DNF. I kept waiting for the story to hook me and it just didn’t happen. I’ll keep an eye out for this author, the inclusivity they’re writing will make me interested in future reads.

Something’s wrong with Micah… and his doctor doesn’t think it’s real.

While disability has been featuring more and more in YA literature, invisible disabilities have been less prominent in this inclusion. Not surprising, if you think about how society doesn’t really understand invisible disabilities. Heck, even the medical fraternity barely understands it.

Micah is - was - a rising football star, but shortly after his dad dies in a freak accident, Micah develops odd symptoms that his doctor can’t explain, and treats with antidepressants and therapy. While Micah certainly has elements of depression and anxiety, there is very clearly something else cooking. Micah knows it, but he has no way of identifying it until he befriends a few other disabled kids at his school.

Something’s Wrong with Micah features the all-too common experience of people with disabilities being exposed to quackery, charlatans looking to find financial gain from supposed cures, and the failure of “friends”.

Micah’s beliefs around his disability undergo a touching evolution - the character illustrating how ableism is often internalised, and what it takes to become free of those shackles. Micah is almost unlikeable, but mostly only almost. The kid redeems himself, and his love interest, Evie, is such a sweet darling. I appreciated their developing mindsets about “walking again”, and how they feel about being “without” their wheelchairs.

Chrissy, although a bit of a caricature, really serves to illustrate the virtue-signalling nature of many “supporters” of people with disabilities, while Evie’s response to offers of help will likely open the eyes of able-bodied readers about how their offers can in fact be disabling.

Something’s Wrong with Micah is a worthy addition to the growing inclusive melting pot of young adult literature. I hope it opens eyes, and makes kids with disabilities feel seen.

Micah’s whole life has changed: once a star football player for his elite private school, now he’s stuck in a wheelchair with a mysterious illness that his former teammates and dismissive doctor think is all in his head, perhaps a reaction to his dad’s recent death.

As Micah struggles to cope with this illness, his grief, the loss of his friends, and the loss of the ability to do what he loved most, he meets Evie, another student at his school in a wheelchair, who, along with a few other friends, helps him to see possibilities for his life beyond loss and disappointment.

The love story is cute but not particularly remarkable (though students will probably enjoy it more than we did as adult readers), but what makes the novel worth recommending to your students is the exploration of what it’s like to struggle with an invisible illness. Micah ends up being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as chronic fatigue syndrome, and his experience with doctors who refuse to believe the condition is real is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Students with a similar experience have an opportunity to feel seen, one of our favorite reasons to recommend novels. There’s also an interesting exploration of CTE in high school athletes, a topic we should probably be talking more about.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

Will be posted at https://threeheads.works/category/blog/ya-books/ on June 3, 2024.

An absolutely wonderful and heartwarming read about disability and hope. I loved the characters and have instantly recommended this to some students that are wheelchair users themselves. An instant hit!

When 16 year old Micah is struck down by a mysterious illness which leaves him wheelchair bound, it feels as though life has come to an end. Still reeling from his father’s sudden death, unable to play football and rejected by his friends, he wonders how his life could have gone so wrong.

Before his illness, Micah never considered what life would be like with a disability. He suddenly sees things from a different perspective and not much of it is good. His school building isn’t equipped for wheelchair users, he faces insensitive comments on a daily basis and even his doctor thinks he’s faking it.

The author has written a sensitive book about disabilities. I wondered how the author would deal with Micah’s illness as a potentially reversible condition. Would recovery be presented as a happy ending? If so, what does this say about disability? By introducing us to several characters, with varying disabilities, some recoverable, others not, the author explores many aspects of disability, in particular, how society views disabled people. I loved reading about Micah’s relationship with Evie, proving that disabled or not, these two characters are just ordinary teenagers.

I enjoyed this book and whilst I think I am quite aware of disability issues, this opened my eyes to things it’s too easy to overlook. I would thoroughly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"Something's Wrong with Micah" by Jamison Hill is a captivating young adult romance novel that explores themes of love, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles. Hill's storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, drawing readers into the lives of the characters as they navigate the complexities of young love and personal growth. The romance between the main characters is beautifully portrayed, filled with genuine emotion and chemistry that leaps off the page. While some readers may find the pacing a bit slow in parts, the depth of character development and the authenticity of the relationships more than make up for it. "Something's Wrong with Micah" is a touching and relatable read that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us that love has the power to conquer even the greatest challenges.

4 ⭐️
This was a great read.

It touches on such a wide array of difficult themes so well. It was great to read a book with disabled main characters, it's not often you see them get the coverage unfortunately.

Not only does it cover grief but it also has a sense of humor. I found Evie playful and sassy.

I would definitely recommend this book to friends.

This was a sweet story about two kids with disabilities who end up falling for each other. Micah is a teenager who played football until an accident appeared to cause him to have dizzy spells, nausea, and passing out just from standing. Evie is a teenager who was in a car accident and had part of her leg amputated. They are in the same class at school and slowly become friends.

