There is no one who writes about the mental challenges of one’s own health decline the way Lisa Genova does.

“I don’t think anybody should feel bad if they get diagnosed with a mental illness because it’s just information about you that helps you know how to take better care of yourself.” —Taylor Tomlinson

Captivated by her writing years ago with Still Alice, I knew I needed to read More or Less Maddy as soon as it released. And I did. I was mesmerized, heartbroken, and taken along for the harrowing journey of finding out your entire life is no longer what it seemed.

In her newest release, Lisa has us follow Maddy as she experiences some low lows and some high highs, only to his rock bottom and eventually learn that she has a new diagnosis: bipolar disorder.

Being inside the head of someone going through this struggle is enlightening. It’s a mix of seeing how detrimental it can be to one’s life while also noting how subtle—and also how swift—the swings of the disorder can come and go. How some triggers can be part of daily life while others are a true tell.

As someone who was diagnosed far too young with a life-altering chronic illness, the following quote has stuck with me since the moment I read it:

“She’s barely a real person, not old enough to legally buy beer or rent a car. Only a toe into adulthood, her frontal lobe not fully developed, she still thinks of herself as a kid, still calls herself a girl, and imagines it’ll be years before she could ever comfortably refer to herself as a woman. She’s still forming, deciding who she is. She hasn’t even declared a major. She hasn’t chosen anything yet. But this chose her. Without her consent, like an arranged marriage, till death do they part. She wants an annulment, a divorce, an open window onto a fire escape, a new doctor, a time machine. Some way out of this.”

If you’ve never read a book by Lisa Genova, you’re missing out. I’ve always loved reading as an escape, but also as a way to learn about other human experiences—and no one does it better than Lisa.

“Life isn’t always what it seems.”

Lisa Genova’s More or Less Maddy is a deeply moving and insightful novel that masterfully explores mental health, with a particular focus on bipolar disorder. Maddy experiences the highs and lows characteristic of the condition, but with the unwavering support of her family, she learns to navigate its challenges. Embracing stand-up comedy as an outlet, she discovers a powerful way to express herself and strive toward becoming the best version of herself. Genova’s storytelling is both heartfelt and authentic, offering a compelling and hopeful portrait of resilience and self-acceptance.

More or Less Maddy is a novel by a New York Times best-selling author featuring a protagonist who has bipolar disorder. For context, I'm a mental health writer and editor, and I read it for an assignment.

The fact that a popular novelist (Lisa Genova, PhD) decided to compassionately, respectfully tell the story of someone with bipolar disorder makes More or Less Maddy a meaningful work right out of the gate. After all, that kind of exposure will surely increase understanding and awareness of an often misunderstood mental health condition. And I absolutely recommend the book on those terms. Reading about Maddy, an NYU student with big dreams of being a stand-up comic, will have people rooting for her despite the difficult situations she finds herself in thanks to her psychiatric diagnosis

But also, frankly, I just enjoyed it. Maybe that seems odd to say when the story takes place during what are undoubtedly some of the fictional Maddy’s most challenging years. But the storytelling is great, the pacing quick, and the stand-up comedy legitimately funny.

Plus, Dr. Genova is a neuroscientist, and it shows. If you couldn’t tell from the novel’s high level of detail, the long list of acknowledgments will clue you in: This is a researcher’s novel, which is totally my jam. If you like learning things alongside your storytelling, I think you’ll like More or Less Maddy, too.

Recommended for those interested in mental health issues, coming-of-age stories, and the life of stand-up comedians.

Full review coming soon in my blog: https://emilypgerickson.com/blog/.

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.

Have you read any of Lisa Genova's books? She is a neuroscientist and an author. She has such a great understanding of the brain and how it functions and not only how it can go awry, but how it FEELS and what HAPPENS to a person when their brain or brain chemistry works differently. She's an auto-buy author for me and I will read every book she writes.

More or Less Maddy is about a 20 year old college student who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The book shows her life before, it takes you through experiences of mania so you can feel and think what she feels and thinks. It breaks your heart how this girl reacts to being told this will be her life. You FEEL how she FEELS when she's doing good and goes off meds. The book is written in third person and as a mom, I related so much to her mom even as I understood how she felt overprotected.

