I’ve always liked this author’s book but this one wasn’t as compelling for me. It’s an important needed topic. I think my issue was it took me too long to get attached to the story; the first half dragged for me. I was glad I kept going though as it picked up and it increased my knowledge of the disease.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in an exchange for a fair and honest review.

Lisa Genova is an auto-read author for me. Her books are engaging and well-written, with memorable characters and compelling premises. She also brings a lot of research and humanity into these depictions, and I always come away with so much more knowledge about what it feels like to live with and live alongside these debilitating conditions.

I was afraid that this book would read YA because of the younger protagonist, but that did not end up being the case. However, the tone of this book is much different than Genova's previous works, so it did take me a few chapters to really get my bearings.

Genova deftly depicts the extreme chaos, irrationality, and deep depression that is typical for people struggling with bipolar disorder. We are able to see things from inside Maddy's perspective and the torture her mind puts her through. The story is paced well, with well-written dialogue. The frequent mention of Taylor Swift was a nice surprise, adding a sense familiarity and lightness, although for Maddy, it was an indication of her manic phase taking over.

The ending did seem quite abrupt, going from a manic phase to a complete 180 where she's completely in control and accepting of her diagnosis, and her mother, who has been adamantly against her comedy career, is now her biggest fan. I wish the conclusion had been brought about in a more organic way.

Maddy is a freshman at NYU, studying hard and partying harder, working part-time as a barista and getting over a breakup. She’s never felt like she quite fits in, but when things get really overwhelming, she goes on an anti-depressant. Her typical college experience starts to spiral out of control when she starts skipping meals, losing sleep, going on spending sprees, writing an hour-long Netflix comedy special that fills many notebooks—and becomes obsessed with the idea that she and Taylor Swift are the best of friends and she’s going to ghostwriter Taylor’s biography. The manic behavior ends with a crash and she ends up institutionalized for several weeks, diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Medicine and therapy can stabilize her if she also stays away from drugs and alcohol, gets enough sleep, and keeps to a more structured lifestyle—a hard ask for a college student, but NYU’s policy is she needs to take a semester off for a break.

Returning home to Connecticut feels like a prison: her mother and stepfather are happy to have her at home and care for her, but they take the doors off her en-suite bathroom and keep her bedroom door open at all times, fearful that she will stop taking her medication or resume cutting, or worse. Her mother‘s vigilance feels overbearing, but she’s been through this before: Maddy’s father is bipolar, and Maddie’s mother gave him an ultimatum years ago, and they haven’t seen him since. These things do have genetic predispositions.

Suffering from side effects, depressed, and listless as her body adjusts, Maddy is miserable. Her perfect older sister Emily is in the middle of planning her perfect country club wedding and her older brother, Jack has his life on track too. Once her symptoms are under control, Maddy and Emily convince their mother that Maddy is stable enough to return to New York City and that Emily will keep an eye on her. Predictably, she fails.

The stand-up comedy dream is the one thing that’s persisted when Maddie is not in a manic state. Annoyed with her mother‘s check-ins and maybe a little bored from living with her staid sister’s early to bed lifestyle, Maddy starts sneaking around, going to happy hour open mic events at local comedy clubs. She’s not bad and develops a pretty tight five minutes, but at some point, she decides she doesn’t need to be on the meds and she’s off on another manic episode. It happens again, during her sister’s bachelorette weekend.

Once Maddy comes to terms with her diagnosis and mental health status and identifies not as bipolar person, but as a person with bipolar, is she able to manage a regime for herself that gives her the stability to return to school and the freedom to pursue stand-up comedy on terms that work for her, her mental health, and her diagnosis.

Genova excels at clearly presenting medical details in an understandable way, and this is a realistic portrayal of a new adult experience with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The highs and lows are detailed and dramatic. The wants and needs of a typical contemporary 18-year-old girl with normal and realistic loves of fashion, Taylor Swift, drinking beer, and hooking up are authentic; so is Maddy’s desire for independence and a “normal” life.

The research that went into developing the book are outlined in the authors acknowledgments. Sometimes the tone is too clinical or observational, and the story reminds me a bit of those true story anonymous diaries that were popular in the late 1980s (Go Ask Alice being the most famous example) that were later revealed to be fabricated by an adult as a cautionary tale. There is a flatness throughout most of the novel. Maddy’s story was riveting, the third person perspective made it difficult to connect with her as a character. Secondary characters were rather one note or superficial, and mostly unlikeable, though this may be Maddy’s perception of everyone around her. The stand-up comedy bits sparkle, and Maddy’s routine becomes the vehicle for recapping a six-month gap and concluding the book—a brilliant choice. This may not be gritty enough for new adult audiences, too close to home for people living with a bipolar diagnosis for themselves or a loved one, and still a fast-paced and riveting read. Possibly of interest to fans of Taylor Tomlinson, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, though the comedy may not be present enough throughout to satisfy.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #MoreOrLessMaddy via #NetGalley courtesy of #SimonAndSchuster. A review will publish on HLBB on the pub date 1/14/2025.

