As many of you might know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
As some of you might not know, raising awareness of mental health issues is a cause that is very close to my heart, and I’m immensely thankful to see that more and more books that deal with this subject, especially written by ownvoices authors, have struck a chord with readers across all genres.
So, in the spirit of shining a light on and destigmatizing mental illnesses, I’d like to introduce three of my favorite books that I personally feel have a great depiction of a mental illness, but are also amazing in every other aspect.
01. The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
An immensely beautiful, moving, and magical ownvoices novel by a Taiwanese-American writer, with a story that is set primarily in Taiwan, features a female biracial main character, and deals with depression and its stigmatization (primarily in Asian culture).
This book is not only filled with quotes that will leave tiny, sparkling imprints on your soul, it has a synesthesia rep (!!!), and a wonderful exploration of family dynamics.
02. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
A classic that is relevant, even to this day.
The Bell Jar details a female character’s slow descent into depression. Sylvia Plath’s work is semi-autobiographical—you can see glimpses of herself in her character—which makes the book even more poignant, and devastating.
Apart from that, it stands out with its lyrical, almost poetic, prose, and a striking atmosphere that permeates the narrative throughout the entire novel.
03. Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Will any of my posts about favorite and meaningful books ever not include a Melina Marchetta novel? Probably not.
Saving Francesca is one of the best books I’ve ever read that has a portrayal of depression from an outside point of view that is absolutely amazing.
It shines a light on the fact that mental illnesses never affect merely the people who have them, but everyone around them as well.
Honorable Mentions
Highly Anticipated Books (TBR)
To everyone who has ever struggled, or is struggling, with their mental health—be it anxiety, depression, a bipolar disorder, &c.—know that you’re not alone, and that you got this.
I’m sending every single one of you the warmest thoughts & all the best vibes in the cosmos!! And should you ever need someone to talk to or to listen—I’m here.
Have you read any of these books, and what did you think of them?
Do you “like” reading books with characters that have mental illnesses?
Any book recommendations for me? 💗
xx, Lily
OMG this post is so important Lily! Thank you for posting this.
And as a person who has some anxiety issues, I wish people can read about and understand these things more. I would have mentioned Turtles all the way down, although I didn’t like the story but the depiction of the illness in it could not be more true, I could relate immensely to it!
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I’m glad you think so, Hamad! 🙂 & ahh I didn’t know you had anxiety as well, I’m sorry to hear that. (Do you know which type/are you diagnosed?)
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Turtles All the Way Down and its anxiety and OCD rep, but I’m not the biggest fan of John Green personally, so I haven’t felt too inclined to read it so far. I’m glad to hear that the rep was good for you, though!
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I read two books by John Green and honestly wasn’t a fan, turtles all the way down was the second one, but I must admit that the rep was good!
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Fantastic list! the Bell Jar is a fantastic book and I really want to read my heart and other black holes and under rose tainted skies.
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Thank you so much! 💗
I don’t love My Heart and Other Black Holes, or Under Rose-Tainted Skies, but they definitely have a great mental illness rep & I hope you enjoy them!
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saving francesca honestly has the best potrayal of depression i’ve ever seen in books, i definitely agree w u on that!! (not that ur surprised lmao)
we are the ants is Amazing! i rly feel like u would love it. 😮
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It’s so real and heartbreaking, and thinking of Luca still makes my heart ache, to be honest. 💔
Ohh did you? Because that’d be even more incentive for me to read it soon.
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it’s such a special story, i wish it was more popular, it deserves to be more popular!!
it’s so good lily, pls read it 😮
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What I think about every single Melina Marchetta novel, to be honest. 😔
I’m so nervous now, because everyone loves it. 🙉
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I love this post and your picks! I still need to read Truly Devious! Also… if you ever want to buddy read We Are The Ants, let me know! And thank you again for this post! 💗xx
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If you guys end up doing a buddy read of We Are The Ants and don’t mind me joining in, I would love to participate!