If you know someone with bipolar disorder or depression, please read this book. If you want to understand more about bipolar disorder or depression, read this book. If you just want to understand people better, read this book.

This book had me captivated. I wanted to stop a number of times because the main character frustrated me so much. There were points where I just hated her. And I was glad she was not in my own life, because I could not deal with the situations she put herself and her family in. And the up and down roller coaster drove me crazy. I seriously just wanted to scream at her through the phone a number of times as I listened to the audiobook. But it is accurate and it is so well written. It reminded me of someone I know that I suspect is bi-polar. It was scary how much it reminded me of her.

Thank you to Gallery Books for a gifted Net Galley copy

Lisa Genova is one of the most amazing authors I have ever read. She has a way of writing her books that all center around neurological orders and now bi-polar disorder that you feel like you are right there in the story. More or Less Maddy is the story of a college age girl that is diagnosed with bi-polar disorder her freshman year in college. Her father had suffered from the same disorder and I learned that this diagnosis can be passed to your children. I learned so much from living with this for the rest of your life, trying to get medication levels just right and consist routine. I hope this one becomes a movie, Like Still Alice. It only January and I think I just read the best book of the year!

No one can pull you into a mind disorder quite like Lisa Genova. (And I have read all of her books!) She truly helps the reader understand all the trauma this diagnosis can do to a person and their family!

This story had me on a roller coaster, as I am sure this diagnosis would. I felt so sorry and hopeful for Maddy all at the same time. From the side effects, to the missteps, to the family drama…my heart broke. Then she would start to get better and I was her ever present champion. I wanted her to chase her dream and succeed. And what a process this was! I swear…I was cringing in places!

Need a unique tale that has you crying and cheering for Maddy all in the same paragraph…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This was another great novel by Lisa Genova. Maddy Banks struggles to find her identity and a way to live outside of her bipolar diagnosis. Throughout the pages the reader is shown trademarks of this disorder and the impact it has on both the diagnosed and their family and friends. The author skillfully illuminates the flight into mania and its subsequent slump into depression as we follow along with Maddy’s life. It is very informative and also inspiring as it helps the reader better understand the diagnosis and the struggles of those impacted by bipolar disorder. Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout for the ARC. This is my honest review.

A look into Maddy's life as a 19 year old diagnosed with bipolar disorder her freshman year at NYU. The first chapter draws you into her story as she lives with confusion and despair. She contemplates suicide and is placed in the hospital for a few days. When she is put on antidepressants, she, like many others, hopes her life will be normal. She experiences highs and lows after a maniac episode, and realizes this is the card she has been dealt with and how she can live with this diagnosis. Her humor holds your attention. Her mind plays tricks on her, such as Taylor Swift wants her to write her biography and Netflix wants her on one of their comedian episodes.
Coming from one of the extravagant Connecticut suburbs, her family sees her as odd. When she displayed her interest as a comedian, they did not see her wit and humor in life.
Mental illness is hard to analyze its effects on someone for those who have not experienced it, but the author does an extraordinary job capturing it with humor, yet the heart wrenching details are powerful. I longed for her life to be normal because as an emotional bystander it was hard to read.
There are so many laugh out loud moments too. Her wit and humor carries you through her darkness as you are compelled to finish.
Well-written!! I'm wondering if this will be one of the top books for this year!
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The story centers on Maddy, a college student, whose life is increasingly shaped by her experiences with manic episodes and depression. Through Maddy's eyes, the reader witnesses the intense highs and devastating lows of bipolar disorder, and the struggles that come with managing it—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Maddy’s voice feels authentic and compelling, with her thoughts and feelings providing a raw window into the disorder’s impact on relationships, academics, and self-perception. It’s a book that doesn’t sugarcoat the experience, but instead, invites readers into Maddy’s world, making her journey both heart-wrenching and relatable.

Lisa Genova's books aren't my "typical" kind of read, but I was drawn to More or Less Maddy. I couldn't put it down. It’s an exploration of mental health, resilience, and what it means to fight for a sense of normalcy while dealing with something so unpredictable and overwhelming.

Incredible book!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for the opportunity to read More or Less Maddy.

