2.5 stars. I am not a big contemporary reader, I prefer fantasy so keep that in mind as you read this review. I bought this book for a friend of mine, she likes contemporary and she was telling me about this book and how she really wanted to read it. I had no intentions on ever reading it but when I opened up the book and saw that it was written in verse, I thought "that's kind of cool, I've never read a book in verse before". I know there are books out there written in verse (Ellen Hopkins books being one) but I've never read one until now. While there are some parts that are good and make you think (like when the main character talks about how when you're young you never really think about how your body could fail you) for the most part I was bored with this story. The good thing about it being written in verse is that I could fly right through it otherwise I probably wouldn't have finished it. Other than 2 girls being stuck in a hospital because of the disease they have and the pain they're in, there really isn't much going on in the story. Like I said earlier I prefer fantasy books because I like books with lots of action and adventure and when I get a story where there's no action and nothing seems to be happening I get bored really quick. If you're like me and you like a book with action that's fast paced and the plot keeps moving then I would NOT recommend this book to you. However, if you like contemporary/realistic fiction and don't mind the lack of a plot then this book might be for you. Overall it was ok, just not my cup of tea. On a side note, I did not like Shannon's character. I understand she's in pain but that still doesn't mean she has to be so rude. ( )

fiction/novel in verse (teen being embarrassed over hospitalization/related social disaster). Pros: a quick read! Cons: didn't understand half of what it was trying to say because three or four separate but concurrent conversations were often mashed into one poem, plus it didn't really explain Crohn's all that well (Chess was under meds so didn't fully absorb her talks with her doctors). Considering how common autoimmune conditions have become, I was hoping for more background to provide teens with that understanding. *Parental note: includes teens partying, teen motherhood, and plenty of f-bombs. ( )

At first, I thought the content of the story is daunting due to its cover and the mention of some disease I'm not familiar with. When I began reading it I had to get used to the hospital setting and the unique writing in verse. Later, it got me laughing a bit, thanks to Shannon, the other girl on the other side of the curtain. It may take time for first-timers to get through the story, but it's worthwhile. ( )

Novel in verse. Directions on how to read it at the beginning. (Thanks for that!)
Not too depressing even though it's about Crohn's disease. Feels like real reactions from real people. ( )

A uniquely formatted young adult book about being sick with Crohn's Disease. The poetry verse is split into two columns, each one signifying each girl in the hospital.

It was a fast read, and pretty good, but mostly I was just excited that it takes place at Albany Med, and it name drops East Greenbush! Neat-o! ( )