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yes! 💗xx
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Of course not, Sofia!! You’re very welcome to join us. 😊
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Thanks 😊
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We’re planning on starting our buddy read of We Are the Ants tomorrow (Fri)! 🙂
If you’re still up for it, feel free to add me on GR so we can chat. 🌷
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Yes! I just added you and I got a bit carried away answering your question about my favorite book 🙂
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Ahh no, don’t worry about it! It was such a nice message. ❤
I'M SO EXCITED.
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ME TOO!! 💗
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💞💞
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Thanks, Mel! I’m glad you like them. 💓
Truly Devious is a pretty fun read, and it’s diverse too, which is always a plus for me. And ahh I was planning on reading it maybe the weekend after next?
Thank you for your sweet comment. ❤
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Yeah, just let me know a few days before you pick it up! 💗xx
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I love Francesca Zappia ❤ I read Eliza and Her Monsters last year and thought it was amazing. Great post – The Astonishing Color of After was so sad and beautiful! Also I love that you gave a shout out to Truly Devious – Maureen Johnson is one of my favorite humans 🙂
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To be honest, I didn’t like Eliza and Her Monsters & dnf’d it. 🙈 I’m so happy you loved TACOA though. :’) And not enough people know about Truly Devious, but it truly (🙃) has a great mental health rep + diversity, which I love.
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Oh well – sorry about Eliza. If I remember correctly, it did take a little bit to get into it.. eh. Can’t win them all…. Truly Devious, on the other hand, how do people not know about that? I was first in line at the bookstore the day that came out 😀
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Ahh thank you, Becky! That’s sweet of you. 🌷
I know, I’ve hardly seen anyone talk about it, and it makes me really sad. And ahh I applaud your dedication!! 👏🏻
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Great list, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about Under Rose-Tainted Skies. I struggle big time with my mental health unfortunately. I made a recommendations post recently too! xx
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Thanks, Georgia! & I’ve read your post and left a comment. 😊
Under Rose-Tainted Skies has a good anxiety rep, being an ownvoices book, but as a whole, it was a three star read for me.
I hope you feel better soon, and if you ever need to talk, I’m here. 💕
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Oh really, it’s not showing a comment from you! Strange 🤔
I’ll check it out for sure at some point but definitely not in a hurry to do so then!
Thanks so much, recently started new medications so hopefully they start helping. Same goes for you ❣️
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Ohh that’s so weird, I went back to the post and it’s not there (anymore?). It may be because the WP App glitches sometimes.
I loved that you included Little & Lion, I’ve had that book on my TBR for a long time now, and I bookmarked it to check out the others I hadn’t heard of so far. 🙂
I hope so, too! And thank you, I appreciate it. 💝
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Ah that’s odd!
Thank you so much for the support!! 💕
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I’ve read The Bell Jar, Truly Devious, Saving Francesca and Under Rose Tainted Skies.
I agree with your choices. ❤️
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Yess, I’m so happy we feel the same way about these books! And that you’ve read Truly Devious & Saving Francesca, because not enough people know about them.
Thank you for your nice comment, Claire. 💗
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So many great picks, The Bell Jar and Under Rose-Tainted Skies are both fantastic. Also, I have heard a lot of great things about Saving Francesca, most of the people I know that have read that book say is amazing. I think I’ll give it a chance soon.
Great post! ❤️
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The Bell Jar definitely more than deserves to be a classic. And YES, please give Saving Francesca a chance, you won’t regret it.
Thanks, Sofia! 💗
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Thank you for your lovely words, Lily! And these are some awesome choices. Reading Sylvia Plath always just strips me down emotionally because there’s something so raw and unflinchingly honest about her work. And We Are the Ants has a heartaching portrayal of suicide and depression, so I’m sure you’ll love it!
Much love! ❤️
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Ahh of course, Kathy! And thank you, that makes me really happy to hear. 💜
I feel the same way about her & you put that into words so beautifully. :’) And I’m so thrilled to hear that about We Are the Ants, now I really can’t wait to read it.
I hope you have a wonderful day!! xx
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I loved Francesca Zappia’s second book, Eliza and Her Monsters, which is about anxiety coupled with artistic temperament, a bit more than her debut Made You Up — recommend! And I’ve always loved Bell Jar. Great post.