Beyond just having a great story, I learned so much about living with bipolar disorder from this book. The author wrote Maddy’s character in such a nuanced way, and was so incredibly descriptive in both her manic and depressive episodes that I felt like I was experiencing it with her. It took time for Maddy and her family to come to terms with her diagnosis, and all of their emotions and reactions were so real. I felt like I could’ve been reading a memoir of someone living with bipolar disorder, yet with the benefit of a third person POV. I highly recommend if you care know more about bipolar or other mental illnesses.

Powerhouse NYT Bestselling Author, Neuroscientist, Speaker, and Empathy Warrior delivers the highly anticipated, compelling, informative, emotional, and essential novel about mental illness with a twist— MORE OR LESS MADDY.

A woman is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and takes charge of her life, finding her path as a standup comedian.

Readers will fall in love with Maddy Banks and her emotional journey for normalcy.

About...

Maddy Banks, age 19, a freshman at NYU, experienced a recent breakup with her boyfriend. From grieving and believing Taylor Swift wants her to write her biography and Netflix wants to offer her a comedy special, she is experiencing highs and lows and has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. How will this change her life?

Maddy grew up sheltered in an affluent Connecticut suburb. She is known as the family's black sheep, the odd one.

From the highs to the lows, manic depression, cutting, and suicidal thoughts, Maddy is caught in the middle. How will she cope with her mind, emotions, feelings, and actions— she feels like she cannot control?

From meds, hospital stays, sobriety, and hovering by her family watching her every move. Everyone thinks they know what's best for Maddy. But she cannot handle the heavy medications keeping her in a fog.

As she struggles to find her way with this complex diagnosis and how it affects her life, dreams, and relationships, Maddy has to figure out her way.

My thoughts...

MORE OR LESS MADDY is brilliantly told, and the author uses her expertise infused with compassion, wit, and humor to deliver an essential must-read.

As a long-time fan of the author, I can attest to her mastery of storytelling. Once again, she delivers a captivating story that will remain with you with a better understanding of mental illness.

I enjoyed Maddy's journey when she discovered her passion for comedy. Despite her mother's protests, she is determined with her writings, stage, and comedy. She defies all the rules, sneaking out to pursue her dreams. You will laugh out loud!

It is a powerful, harrowing, humorous story with well-drawn, highly relatable characters and insights. Genova's skills are on full display, diving into the mind and mysteries of bipolar and mental illness and all those (including family) that surround them with empathy and understanding.

Genova expertly delves into the complex neurological disorder and its challenges through fictional narratives combined with raw and emotional family dynamics.

A Top Book of 2025! I highly recommend it.

Recs...

MORE OR LESS MADDY is for fans of the author, for those who want to understand bipolar and mental illness and its misconceptions, and for those who are experiencing the judgments, uncertainty, and stigma for a bit of hope, healing, and understanding.

Thanks to Gallery Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC via NetGalley for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JuditihDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Jan 14, 2025
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Jan Newsletter

I’m always a fan of Lisa Genovas work and this was no exception. I definitely felt drawn in immediately and really enjoyed the premise. However, I had trouble picturing the character as a comedian. What we knew of her personality, didn’t seem to match with her ambitions. That could just totally be on me though. I also felt like the ending was rushed a bit, like she just was over writing and ended it as quickly as possible. Overall, though I did enjoy it and would recommend it!

DNF at 30% due to foul language. I was really looking forward to this book as I’ve loved her others. But the amount of f bombs was too much for my taste.

Title: More or less Maddy
Author: Lisa Genova
Publisher: Gallery Nooks/Gallery/Scout Press
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date was: January 14, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages 368

Author Lisa Genova is a neuroscientist. Lisa Genova graduated valedictorian, summa cum laude from Bates College with a degree in Biopsychology and has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University.
In this story, Lisa Genova explores the mysteries of our brains in such a way we are living the experience with Maddy.