Every Note Played, Lisa Genova's last novel, is one of those stories that has left an indellible imprint on me. The genuine rawness and emotions of what played out between a man with ALS, and his reluctant caregiver, was on a level that I had not experienced before, or since.

That was seven years ago, and I've been craving another book by her. I jumped at the chance to read More or Less Maddy, and I couldnt be happier, or more struck, by this opportunity.

Maddy is a young adult, trying to make her way in college, with a family she feels different from in every way. Through a series of achingly heart-rending experiences, she is diagnosed with Bipolar.

Genova's background as a neuroscientist, and the meticulous research and interviews she conducts, lends itself to one of the most accurate depictions of Bipolar (and mental health conditions) I have ever seen in any medium. As someone who has known and worked with people with Bipolar, and similar disorders, everything in More or Less Maddy was instantly recognizable, while also giving insight to something I could never fully understand. Though as someone with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, there are also some themes that strike close to home.

I found myself laughing out loud (Maddy wants to be a comedian), frequently crying, and absorbed by this young character and her situation. It's a story and a depiction I wont soon forget.

Maddy Banks begins her freshman year at NYU not because she wants to be there but because her on and off again high school boyfriend is at Columbia. This turns out to be not a good idea because Maddy is rattled by the size of the school and has, unlike her brother and sister, no clear career path. What she does have, however, is yet undiagnosed bipolar disorder. As her grades begin to drop and her personal hygiene is ignored, her brain begins to spectacularly misfire. Much needed extra energy morphs into an overwhelming interest in comedy writing and the career of Taylor Swift.

What happens next, in this fascinating story by the talented Lisa Genova, reads like an autobiography. We feel, understand and are frightened by Maddy’s thoughts. Like her distraught family, we want to protect her. And, like her family, we want her to be happy and to find success. More or Less Maddy is a tour de force, a must read for psychology students, relatives of those challenged by mental illness and all interested in the complicated workings of the mind. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books and Lisa Genova for this ARC.

Lisa Genova is one of my auto-buy authors so I was so happy to have been gifted this book. I love her neuroscientist background and how she incorporates it into her stories. I have learned quite a bit from her engaging stories

In “More or Less Maddy,” Lisa Genova does what she does best—puts the reader in the head and heart of someone suffering from an illness or disorder. In her latest novel the protagonist, Maddy Banks, a 19 year old college student at NYU, suffers from a bipolar disorder diagnosed after a violent manic episode over Thanksgiving holiday. The reader suffers through Maddy’s depression, self-doubt, and embarrassment, as well as her manic, self-aggrandizing episodes, the latter of which cause her to lose control emotionally, physically and financially. Maddy begins to doubt her self-worth, feeling that she is a burden to her parents and her sister, who have to keep bailing her out of the trouble she gets into when she loses control while she is in a manic state. Moreover, she never knows if feelings of happiness are real or only precursors to another manic period, when she will spiral out of control.

I have never read any other author who so successfully develops her characters to the extent that the readers feel as if they are the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes personality driven novels with fully realized characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read everything Lisa Genova has written. I love how she chooses a topic (usually medically related) and then weaves in a story with compelling characters.

Maddy has a manic episode while home from college over Thanksgiving break and, as a result, receives a bipolar diagnosis. The story follows her as she attempts to be a college aged student while trying to keep herself ‘normal’ with this new diagnosis. How she interacts with friends, her family, and random strangers is now forever changed because of being bipolar.

Loved this. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. This book is released January 2025. #booksbyashleynicole

This is a remarkable account of what life is like when you’re living with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Genova, as usual, can put you right in that sweet spot of understanding and empathy.

Not only does the reader get a full picture of Maddy and her mania episodes, her hardship with relationships, and her shame about having a mental health diagnosis, but we get to see how her family feels pressured to protect her and care for her.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Maddy, her struggles, and her successes. The writing is superb and the story is compelling. Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced reader copy.

Maddy Banks is like most students in college, stressed out and trying to have fun. She is attending NYU, but she is feeling overwhelmed with life, college and NYC. She comes from Connecticut and her family has their own expectations for her life.

But, now Maddy has been diagnosed with Bipolar and realizes this is a life long diagnosis. She seeks help, but has to start navigating her life in a different way.

