This. This is what I love about NetGalley. The chance to see the titles who will be some of the biggest hits of the year. Thanks so much for the arc

Content Warnings: Depersonalization, Disassociation, Depression, Anxiety, Child Abuse (Sexual, Verbal), Suicide, Self Harm, Existentialism

This is not a book I thought I would like, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I read to about the 60% mark in one night and then plowed through the rest in a few hours.

When I say Saab’s novel is ‘readable,’ I mean it captures attention and pulls the narrative forward. It’s a story that feels like it wants you to read it. The novel shifts stylistically to mirror shifts in main character Norma’s mental state, which I found compelling because there was more to uncover as time went on. It puts readers behind-the-eyes and offers insights to Norma’s unreliable mind. Some might find these shifts and the stories-between-therapy sessions approach off putting, but I think it allows Saab to oscillate between gravity and levity fluidly.

I also enjoyed how Norma’s queerness featured in the book. While not a simple or happy story, it felt genuine, showed growth, and also showed how difficult embracing queer life and joy can be, particularly when struggling with mental health and other stressors.

If you don't like books where writers-write-about-writing, where the narrative layers unevenly but eventually completes, or are super sensitive to depersonalization, disassociation, and/or existentialism, then you may struggle with this book. However, I found it a riveting read and recommend it.

Norma has experienced 'oblivion' since she was a little girl. A moment where every living being disappears, leaving her with a blank, bald planet floating in a lifeless outer space. Now an adult, Norma finds herself explaining oblivion to her therapist, and how it relates to the novel she's having trouble writing, signs from god in her Instagram advertisements, and most importantly--her girlfriend, and how as much as she loves her, the universe seems to want Norma to break up with her.

'Please Stop Trying to Leave Me' is a messy book, and I mean that in the most loving, genuine way possible. Alana Saab provides an unfiltered look into the mind of someone who is dealing with severe anxiety, depression, trauma, all while trying to stay afloat in an era where too much information is available at your fingertips. It's not pretty, and Norma's instinct to push her girlfriend away is painfully real. If you've ever dealt with mental illness before, either yourself or from someone you love, you will probably see yourself reflected in this novel--doubly so if you're a queer millennial.

Despite the serious subject matter, 'Please Stop Trying to Leave Me' is hilarious. Norma's constant observations of her therapist's shoes and asymmetrical pillow arrangements led to some genuine laugh out loud moments for me. Saab's humor helps to relieve some of the painful sadness of the book, but not enough that the moments lose their punch.

Overall, this book is an ugly, beautiful, and most importantly sympathetic look at mental health, and one that I'll definitely find myself revisiting in the future.