The story follows 19-year-old freshman NYU student Maddy Banks, who learns of her bipolar diagnosis after being prescribed a stimulant for her depression at the university health center. The stimulant triggers manic episodes, leading to her discovery.
Maddy is not happy with the traditional treatment- she finds the meds leave her drowsy, dizzy, and emotionally drained, appearances. She is struggling to understand as well as accept her diagnosis; her mother enforces strict rules as she wants to prevent a recurrence of the earlier manic episode.
Recently Maddy was asked to share her experience she wrote about. Of course, nervous at first but she found she loves stand-up comedy and decided to give up a so called “normal” life for a career in comedy.
Although I loved the idea of this story there were parts I didn’t love and definitely wanted to support Maddy
I have attended stand-op comedy routines in Vega and crude humor was a disappointment – I get that Maddy is getting satisfaction and thus is happy!
I was pleased when we experience one of Maddy’s routines it wasn’t crude but very informative.
She starts off by stating she wants to share something she hasn’t told many people.
“I have bipolar disorder. Some would say I <i>am </i> biopoIar, instead of I <i> have </i>biopolar.” She then goes on to give other examples – I had a pizza last night but that doesn’t mean I was a pizza.” The audience, of course, laughs.
I found this very interesting and thought - yep I am guilty.
Lisa Genova does a fabulous of writer by providing informative in an entertaining story.
Additionally in her ‘Author’s Note’ she give more information as well as a web site ibpf.org that offers more information.

I have read two other books by author, Lisa Genova- "Inside the O’Briens" and " Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting,
I really enjoyed both.
I will definitely read another!
Want to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books /GallleryScout Press for this eGalley.
Publishing Dare was Tuesday, January 14, 2025..

First thank you to gallery books and net gallery for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis; Maddy is a college student dealing with the usual stressors. When she gets help at the student center, she is thrown into a manic cycle. Maddy must deal with growing up and her new diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

What I liked: this book felt very real and you really felt her manic cycles or depression. I have been a fan of the author for a while and really enjoy her work especially teaching about how the brain works. This book was no different. Maddy and her mom were the characters that I felt the most. Her mom is so concerned and tries to protect her. Maddy just wants to be “normal” and live her dream but struggles with her new diagnosis.

One thing I do think it wrapped up a little too neatly but still recommend the book

Anytime mental illness is brought to the forefront is a good thing. She does a great job of depicting the roller coaster of mental illness, the ups and downs as well as the crashes. She not only highlights the person and their emotional turmoil but she emphasizes how difficult the ride is for the loved ones around them. Noone stands alone and mental illness effects everyone.

This is an incredible and realistic story of a person with bipolar disorder. Lisa takes us on a journey with Maddy as she not only learns she has bipolar disorder but also how she and her family experience it and deal with it. You will experience an emotional roller coaster and be brought into Maddy's world of what she's going through. I was sobbing by the end of the book.

A story about not only bipolar disorder but also one of self-discovery, family relationships and friendships. If you know someone with bipolar disorder, this book is going to give you new insight and hopefully, a much deeper empathy for them and for their family.

3.5 stars!

Every one of Genova's books have taught me something combined with a really interesting story to help put you in the shoes of the main character. Once again, she carried that off so well. This time the subject is bipolar disorder, something many of us have heard about, but didn't know anyone who had it or what it felt like.

Maddy had a normal upbringing through high school, then went off to college just as her long time boyfriend broke up with her. Needless to say, first semester of "the happiest times you will have" were not happy ones for her. She was miserable, didn't mingle, didn't make friends or date. Ironically, for someone who had trouble even smiling, comedy came into her life and she decides to become a comedian, starting with local like mic nights and the support of a coworker.

Little did she know what was really going on in her mind and body until the mania overtook her. I won't go into more details as to not give it all away, but let's say she learns what she can and can't do after her diagnosis. Ditto for her mom who is perfect, of course.

Nicely done; informative and not overbearing! Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy. Honest opinions expressed here are my own and are freely given.

This was a brilliantly written book about what it's like to live with Bipolar disorder. Through Maddy's journey, we learn what it feels like to experience a manic episode and depression. We learn how devastating getting the official mental health diagnosis can be and what it feels like to have to go on medications to control it. I felt for Maddy as she struggled with feelings of shame and uncertainty and being micro-managed by her mom. At the same time, I loved how Maddy wanted to be a stand-up comic and the determination and drive she had for it.

I really learned a lot about Bipolar disorder from reading this book!