Things I loved about this book:
Evie. She was so sassy and funny, but also vulnerable, scared and strong.
Micah. I could totally empathize with him losing his dad and not only that, but something that he felt gave him his identity.
The friendship group was so fun!
The way the kids stood up for each other.
The parents were so good in this story.
I loved how the sexual experiences were normal, fumbling teenager experiences, AND I love how Evie and Micah reacted the day after.
Learning to ask for help.
Looking for that happy ending that our kids got!
Super sweet epilogue.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this YA book about disability advocacy and head injuries in sports. Micah was a football star with a proud dad as coach, but a car accident changes everything and soon Micah is in a wheelchair suffering from inexplicable pain and nausea and most people think he's faking it. I love that this book has all of the features of a good YA, romance, teen problems, bullying/discrimination, while also show casing several important ideas related to disability, including inaccessibility, saviour complexes, mental health, stereotypes, disability discrimination and new perspectives. I also think that the use of grief, problems with advocacy in the medical system and concussion management, which are areas that are not often showcased in adult books even, much less in YA, and yet important areas to consider and discuss. I liked that the author chose to have Micah be abled bodied and a jock in the past because it really gives a unique opportunity for an able-bodied person to see life through the perspective of someone with a disability. I also love that multiple characters in the story had disabilities, but were generally shown in a very positive light, aside from specific scenes related to discrimination, which is a good contrast to many stories where people with disabilities are seen using tropes and stereotypes. I really loved the relationship with Evie, especially closer to the end when their relationship was truly tested, Overall, this is a very well written YA with some really complex ideas and discussions that are important for both adults and teens to consider. I would highly recommend this book and could see it being a valuable addition to high school libraries and potentially class reading lists. There is a tiny bit of fooling around and mention of drug use, but definitely not a huge deal, and I think that the YA content in general would be just enough to draw in teens and still send these valuable messages.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this excellent book!

I hate to do it but DNF @ 23% 😕

I was excited to read this one but once I picked it up, I immediately hated the writing style. It’s very hard to focus on!

Thankful for the opportunity though!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Something's Wrong with Micah" by Jamison Hill is a realistic exploration of the challenges of disability, identity, and self-acceptance. Through the compelling story of Micah, a high school football star whose life is upended by a tragic car accident and a mysterious illness, Hill skillfully explores the complexities of living with a disability. Before going into the review, I do want to note that as someone who does not have a physical disability, I am unable to provide that perspective with my review, so I highly encourage others to find reviews with that perspective. I do believe that teen readers that have physical disabilities will be able to connect to Micah and his experiences, so I would definitely consider this book a must-have in the school library or English classroom.

Micah's journey is one of struggle and growth as he grapples with the physical and emotional effects of his condition. From the devastating loss of his father to his newfound reliance on a wheelchair, Micah faces numerous obstacles on his path to acceptance. Hill's portrayal of Micah's experiences is raw and honest, capturing moments of frustration, anger, and hope.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of diverse disabilities and the importance of representation in literature. Micah's interactions with his classmates, particularly his friendship with Evie and Frankie, offer insight into the varied experiences of individuals living with disabilities. Through these characters, Hill challenges stereotypes. While Micah’s old friends act as more extreme ableists with their ignorance and treatment of Micah, I really enjoyed his new friends and how Micah is able to surround himself with a supportive and understanding community. I love the found-family aspect of the book,

Overall, Hill’s writing was very engaging, and I enjoyed learning more about Micah’s perspective. There was so much care given to the depiction of Micah’s condition, and you really get to see Micah’s growth as a person as he learns who he is with the disability. Through Micah's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Hill delivers a powerful message about the importance of resilience, empathy, and the strength found in community.

Thank you to netgalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this book in exchange or my honest opinion. This book gave me mixed feelings I like where it was going but I think it could've been executed much better.

this book was quite a struggle to get through. Many of the abled characters feel unrealistically cruel and one-dimensional. not my favorite.

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - January 5, 2024
Publication Date - November 4, 2023

*I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @jamisonwrites, @victoryeditingngc and @netgalley!

Something’s Wrong With Micah provides the reader with an honest insight into what it’s like to live with disabilities. It dives deep into ableism and the struggles of misdiagnosis. It also addresses many myths and the stigma that surrounds disabilities. I appreciate how this book doesn’t shy away from pointing out the ways that people internalize stigma and myths, even when they have disabilities themselves. Something’s Wrong With Micah emphasizes that not all disabilities look the same and everyone experiences life in different ways.

There’s romance, there’s tears, there’s anger and there’s hope. Go into this book with an open mind and I know you will come out of it with a new perspective!

Something’s Wrong with Micah is now published so read it today! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

Thank you Net Galley and Victory editing for this ARC of ‘Something’s Wrong With Micah’

I was so excited to start this from the moment I was approved to read this. I finally got around to it and read it in one sitting. I’m always looking for interesting books about disabilities. This one was exactly what I wanted! It was such a sweet love story and I really enjoyed reading the dialogue between each other. This book is truly perfect and I still feel speechless from this.

