Book Review: Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett

Title: Rae

Author: Chelsea Rae Swiggett

Publisher: HCI Teens

Pages: 156

Summary: When you're fourteen and trying to deal with the highs, lows, traumas, and humiliations that go along with being a high school freshman, having severe anxiety can become all consuming. Chelsea Rae Swiggett's anxiety has affected every area of her life—school, family, friendships, and romance—ultimately pushing her to lose her voice, withdrawal from everyday life and school, and develop an eating disorder.

The sounds of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack and something as simple as being called on in class could push her over the edge, convinced that everyone was judging her, mocking her. Faking sickness so she could stay home became her only solution, since she'd rather do anything than face the reality of what happened behind the school's double doors. Rae tells a story all-too-many teens today relate to—what it feels like to see the world through a lens of constant debilitating fear, anxiety, and stress.

Overall: 5 stars

Review:

Rae is a memoir from the Louder Than Words series and is quite honestly one of the most relatable books I’ve ever read. I know that this book is someone’s life story but there are many things in it that I felt that I could understand and I’m so happy I read it.

Chelsea Swiggett feels as if there is something wrong with her. She gets terrified when planes pass overhead, she’s incredibly shy and doesn’t really like to talk with others, and she is constantly thinking about death. In her book we read about parts of her life where she has felt like an outsider to the rest of the world. I felt like I would really like to have Chelsea as a friend. We both love books and writing. I would rather just stay at home and read. I like the quiet and keeping to myself. And I have gotten to meet Chelsea at an author signing and she is a really nice person. I’m so glad I got to read her book.

Some of the situations Chelsea described felt like she had read my mind. I know what it’s like to be sitting in a classroom and wonder if everyone’s eyes of on me. I hate that if I can answer a question in class that I’m the only one raising my hand and everyone looks at me. I’m terrible at having conversations with people I don’t know and I get incredible shy.

I recommend this book to all. To teenagers looking to find that they are not the only one that feel the way they do. To Adults and parents to maybe get some incite on teens. You may think we’re moody and mad at the world all the time, but really sometime we just need a break or we’re not comfortable in a certain situation. I may just make my mom read this book… maybe, because I don’t want her to find out that I, too, stay up all night reading Fanfiction and than fake sick. ;)
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Rae is a part of the Larder Than Words series where you can also find the stories of Hannah and Alexis.

Chelsea is also a book blogger and you can find at her blog or on twitter!