Maddy lives in CT with her family; she doesn't feel like she fits in at the country club like the rest of the family (mom, step-dad and siblings). When she heads off to NYU she is overwhelmed and goes on medication prescribed by the school's health center. Soon she spirals into mania and is hospitalized with bipolar disorder. Her family is supportive and very worried about her; she feels they are overprotective. Maddy just wants to be 'normal'.
This taught me so much about bipolar disorder; what it feels like to be the person with the diagnosis and also to love someone with this disorder. Like Lisa Genova's other books, I couldn't put this down. It was an intense read that I couldn't put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you @gallerybooks & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Maddy Banks is a typical stressed freshman at NYU, grappling with the pressures of academics, parental expectations, and a recent breakup. She begins taking antidepressants, which initially lifts her spirits and makes her feel euphoric. However, this newfound high quickly spirals into a frightening mania, leading to a hospitalization and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, ultimately leaving Maddy to confront a new reality.

MY THOUGHTS: This compelling coming-of-age story follows Maddy as she learns to cope with her diagnosis while navigating issues of self-esteem, managing friendships, dealing with family drama, and ultimately discovering her place in the world. The author does a great job detailing family relationships as Maddy’s diagnosis seems to affect each person differently. I can’t say I enjoyed the vivid descriptions and crude humor of the comedy clubs, but Maddy handled things well and ultimately makes the best decisions for herself as she enters adulthood. Lovers of family drama will enjoy this story which is all the buzz with my friends @bookloversthebuzz.

Maddy is a student at NYU when she is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Genova does an excellent job of showing the effects of this disorder on Maddy and her family. I am sure this will be widely read, liked, and discussed. However, as far as the actual writing is concerned, it's not great and left me wanting more.

Very insightful book of a young woman, Maddy, coming to terms with being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At times, I found myself becoming distressed and uncomfortable when Maddy would enter her manic phase. Lisa Genova does an excellent job of portraying Maddy during both her depression and manic phases and the fears Maddy faces coping with the disease along with the family struggles.

More or Less Maddyby Lisa Genova. A difficult book to read at times with all the emotional upheaval and trauma Well researched and informative book on bipolar disorder, a mental health illness that is not readily discussed. Maddy’s mania/manic state was described so vividly that the reader has a greater perspective and an increased level of empathy for Maddy. Would like to have had more insight into Maddy's family feelings and struggles with her manic state.

Thank you to Lisa Genova, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

More or Less Maddy is a beautifully well done and powerful story about a young g woman diagnosed with bipolar. It’s done in a compelling and modern way that makes it a very relevant and important read. It will certainly make you more empathetic to the challenges of mental illness. I will definitely be selling this book to customers.

I had a feeling this book would end up being something I’ll cherish and I was right!

I have a special place in my heart for working with those that have mental illness. I’m a social worker and have worked closely with patients that have Bipolar Disorder type 1 and type 2.

Genova does an amazing job portraying Bipolar. I was so connected to the story and she does a phenomenal job of being right there with the main character.

Genova uses her beautiful words to embrace her readers into the world of mental illness through compassion and love.


Highly recommend!

4.5/5 stars!!

Maddy is just starting college. Her first year she struggles to connect with others and stay on top of her school work. Her second year starts the same, when she goes to the campus health center to get an extension on an assignment, she gets both that and an antidepressant, launching her into mania.

Initially I found Maddy harder to connect with - likely because the book is written in third person. Once the story got moving, I didn’t feel that way anymore. I just wanted to know how Maddie was going to move forward. It was both hard to see and really helpful to see bipolar disorder from the inside.

This is the second book I’ve read by Lisa Genova. I didn’t realize until the end of the book that she’s a neuroscientist. I really appreciate the way she digs into common health conditions and helps us see them from the perspective of the person with the health condition.

**Side note: Maddy has the support of a family who is pretty well off. Her experiences and the help she receives are probably not the norm, especially if someone goes without a diagnosis and their behavior is just interpreted as irresponsible.

Let me say this upfront: More or Less Maddy isn't just a book—it's an experience. Lisa Genova once again proves she has a gift for blending deep empathy with sharp, incisive storytelling. This novel is a heartfelt, profoundly authentic exploration of living with bipolar disorder, and I can't stop thinking about it.

