The Words We Keep

By Erin Stewart,

Book cover of The Words We Keep

Book description

A beautifully realistic, relatable story about mental health—anxiety, perfectionism, depression—and the healing powers of art--perfect for fans of Girl in Pieces and How it Feels to Float. Whatever you struggle with, you are not alone and you are already enough—just the way you are.

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Words We Keep as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This gripping and heartbreaking YA novel about Lily and her older, bipolar sister, Alice, has stayed with me. I found the plot and characters so realistic and absorbing that I forgot I was reading fiction. 

This book is an intense read, but set in a world I became thoroughly immersed in. I connected with Lily’s compulsion to be the perfect daughter and straight-A student. I cried for her having to swallow her emotions and words, while internally struggling with her own demons.

It’s a must-read for anyone who has survived their teenage years. It’s considered, wholehearted, and delivers a convincing…

Oh my goodness, this book hits all the feels. Stewart is a beautiful writer. Her unique style is refreshing and captivating. This definitely deals with the darker side of anxiety, including self-harm and suicide. Stewart perfectly nails that inner beast, that voice in our heads telling us we’re not going enough. That voice questioning everything anyone says or does, thinking it’s directed at us. This book is heavy and dark, yet light and uplifting. It’s brilliant.

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