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I’m definitely in the minority with my opinion on Eliza and Her Monsters, because I ended up dnf’ing it a while ago—but thank you for the recommendation! & I’m so happy to hear that you love The Bell Jar, as well.
Thanks, Elissa! 💕
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I am applauding everyone who is doing mental health bookish posts this month! I wish I had more time and energy to get something together myself but instead I’ll just live through all you humans!
I haven’t read many of these but The Astonishing Color of After and Made You Up are both on my immediate TBR. I was so surprised and outrageously happy about the anxiety/panic attack rep in Truly Devious!!! There are for sure some newbies going on my TBR from here as well.
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I hope you find heaps of great books through these posts, Becca! 💗
Please, please love The Astonishing Color of After, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Made You Up, when you get around to reading it. And I completely agree with you, Truly Devious was such a great and positive surprise in that aspect, and I also adore the diversity in it.
I’m so thrilled I could add books to your TBR, I hope you enjoy them! :’)
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The Bell Jar is one of my favourites ❤️ I’m so sad about what happened to Sylvia Plath, but her writing tugs at my soul, I love it so much
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I agree! She’s such a talented writer and poet, and she left this world much too soon. 💔
Thank you for your lovely comment, Catherine! xx
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Love this post! recommendations like these are so important ❤ The Bell Jar has been on my TBR for far too long…. this has reminded me that I need to get around to reading it ASAP!
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Thanks, Holly! 💞
I hope you find the time to read it soon, and I can’t wait to hear your opinion on it!
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Great post and so many great recommendations! 😊 thanks!
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Thanks, Ivy! I’m glad you like them! 😊💕
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great picks lily! ❤ i love my heart and other black holes, it just felt relateable and real to me 🙂 i heard amazing things about the bell jar, saving francesca, and made you up, can't wait to read them!
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Thank you so much, Tasya! 💞
I agree with you, the quotes on depression in My Heart and Other Black Holes hit really hard. And ahh please let me know when you get around to reading one of them. xx
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love the post lily!! I loved the astonishing colour of after, it had the most wonderful mental health story. I’ve read and loved “We are the Ants”, hope you love it too!! 💕
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Aw I’m so happy to hear that, Yusra! And even happier that you love The Astonishing Color of After. :’)
Thank you so much, my expectations are super high now. 💕💕
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I’ve had the Bell Jar on my TBR for the longest time! I’ll definitely have to try to get to it soon!
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I’d love to hear your thoughts, when you get around to reading it, Ally! & I hope you love it. 💛
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This is such a wonderful list, Lily, thank you for putting it together! ❤
I have been anticipating The Astonishing Color for ageeeeeeeees and I still haven't got the chance to read it, but I can't wait. It sounds incredible and unforgettable. Also, very happy to see Under Rose-Tainted Skies here, I loved this book so, so much! ❤ ❤
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Thank you so much, Marie! 💗
The Astonishing Color of After has such a special place in my heart for so many reasons & I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it when you read it. I really, really hope you love it. And I’m glad to hear you loved Under Rose-Tainted Skies as well! ❤
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I really hope I can order The Astonishing Color sometime soon – I can’t WAIT to read it, really it sounds like my kind of book ❤
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That is such a great post!!
I don’t usually read books having to do with mental health cause most of the time I find them triggering, but still I’m glad they exist and people can relate their experiences ❤
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Thank you so much, Marianna! ❤
I totally see where you're coming from, and I relate! I definitely have to be in the right mindset to read them.
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back at it with the Marchetta praise !!!
this post was so good and pure and I love you for writing it and I really need to read the bell jar already and made you up and we are the ants and THERE’S TOO MANY TO MENTION but basically every book mentioned on here for the exact same reasons that you mentioned them for
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Can’t stop, won’t stop.
You are too kind ahh. 😭💘 Let me know when you get around to reading one of these books (or want to buddy read one)!! xx
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whoa all these recs … I really need to read. I’d love to read Made You Up cos I really liked Eliza and Her Monsters! Have you read that one?? 😀
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I actually didn’t like Eliza and Her Monsters, and ended up dnf’ing it. But I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it, Lisa! & I hope you’ll like Made You Up as well. 💗
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Thank you so so much for the recommendations! I added them to my TBR and I hope I can check them out at the library soon. 🙂
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Ohh that makes me so happy to hear, Olivia! 💓 I hope your library has these books & you enjoy reading them.