Maddy is a character who feels so real that you'll swear you've met her before. Her journey of coming to terms with her diagnosis is raw, messy, and achingly human. Genova doesn't sugarcoat the struggles of living with bipolar disorder, but she also paints it with the nuance it deserves. You can feel the ups, downs, the in-betweens—and Maddy's strength shines through it all. It's a deeply researched and empathetic portrayal, never dipping into stereotypes or sensationalism.

And let's talk about the people who surround Maddy. Her support system is pure magic. From her best friend to her steady and compassionate sister, these characters bring warmth and heart to the story. I especially loved her mother, who evolves from someone overbearing to someone deeply understanding, and her brother, who uses humor as both a shield and a bridge to connect. Their love doesn't solve Maddy's problems but makes her feel less lonely, showing readers the importance of a strong support system in dealing with mental health issues.

Oh, and the stand-up comedy storyline? Genius. Maddy's journey into the comedy world added a fascinating layer to the book. It was such an interesting choice to let us see behind the scenes of the comedy world—the pressure, the vulnerability, and how laughter can be both a shield and a release. Watching Maddy take her pain and spin it into something universal and relatable on stage felt not just triumphant but also deeply inspiring. It's a testament to the transformative power of art and humor in the face of adversity.

This book is a masterclass in balancing heavy topics with lightness and heart. It's a story of survival and finding joy in unexpected places. I laughed and cried, and the counselor in me came away with so much gratitude, knowing that everyone who reads this story will go away with a better, more informed understanding of the mental health disorder. If you're looking for a story that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page, More or Less Maddy is it.

✨ Highly recommend to fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth, a touch of humor, and characters who will steal your heart.

Thanks to The Buzz and the author for my gifted copy of this phenomenal book!

"More or Less Maddy" is an absolutely captivating read that deserves more than five stars! Although it falls outside my usual genre—thrillers—I found it profoundly engaging because it explores the psyche and complexities of mental illness, a topic that has always intrigued me. You'll need to set aside any preconceptions you might have about bipolar disorder and open your mind to Maddie's emotions and perceptions.

Having spent nine years working behind the scenes at a mental health center primarily focused on paperwork, I gained insight into the harsh realities many individuals face. Countless patients discontinued their medication and encountered outcomes similar to Maddie's. As someone who deeply empathizes with others, I struggled with feelings of compassion after witnessing this repetitive cycle, especially since I wasn't family. That job sparked a passion in me to learn more about psychology and the intricacies of mental health while also forcing me to confront the issues my own family experienced.

Maddie is a college student grappling with her recent bipolar diagnosis, and the impact on her life is nothing short of heartbreaking. The author skillfully portrays Maddie's emotions, giving readers a rich understanding of her experience. While it's easy to relate to her mother's perspective, Maddie's voice adds depth that reshapes how we view this disorder. I can't help but sympathize with her desire for a "normal" life—who wouldn't feel suffocated under her mother's care and the side effects of the medication? This narrative offers powerful insight into the struggles many face, helping us understand why so many individuals battling mental illness also experience homelessness.
#maddymoreorless #lisagenova #simonandschuster #gallerybooks #scoutpress #mentalillness #bipolar #thrillerbookloversthepulse #thepulse

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4⭐️
MORE OR LESS MADDY
🤍𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: contemporary fiction
📖 368 pages
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗶𝘀: 💊🎤😢☕️🚔✍🏼🏥🧇🫨♥️😵‍💫
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 1/14/2025

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
◽️ single POV
◽️ starting over

💚𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲💚

Thank you @simonaudio @lisagenova for the #gifted copy! @thrillerthepulse is loving this one!

Lisa has crafted a profoundly moving & thought provoking story that delves into the complexities of living with bipolar disorder. The narrative, centered on Maddy, offers an unflinching look at the highs & lows of her diagnosis. Through vivid & unrelenting prose, you are drawn into the chaos of her manic episodes & the suffocating weight of her crippling anxiety & delusions. At times, it’s an emotionally intense journey, but one that illuminates the isolation & resilience often intertwined with mental health struggles.

This is not just a story of one woman’s battle but a nuanced exploration of starting over, healing from toxic relationships, & confronting societal stigma. Maddy’s personal growth is mirrored in her evolving connections with her mom & sister, Emily, showcasing the ripple effect of mental illness on loved ones. Beyond its emotional depth, the book emphasizes the importance of compassion & understanding, making it an unforgettable & transformative read that I highly recommend!

