healthy ways (for lack of support and information surrounding DID). I would hope after reading this story, it starts to set a new precedent for this condition, how we approach having these sensitive and tough conversations, so we can hold space and find ways to support those living with DID.

"Pieces of Me" by Kate McLaughlin is a gripping and emotional coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of identity and family. The author's writing style is honest and raw, capturing the struggles of the main character in a way that feels both authentic and relatable.

The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, with flaws and strengths that make them feel like real people. The story itself is engaging and thought-provoking, with moments of heartbreak and triumph that left me feeling a wide range of emotions.

While I appreciated the book's exploration of important themes like mental health and self-acceptance, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit slow, and I found myself wanting the story to move forward more quickly. Additionally, the ending felt a bit rushed and left me with a few unanswered questions.

Overall, "Pieces of Me" is a well-written and poignant story that I would recommend to anyone looking for a heartfelt and thought-provoking read. While it's not without its flaws, it's a solid and compelling debut novel that shows a lot of promise from this author.

I gave this a four out of five stars. I really enjoyed this book and it made me feel so many things. I could relate to the main character of this book a bit. I totally recommend this book. There is TW: mental health, sexual assault, molestation. Please keep that in mind before going into this.

Pieces of Me begins with our main character, Dylan, waking up in a stranger's apartment. He definitely remembers her but she has no idea who he is or how she got there. Turns out Dylan has a lot of experiences where she doesn't have any memory of what transpired. And that's how we are eased into Dylan being diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder.

I was happy to see a book that focused on DID and I thought it was done well BUT...I would really love to know how it's being received in the mental health community, especially among people who have lived with DID. As a former mental health professional, I'm always so glad to see the representation in books, especially young adult books but research and anecdotes only get you so far if you don't have the personal experience. This isn't a slight to the author, I thought the book was well written and really good, I just would like to see the reaction of people who have firsthand experience with DID.

Many thanks to Wednesday Books for an early e-ARC of Pieces of Me.

I highlighted this book on my Booktube channel. The video can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/f7XqNUTMULg

TW: Sexual assault, suicide, Incest, self harm, addiction , emotional abuse, Dementia, vomit, mental health, and panic attacks

I absolutely love this book. Just like the heroine, it was a frustrating, and confusing ride to understanding what was going especially since i had go into this book blind. I can’t speak on the representation of DID but it seem like author did a ton of research to make sure that it was depicting DID with care and explained some of the more harmful depictions of DID from media.

The side romance with the love interest was just lovely. I like how he took his time with her getting to know her despite the fact he was also very confused as to what was going on. I like that he also took his time with her when it came to their relationship making sure that they were both comfortable and wanting to take interest in building a relationship with some of the alters.

Going into this, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Also, it had been so long that I had the e-galley that I forgot what it was even about. Talk about going in blind! Well this was nothing what I expected! I was really surprised by how much this book grabbed me. I flew right through it.

The only thing I had to compare it to for DID was the movie Split. Whether this book is an adequate representation of the disorder is not for me to say but I was enraptured by the story, each identity’s role in the system and just everything about the story!

#NetGalleyArc. I can't even put into words how I feel about this book. It was just...WOW. Such an important topic to talk about and to read about. This sensitive topic was written about so eloquently and relatable, even if you don't suffer form DID or haven't gone through the same experience as the book's character. A great read. A definite buy for my HS library.

I don't know how I can express my feelings about this book other than I liked it. I cannot attest to the accuracy of how DID was portrayed here, and good intentions doesn't always equal to its result, but I think McLaughlin was as respectful and authentic as she could be here. It's clear that she really did her homework. Granted, I didn't know a lot about DID going in, but I really appreciated the author's efforts in portraying DID authentically without resulting to negative stereotypes.

Although the amount of strong support Dylan has in her life seems a tad too good to be true, especially the boyfriend, I think showing that people with DID can have positive relationships in their life is important. Plus, seeing Dylan come to an acceptance/peace with her diagnosis is pretty satisfying.

Overall, it was a good read. Though, I wouldn't recommend it as a light read, for it explores a lot of triggering topics around trauma.

This book was absolutely riveting – I’m talking cranked up to an eleven. When I had to put it down for real life stuff, I couldn’t wait to get back to the story.

Dylan is experiencing puzzling and disturbing events – she wakes up in an apartment she doesn’t recognize, runs into people who seem to know her but call her by a different name, finds drawings in her sketch book she didn’t create, and she loses time. But she’s never lost three days before. Being diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder is a shock, but she’s relieved to finally have a diagnosis and explanation for what’s been happening. Now she can get the help she needs to cope with it.

She has an incredible support system with her family, best friend, and Connor. He’s such a treasure, and I adored him. Dylan expected him to run once he knew about her disorder. He not only stayed, but researched DID on his own and was there every step of the way for her.

The alters are well-developed and feel like distinct people. Each has their purpose, and they’re very protective of Dylan in their own ways. Their journal entries allow the reader to get to know them, and it’s a clever technique. I don’t know much about DID, but from what I’ve read the author handled it respectfully and clearly did her research. She also gives resources at the end of the novel for anyone wanting to learn more about it.

This novel is very dark at times, and trigger warnings are listed so take note before reading. It’s an absolutely compelling and moving read that shines a light on mental health and identity.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Throughout her life, Dylan has been missing time. When she wakes up in a place she doesn't recognize with people that seem to recognize her even though she doesn't recognize them, she finds out she has been missing for three days, and ends up being diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. She has to learn to deal with all the people in her head while at the same time dealing with memories resurfacing from the trauma that caused her disorder in the first place. All the while she is trying not to scare away Connor, the cute boy whose apartment she woke up.

This is a really interesting book about a topic that not many of us know a lot about except for what see in the movies which often is quite exaggerated. The author really does a great job of putting herself in Dylan's shoes as well as those of some of Dylan's alternate personalities and making us understand what they are going through

Although it is mentioned that Dylan had trouble making friends because of her disorder, she has a great support system of people who care about her and not just those people who are a part of her. They include her mother, her brother, and her best friend Izzy as well as Connor. They all seem a bit too good to be true at times particularly Connor who is unbelievably perfect. Surely, we would all love to have a significant other like the always-understanding Connor. He is definitely a book character because no one like him could possibly exist.

People like Dylan do exist, however, and although the author does not suffer from the disorder herself, she does a great job of making the character sympathetic and giving the reader an idea of what it might be like for someone like Dylan. Realistically. she does not offer any easy answers either. The ending is hopeful and satisfactory although not necessarily a complete resolution.

Title: Pieces of Me
Author: Kate McLaughlin
Release Date: April 18th, 2023
Page Count: 363
Format: Netgalley
Start Date: April 8th, 2023
Finish Date: April 21st, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I knew that I would be interested in this book just by the title and the cover. I went into this book like I go to most books, blindly. I am thankful I did in this regard. There are some traumatic issues brought up in this book. It's done in a tactful way though. I also love how realistic the author left everything. I've seen so many books that have people with mental health issues in them where everybody is so supportive and kind to them. While it's true that everybody has a great support team, it's not all sunshine and flowers. We're misunderstood. Accused of things like attention seeking. Called lazy. What have you. It was nice to see that struggle seen. I also feel like I understand more about DID than I ever did. I see how tough it is for them, and how much they struggle with on a day to day basis. I fully recommend this book. I'll also be reading the books listed at the back of this book.

Important to Note: Mental Health, Neurodivergence (DID), Sexual Assault Reference, Suicide Attempt

"Pieces of Me" is a gripping and emotional story that tackles some heavy themes. The book follows a teenage girl named Flannery, who has had a tough life and struggles with issues such as self-harm and an absent father. When she meets a boy named Ty, who seems to understand her in a way that no one else ever has, she begins to open up and reveal the pieces of herself that she has kept hidden for so long.

The book is beautifully written and offers a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges that young people face. The characters are well-developed and feel real, and the story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time. McLaughlin does an excellent job of tackling sensitive issues with sensitivity and compassion, making "Pieces of Me" a book that is both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Overall, "Pieces of Me" is a powerful and moving novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys YA literature and is looking for a story that will leave a lasting impact.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press-Wednesday Books, and Kate McLaughlin for an ARC of this book!**

"There are quantities of human beings, but there are many more faces, for each person has several"- Rainer Maria Rilke

This emotionally charged and moving YA novel from Kate McLaughlin tackles DID (dissociative identity disorder) in an honest and open way...and will have you rooting for our protagonist...and will leave you questioning whether you can figure out which personality is TRULY hers!

Dylan has been trying to figure out just that: who is she? But right now she has bigger problems...she wakes up at an apartment she doesn't recognize, with PEOPLE she doesn't seem to remember...and no idea how she got there. She's excited to learn the handsome guy named Connor who lives there seems to be a fan of hers...but after a making a call to check in at home, Dylan learns this wasn't simply a night away: she's been gone for THREE days.

This isn't the first time Dylan has been missing time...but after all this time, she doesn't know why. Or why there are moments when she doesn't quite feel like herself...voices that sound like hers and yet seem NOTHING like her own. After yet another appointment with a medical professional, Dylan finally learns that she has Dissociative Identity Disorder...and the voices in her head are whole and complete personalities, each with a different function in her life. However, they all share a common goal: they are trying to protect Dylan from reliving a terrifying event from her past...but what WAS it? As Dylan tries to connect with Connor, will her alters allow her to discover the truth so she can begin to heal? Or will the truth remain locked away, leaving Dylan as a prisoner of her own mind?

DID has been a springboard for many a story, and there's good reason: it's a complex disorder that seems perfect for storytelling: many personalities living under one 'roof' have learned to either coexist (or not) in films like "Split" and countless works of fiction, not to mention the non-fiction exploration of Sybil, a woman with SIXTEEN distinct personalities. Most of the fictional works tend to be in the thriller genre, and obviously the presence of multiple personalities (often unknown to the reader) creates the perfect opportunity for a thrilling twist and a big reveal. The beginning of this book almost seems like it too could be a thriller: was Dylan kidnapped? A woman recognizes her on the subway, flirts with her...and Dylan has no idea why...what's the story there?

However, Pieces of Me is far different than your standard YA thriller fare: this story deals with some heavy and traumatic topics, from suicide to abuse, and is VERY informed by research. McLaughlin mentions everything from treatment to characteristics of the disorder, from support groups to pop culture fallacies about the disorder, but weaves the information through the narrative in such a way that she's able to keep the plot moving, balanced and interesting. We hear from the alters throughout the story; and again, this is something I've seen other authors attempt, but in my opinion, McLaughlin NAILED it. The alters felt distinct, real, and purposeful. The secret from Dylan's past may not have been the most shocking or surprising, but the narrative in this one is so strong that I didn't mind waiting for the Big Reveal even though it takes quite a while to get there.

This is also YA that IS very YA in some respects; that being said, it's the kind of YA that keeps me invested and passionate about the genre, Dylan's journey is accessible, affecting, and authentic and serves as a reminder that no matter how lost we are in the recesses of our own minds, if we are all a bit lost, then we are all together in that, too.

4 stars