Such a beautifully written work, I couldn’t stop highlighting! The author handled each topic with candor and responsibility, a unique feat when it comes to mental health, disordered eating, and self harm.

The premise of this novel was so interesting to me as someone who loves books and connects certain books to certain periods of my life as well. I couldn't connect with Chihaya, unfortunately, even though I really wanted to identify with the author. Chihaya brought up several traumatic events, but it felt like it was for shock value and not as context for the memoir as it tended to stay surface level, and I had a hard time following how the literary works connected with Chihaya personally at different points throughout Bibliophobia.

I absolutely loved this book, I hesitate to give it a starred rating as it is a memoir, but suffice to say there are paragraphs and lines that resonated with me. I would say that if you're going to read it definitely get it in print, as some of the e-book formatting is a little wonky, at least with my font settings. If you've ever read for escape, for purpose rather than pleasure I cannot stress how important this book is. Especially if you're also on the journey of learning to read without expectations.