Please be sure to check out the trigger warnings below 👇🏼
⚠️ depression, bipolar, self harm, thoughts of suicide

𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁: Maddy Banks is a freshman at NYU, juggling school, city life, & a tough breakup. Always feeling like the odd one out in her perfect Connecticut family, she hits an emotional low & starts taking antidepressants. Initially, she feels amazing, but soon spirals into a manic episode, leading to a bipolar disorder diagnosis. This new reality forces Maddy to reevaluate her identity, relationships, & ambitions. She must learn to navigate life while feeling like she’s both too much & not enough.

Lisa Genova’s books always stir up emotions. So affected was I by her novel, Still Alice, that years after having read it, I still feel a certain type of way when I think about it.

Now, her latest is coming out. More or Less Maddy, we meet a 19-year-old NYU student who suffers from bipolar disorder. Lisa does a wonderful job with the topic of mental illness, and the reader cannot help but be pulled into Maddy’s experiences.

I learned a lot about bipolar disorder and applaud the author for shedding light on this.

Excellent book, exactly what Lisa Genova always gives us.

Synopsis:

Maddy Banks is just like any other stressed-out freshman at NYU. Between schoolwork, exams, navigating life in the city, and a recent breakup, it’s normal to be feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t help that she’s always felt like the odd one out in her picture-perfect Connecticut family. But Maddy’s latest low is devastatingly low, and she goes on an antidepressant. She begins to feel good, dazzling in fact, and she soon spirals high into a wild and terrifying mania that culminates in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

As she struggles to find her way in this new reality, navigating the complex effects bipolar has on her identity, her relationships, and her life dreams, Maddy will have to figure out how to manage being both too much and not enough.

More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova is a heartfelt and quirky gem that had me laughing, tearing up, and rooting for Maddy all at once. The story blends charm and insight as Maddy navigates life's curveballs with equal parts wit and vulnerability. It’s a delightful, feel-good read with just the right amount of emotional punch. Four stars and a warm recommendation!

Edit- Now I've read it! Please keep reading below. :)

PLACEHOLDER!

I am seriously beyond thrilled to be starting the ARC of More or Less Maddy. Lisa Genova is far and away one of my favorite authors. Her research skills and the way she weaves information into novels that are always compelling.. she is top rate. I can't wait to give an honest review, and I will be honest, but I will be surprised if I don't love it!

Review of More or Less Maddy

I was off the wall excited to start More or Less Maddy, Lisa Genova's newest offering to be published January, 2025.

Lisa Genova is one of a very, very few authors on my MUST READ list. She combines her knowledge of the brain and science (she is a neuroscientist) with compelling writing and a good grasp of the dynamics and interactions between characters.

The novel follows Maddy, the main character in the book, as she experiences and is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The book is a roller coaster, which is absolutely to be expected because to some degree that is what life is like, and with bipolar perhaps even more so. At times I was frustrated with Maddy, at times extremely irritated and frustrated with her Mom, and at other times I felt so empathetic toward them. This also is likely reflective of the experience of living and loving with someone who experiences the mood swings and actions of bipolar, particularly when it is unchecked, uncontrolled.

While not my favorite of Ms Genova's, it was still very good and I continue to think about it. I will continue to absolutely RUN to read anything written by Lisa Genova!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster, and Netgalley for an ARC of More or Less Maddy in exchange for an honest review.

If there is one thing you can count on in Lisa Genova's books, it is that she will put you through the wringer emotionally. More or Less Maddy was certainly that, dealing with a college freshman navigating bipolar disorder while also dealing with all of the complexities of being a college freshman. More or Less Maddy was so real and emotional, a true whirlwind.

This was another winner from the ever talented Genova!

Maddy Banks, a college student at NYU, is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As she begins treatment, she grapples with her mental health while discovering a passion for stand up comedy.

I deeply appreciated Genova’s nuanced portrayal of mental health and her honest depiction of how progress isn’t always linear, regression is often part of the journey. Her writing offers profound insight into these conditions, making it impossible not to empathize with Maddy through every step of her story. I felt her joy and heartbreak, particularly during her struggles with depressive and manic episodes, especially when listening to the audiobook, narrated by Tessa Albertson . Overall, Genova’s rare talent for weaving real-life human connections into narratives about neurological conditions makes her work truly exceptional.

Thank you Galley and Simon Audio for the ARC!