She is obsessed with Taylor Swift, and is hiding a dangerous secret. Her highs and loss are self-destructive.
I found this one realistic. I can see the author Lisa Genova has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University, so she is well informed with this diagnosis.

Triggers: Mental health, cutting, disorders

Thank you Book Lovers The Buzz and author Genova for this gifted e-ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy for review, all opinions are my own.

Wow. I loved this book so much, and was heartbroken at the same time reading Maddy’s story. This is raw and there are many trigger warnings, but done so well! 5 stars!

Genova's book proved to be profoundly engaging, drawing me fully into Maddy's intricately woven world. Through the highs and lows, heartaches, and the intricate dynamics of her relationship with her mother, the author skillfully crafted an experience that resonated deeply. Despite its fictional nature, the narrative felt profoundly significant, warranting a broader audience. As a librarian, I am enthusiastic about recommending it widely, particularly for stimulating book club conversations. The story's compelling nature was such that I found myself discussing it fervently even before reaching its conclusion. The prospect of featuring it in a podcast excites me. Undoubtedly a five-star read and then some!

I am sincerely grateful to Lisa Genova for tackling bipolar disorder as she has done so with many other subjects- with an incredible amount of research, kindness and the depiction of the individual first. One of the things that Maddy, the main character who is an aspiring comedienne, grappled with was the distinction of whether she “has bipolar” or “is bipolar”. She draws the parallel to a person with cancer and indicates they do not say, “I am cancer.” Her discussion with her Gramma was especially freeing as she was one of the few people who saw Maddy and accepted her for who she was.

This book weighed on me greatly as I needed to take short breaks as I read. The gravity of Maddy’s situation and struggles described accurately what I have seen individuals near to me experience. Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Lisa Genova for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC. I love Lisa Genovas books for their discussion and story telling about medical disorders. Maddie has bipolar disease which takes her from sky high to rock bottom. Bipolar is difficult to treat and she ends up in.treatment facilities several times.. The book also does a good job of how this affects her family as they have to drop everything to come bail her out. Good reading.

Excellent peek into the mind of a person living with bipolar disorder, engendering understanding and compassion in the reader. Lisa Genova does a fantastic job bringing the science and humanity of neurological disorders to the wider public. Her focus in this book is on the main character who has bipolar disorder, but Genova does a great job of highlighting effects of the disorder on caregivers and loved ones. I found it hopeful and heartbreaking at once.

I have read EVERY book that Lisa Genova has written. This one hit me a little closer to home, as there is mental illness in my family. OCD, not Bipolar but still, mental illness. I LOVED this book. I was so impressed with the accurate portrayal of the feelings, symptoms, tragedies, etc that were shown in this book. I left with a much clearer understanding of the illness, and more importantly, a more supportive understanding of what people and families experiencing this go through. This book is a must read, for everyone, just to understand what some people around us might be experiencing.

I have waited and waited not so patiently for another Lisa Genova book. I read and enjoyed all of her previous titles. Books addressing mental health are important and I seek them out. So it saddens me to say this was not a winner for me. The story just never engaged me. I didn't find the comedy act part entertaining. Also I love books written through the perspective of people of all ages. But this felt like it had a Young Adult quality which I wasn't expecting. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

More or Less Maddy was a very well written story of a young college student going through the challenges of bi-polar diagnosis. I appreciate the research that went into the writing. I appreciate the ARC and will be purchasing this title for our library

5 plus stars-Lisa Genova is stellar at researching her topics before she writes about them. In this case, Maddy is a college student whose bipolar diagnosis leads to a love for stand up comedy. What is different is that we see the real Maddy during her mania and depression. Her actions and conversations are so authentic and raw that I became immersed in the story to the point where I lost what was going on around me. There is no sugarcoating or skimming the surface here. The characterizations are deep, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking. I loved this book so much! (I honestly don’t think there is one by this author that I didn’t love, though.) Thank you to the publisher and author for the privilege of the arc in exchange for an honest review.

More or Less Maddy tackles a huge topic in the mental health world- Bipolar Disorder- through the lense of Maddy, a college freshman. As a therapist, I went in extra cautious about how the diagnosis would be portrayed. But the author pulls strongly from her own background in neuroscience and individual stories to give a full view of daily life. Written in novel form, it's interesting and real.

The only challenge is that I really, really did not like the main character. She came off as unwilling to take responsibility, oblivious to the pain she was causing her family & friends, and spoiled in her options- throughout all of her mental states. Perhaps that was the intent, to reflect how Bipolar Disorder is often a 'self-focused" illness purely due to the symptoms, but it made parts hard to stick with.

Regardless, a great topic and lovely read by Genova. Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC!