A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best of the Year "Profoundly moving . . . Will take your breath away." —Kathleen Glasgow, author of Girl in Pieces A stunningly gorgeous and deeply hopeful portrayal of living with mental illness and grief, from an exceptional new voice. Biz knows how to float. She has her people, her posse, her mom and the twins. She has Grace. And she has her dad, who tells her about the little kid she was, and who shouldn't be here but is. So Biz doesn't tell anyone anything. Not about her dark, runaway thoughts, not about kissing Grace or noticing Jasper, the new boy. And she doesn't tell anyone about her dad. Because her dad died when she was seven. And Biz knows how to float, right there on the surface—normal okay regular fine. But after what happens on the beach—first in the ocean, and then in the sand—the tethers that hold Biz steady come undone. Dad disappears and, with him, all comfort. It might be easier, better, sweeter to float all the way away? Or maybe stay a little longer, find her father, bring him back to her. Or maybe—maybe maybe maybe—there's a third way Biz just can't see yet. Debut author Helena Fox tells a story about love and grief, about inter-generational mental illness, and how living with it is both a bridge to someone loved and lost and, also, a chasm. She explores the hard and beautiful places loss can take us, and honors those who hold us tightly when the current wants to tug us out to sea. "Give this to all [your] friends immediately." —Cosmopolitan.com "I haven't been so dazzled by a YA in ages." —Jandy Nelson, author of I'll Give You the Sun (via SLJ) "Mesmerizing and timely." —Bustle "Nothing short of exquisite." —PopSugar "Immensely satisfying" —Girls' Life * "Lyrical and profoundly affecting." —Kirkus (starred review) * "Masterful...Just beautiful." —Booklist (starred review) * "Intimate...Unexpected." —PW (starred review) * "Fox writes with superb understanding and tenderness." —BCCB (starred review) * "Frank [and] beautifully crafted." —BookPage (starred review) "Deeply moving...A story of hope." —Common Sense Media "This book will explode you into atoms." —Margo Lanagan, author of Tender Morsels "Helena Fox's novel delivers. Read it." —Cath Crowley, author of Words in Deep Blue "This is not a book; it is a work of art." —Kerry Kletter, author of The First Time She Drowned "Perfect...Readers will be deeply moved." —Books+Publishing
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About the author
Helena Fox
Author
How It Feels to Float
by Helena Fox
Books Like How It Feels to Float
If you're looking for books similar to How It Feels to Float, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
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A powerful novel about a teenage girl struggling with mental health, self-harm, and recovery. Like 'How It Feels to Float', this book explores deep emotional pain and the journey of healing. The protagonist Charlie confronts trauma, loss, and her own fragile mental state while seeking connection and hope.
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A nuanced exploration of mental health, anxiety, and personal identity. The protagonist struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, offering a deep dive into inner emotional landscapes similar to 'How It Feels to Float'. The novel compassionately portrays the challenges of living with mental health conditions.
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A coming-of-age story about emotional complexity, trauma, and finding connection. The protagonist Charlie navigates mental health challenges and personal growth, echoing the introspective style of 'How It Feels to Float'. The novel explores the nuanced experience of adolescent emotional development.
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A thoughtful exploration of family, identity, and emotional healing. The protagonist confronts personal challenges and discovers her own strength, echoing the themes of 'How It Feels to Float'. The novel offers a sensitive portrayal of adolescent emotional growth and self-discovery.
Words in Deep Blue
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A poignant story about loss, love, and communication. The novel delves into themes of grief and emotional healing, echoing the depth of 'How It Feels to Float'. Characters navigate personal struggles while finding connection through shared experiences and understanding.
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A poignant novel about two teenagers dealing with mental health challenges and personal struggles. The story explores themes of depression, connection, and finding hope, resonating with the emotional depth of 'How It Feels to Float'. Characters navigate complex emotional terrain with sensitivity and raw honesty.
It's Kind of a Funny Story
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A nuanced portrayal of depression, mental health treatment, and personal recovery. The protagonist navigates complex emotional challenges, similar to the themes in 'How It Feels to Float'. The novel offers a compassionate, sometimes humorous look at mental health struggles.
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A powerful story about mental health, family dynamics, and personal recovery. The protagonist confronts her past traumas and struggles with emotional healing, mirroring the introspective journey in 'How It Feels to Float'. The novel explores the complexity of mental illness and the path to understanding oneself.
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A compelling novel about a teenager living with schizophrenia, exploring perception, reality, and mental health. The story offers a nuanced portrayal of mental illness, similar to the approach in 'How It Feels to Float'. The protagonist navigates complex emotional landscapes with authenticity and depth.
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