Micah is a high school football star. He is in a car crash with his father (who doesn't survive); Micah starts becoming light and dizzy ... to the point of passing out ... with even light physical activity. He becomes wheelchair bound. The beginning of the book describes his symptoms and what daily life is like. The elevator at school is broken and he has to take the "long way around" and his motorized wheelchair stops midway on the hill. My heart goes out to Micah at the beginning of the book.

Shortly after Micah is able to do most of his classwork in a classroom that has many other disabled peers. Frankie is my favorite character in the book and always looks at the bright side. Micah hates the wheelchair because it represents his weakness and constraint; Frankie is thankful for his crutches because it provides mobility and lets him get out and about (otherwise he would be at home).

When ever there is a confrontation, Micah's answer is to resolve it with physical violence. I found this really bothersome. Even from his wheelchair, he was always ready (and looking) for a fight. I kept hoping he would use brains rather than brawn.

At one point Micah, love interest Evie and Micah's mother go on a trip that requires a flight. Evidently Micah thought you could just drive a motorized wheelchair onto a plane; they seem to blame the airlines. Not sure if the wheelchair in question was this brand, but redmanpowerchair.com indicates Air Carrier Access Act that mandates that airlines provide a place to store collapsible, folding wheelchairs.

I really had much higher hopes for this YA book. The author said that many publishers rejected his book and implies it is because of the disabled characters. If I were a publisher, I would steer clear of this book as well. Not because of the disabled characters, but due to the physical violence, lying and constant caving to peer pressure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing the opportunity to read Something's Wrong with Micah in exchange for an honest review. I believe in reading the entire book before reviewing.

This book initially unfolded at a leisurely pace, failing to captivate my interest. As an individual grappling with an invisible illness, I found myself struggling to connect with Micah's perspective, particularly the aspects tied to reliance on a wheelchair and parental assistance for mobility—a reality distinct from my own experience with chronic illness.

Nevertheless, I must commend Jamison for their meticulous attention to characterization. The depictions of classmates, parents, and the enigmatic Evie were exceptionally well-crafted. Despite the varying physical abilities of readers, the narrative skillfully immerses them in the protagonist's mindset and the unique challenges faced. The inclusion of subtle grief elements resonated with me, acknowledging that individuals, irrespective of physical capabilities, navigate the complex landscape of emotions.

Jamison's discerning eye for detail shines throughout the narrative, from witty banter and occasional profanity to clever Snapple jokes. These elements inject a lighthearted quality into the storyline, offering moments of respite from the profound themes explored. This balance is particularly commendable, given the inherent difficulty of delving into traumatic subjects. The intermittent humor serves as a reminder of the characters' normalcy, affirming that they are not defined solely by their disabilities but are, above all, typical teenagers.

In its entirety, this book emerges as an exemplary #ownvoices narrative, providing an authentic representation of disability. Its uniqueness has kindled within me the aspiration to share my journey with an invisible illness through writing. While I'd assign it a rating of 4.5 stars for its commendable qualities, I acknowledge the constraint of the absence of half stars in this evaluation. I wish the pace was faster.

Review posted on IG: @asian bookstorekat today.

3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the book and thought how it tackled disability and the damaging stereotypes that can be linked to wheelchair users engaging and useful for learners. I would have liked to see even more sass from Evie though!

Thanks to netgalley for the arc.

Something's Wrong with Micah is a young adult novel that follows the lives of Micah, a boy who has a rare genetic disorder, and Evie, a girl who has a terminal illness. The novel explores the themes of disability, friendship, love, and identity, as well as the power of truth and choice.

The novel has a captivating plot, with twists and turns that keep the reader interested and invested. The novel also has realistic and relatable characters, who have their own arcs and growth throughout the story. The novel is written in a simple and engaging style, with witty and emotional dialogue, and vivid and detailed descriptions. The novel has a hopeful and inspiring tone, but also a poignant and heartbreaking one, as it portrays the joys and sorrows of the characters' journey.

The novel is a well-written and well-crafted work of fiction, that succeeds in creating a compelling and realistic story, with memorable and relatable characters. The novel has a few minor flaws, such as some clichés and coincidences, and some unresolved questions and loose ends, but they do not detract from the overall quality and impact of the book. The novel is a satisfying and rewarding read, that leaves the reader with a lot of emotions and thoughts.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult novels, especially those that deal with disability, illness, friendship, and love. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a realistic and touching story, that will make them laugh and cry, and that will inspire and challenge them. However, I would also warn potential readers that this book contains some sensitive and mature topics, such as death, suicide, and abuse, and that it may trigger some strong and negative reactions. Therefore, I would advise readers to be prepared and cautious before reading this book.

#netgalley #disabilityrep #somethingswrongwithmicah #jamisonhill #youngadult

●I was sent this by NetGalley. It released November 2023. My feelings regarding this were very mixed. That is because I am an adult with disabilities as have 2 children with disabilities. Chrissy and Jordan were absolutely insufferable. It definitely read as a young adult novel. Reading Evie's perspective and Micah's unique medical journey and personal growth was interesting.●

-Courtney @smalltownbigreads