Lisa Geneva’s books are a must read for anyone trying to understand mental illness. I love the way she throughly researches the topic and builds a story to incorporate all aspects of the illness with characters so real that you are routing for each one of them. Maddy, the main character is bipolar and we experience all her highs and lows as well as all the secondary characters in the book. All the relationships with her family and love interests are fully on display. The positive ending is heartwarming as Maddy and her family learn how to live and love with the diagnosis.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced eGalley of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
#MoreOrLessMaddy #LisaGenova #NetGalley

Mental illness is never straightforward, nor can you say it is the same for each person.

Maddy's story takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotion as she is diagnosed with bipolar... and comes to terms with it.

Not only her though- it was so thoughtful and engaging how Genova weaved in the responses of Maddy's mother, sister, boyfriend and friends.

As the reader you too feel like you are trying to make sense of it all and understand it and keep up, which in a sense mirrors the reality some may go through when faced with a diagnosis such as this for themselves or someone they love.

I found this to be warm, real, beautiful and witty.
Fully recommend!

As 2025 approaches, I’ve decided to implement a new grading system to distinguish exceptional five-star reads from others. Some books are so mind-blowing they deserve a special ten-star rating and a prominent spot in your personal library to revisit time and again. Lisa Genova’s More or Less Maddy is one such book—offering hope that 2025 will be a groundbreaking year for literature. Not only is it one of the best books of the year, but it also deserves a place among the all-time greats.

This novel’s treatment of bipolar disorder is groundbreaking—sensitive, honest, and deeply empathetic. It captures the struggles, emotional shifts, and survival mechanisms with striking authenticity. You’ll find yourself stepping into Maddy’s shoes, feeling her pain and uncertainty, and wondering how you’d cope if faced with a life-altering diagnosis at such a young age, with your whole life ahead of you. Would you deny it and try to carry on as normal, or follow the strict rules imposed by protective parents? What would become of your dreams? Your future?

The story follows 19-year-old 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. The treatment process—complete with new medications that leave her drowsy, dizzy, and emotionally drained—is especially challenging for Maddy, who lives in a family obsessed with appearances. Her mother, in particular, enforces strict rules to prevent a recurrence of Maddy’s earlier manic episode, further complicating her adjustment process.

Maddy’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a passion for comedy. After being encouraged to share her writings on stage, she begins exploring stand-up comedy—despite her mother’s protests, who views this newfound passion as a symptom of her illness. Her mother equates it to Maddy’s past delusional belief that she could be best friends with Taylor Swift.

Determined to break free from her mother’s control, Maddy defies the rules, sneaks out, and lies about her whereabouts to pursue her dream of becoming a comedian. Her journey is fraught with challenges, including mental struggles and societal expectations. Can she carve out her place in the world, embrace her true self, and live beyond the limitations of her diagnosis?

Overall:
It’s been a long time since a book shook me to my core and took my emotions on such a powerful ride. I wholeheartedly loved Maddy’s journey and deeply admire the author’s creativity and thoughtful approach to mental health awareness. I cannot recommend this book enough—just read it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books/Scout Press for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this remarkable book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Lisa Genova has an extraordinary talent for portraying the deeply personal and family-centered struggles of living with complex illnesses. As a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and bestselling author, she doesn’t just tell stories—she immerses readers in the emotional and scientific realities her characters face. From Still Alice, about Alzheimer’s disease, to Every Note Played, which explores ALS, Genova masterfully bridges the gap between science and humanity.

Her latest novel, More or Less Maddy, delves into the world of bipolar disorder with unflinching honesty and compassion. This gripping story captures the raw emotions, relentless challenges, and complex dynamics of a family navigating mental illness. As I read, I saw echoes of friends’ experiences—the hidden knives, the constant worry, the desperate pleas: “Please, don’t go on that trip.” Genova’s depiction is so vivid and real, it’s impossible not to recognize the truths so many families live with every day.

This book is a lifeline—not only for those managing bipolar disorder but also for their loved ones. It offers a rare and profound opportunity for understanding and empathy, shedding light on the arduous journey to find effective treatment and stability. Genova’s storytelling once again proves she has a gift for transforming clinical truths into deeply human, profoundly moving narratives.

More or Less Maddy isn’t just a novel—it’s a testament to resilience and the power of connection. This is a book that will linger in your mind and heart, helping readers grasp the invisible struggles behind a diagnosis and inspiring the empathy we all need to navigate life’s challenges together.