Synopsis: Kai, a chef in the making 11th grader experiences a psychotic episode and life changes for ever.

Thoughts: A quick read all about what 16 year of Kai experiences after a psychotic break. I felt the build of relationships was lacking and there could be more background and details around the characters. I didn’t feel as though I knew any of them well enough to be invested. I thought the storyline with Kai’s mother could have been deeper and was unresolved at the end. This book has good promise but could have been deeper.

Thank you to Jennifer Philips, Northstar Editions and NetGalley for the advanced copy

This is a first-person narrative of 16-year-old Kai who been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The internal monologue is raw, honest and real.
Moreover, the dynamics of Kai’s interaction with his friends and the way his diagnosis impacted his culinary passion are both realistic and genuine. I liked the writing style, which flowed smoothly and was engaging as well as age-appropriate.

On a final note, I believe tackling mental illness in the context of fiction is tricky and sensitive. “Walking on Eggshells” was able to handle it with such grace and wit.
I highly-recommend this book for both teens and adults.