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[…] Lily @ Sprinkles of Dreams […]
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Yes, so important that you shed light on these issues and include books that address mental health and illness. This post has made me consider writing a post specifically for Mental Health Awareness post. Hope you’re able to read many more books that address similar issues too. (:
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Thank you so much, Thomas! That means a lot & I feel very flattered. :’)
I really hope you end up writing a post, I’d love to hear your thoughts and perspective on this topic. 🙂
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Thank you for this lovely post ❤ Still have Marchetta on my TBR 😀 but now I've added We Are the Ants and I just got Nice Try Jane Sinner from my library!
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Thank you for your kind words, Cade! 💗
I’m going to keep featuring Marchetta in my posts, until everyone has read at least one of her books, hehe. I hope you love all of them, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! x
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Aaaah I need to read so many of these! The Astonishing Colour of After and The BellJar have been pretty high on my TBR for a while 🙂 Great recommendations (and gorgeous post as always!)
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Please love them all, Joanna! But especially The Astonishing Colour of After (bc of its Asian rep!). & I can’t wait to hear what you think of The Bell Jar. 🙂
Thank you so much, you’re so kind. 💖💖
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YES Asian rep??? My day just got 500x better
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I love this post! Such an important role in our lives.
I have read Made You Up and I was completely breathless at how wonderfully touching it was. Hadn’t heard of Bell Jar I’ll check it out.
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Thank you for your sweet comment, Justine! ❤
I'm so happy to hear that you loved Made You Up & I hope you enjoy The Bell Jar, if you end up reading it! xx
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Great post and recommendations!💖 I haven’t read Made you up but I read Eliza and her monsters from the same author and I loved it, so I’ll probably love that one too😍
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Ahh thank you so, so much, María, that means a lot! :’)
I’ve honestly only heard great things about Made You Up, so I really hope it won’t disappoint. & I’m glad that Eliza and Her Monsters was an amazing read for you. 💚
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[…] SprinklesOfDreams […]
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Oh my gosh I know I’m late but this is a great post and thank you for this! 💜💜
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I’m so happy you liked it! I hope you enjoy the recommendations, Mayumi. 💗💗
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This is such a lovely post! I really wanted to do something for Mental Health Month but then I forgot and now it’s too late…I’ll just have to post in June anyway! But I love books with great rep, especially when they help readers know they’re not alone. That’s really important. 💛 (Also Made You Up is AMAZING and I have WE Are The Ants on my TBR too!)
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Thank you so much, Cait! That really means a lot to me. 💗
I’m so happy to hear that good representation in books is something that you value so highly as well & I can’t wait for your post. And I’m planning on buddy reading We Are The Ants this weekend—you’re more than welcome to join in! 🌷
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[…] Lily shares some amazing book recs for Mental Health Awareness Month. […]
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[…] my book recommendations from last Wednesday, in which I focused on mental health and mental illnesses, this week, in honor of May being Asian […]
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[…] Book Recommendations // Mental Health Awareness Month […]
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i spy the ant book on highly anticipated 👀
MADE. YOU. UP. IS SO BLOOD GOOD YOU HAVE TO LOVE IT OR ILL CRY
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… 😭
I’M STILL WAITING FOR YOUR LIST OF RECS
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on my way
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😍😍
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[…] since I wrote my first book recommendations post on Mental Health Awareness, and shortly thereafter for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, they have become one of my […]
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I hope you got around to reading Nice Try, Jane Sinner because I LOVED that book. The humor in the narrative and the dialogue was just hilarious.
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Ohh I’ve heard that a lot! A good friend of mine has been telling me to read it every since he started it, and I’ve made it one of my next contemporaries. I’m really excited to see how the depression is portrayed. 🙂
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[…] forget to check out my LGBTQ+ book recommendations, mental illness book recommendations, and Asian book recommendations posts for more amazing books you don’t want to miss out […]
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