Case’s older brother, Sean, high achiever and apple of his family’s eye, died not long ago.
He was the only person in Case’s life that truly understood what he needed, both emotionally and physically, to get through the day. Now that he is no longer around, Case struggles to cope with the grief that follows him amid the dark secrets that only add to his already heavy emotional load.
Adventure Therapy is something Case has reluctantly decided to attend and that’s where he currently finds himself.
It’ll be fine.
He’ll be OK in a group setting. He tries to ignore all the other neurotypical clichés his parents have mentioned many times on their journey to the pick-up point.
Now he’s in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of strangers he has already decided he won’t be friends with, and a rucksack that holds the meds that keep him on track.
What could possibly go wrong?
Case’s anxiety sits at a medium on his internal scale, for the moment. Add in tent building, kayaking and a guide who gives off ‘aren’t we so lucky to be here together’ vibes and he soon begins to realise this was a huge mistake. Especially when his brother’s girlfriend, Diana, arrives to take part too.
When their guide flees overnight, taking all their food and medication, the group begin to spiral as their new reality becomes clear. Do they stay and wait for help? Or attempt to navigate across lakes and harsh terrain to the assigned pick up point?
Unexpected waterfalls, extreme wildfires and life-threatening scenarios ensure the small group soon start to rely on each other for help, advice and companionship in what can only be described as the adventure from hell.
Survival is not an option.
In How To Completely Lose Yourself, author, Peter Bognanni, takes on many issues young people are dealing with on a daily basis.
The switch from their everyday lives to chaos and danger is immediate and the reader will devour each chapter willing them on.
A page-turner of epic proportions, this young adult novel, with an incredible cover by Thy Bui, expertly introduces much needed conversations and provides genuine empathy for those who have anxiety.
The storyline not only shares experiences for those with ADHD, OCD, anxiety and depression and more, it also confirms that every person on this planet deserves the same respect and inclusion regardless of how they see the world.
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