Review: Defective by Susan Sofayov (Belinda’s review)

Defective
written by Susan Sofayov
published by Black Opal Books

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Smashwords, Book Depository, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: A friend suggested that I read it.

Did I enjoy this book: Yes.

Defective is a brilliantly written, vividly descriptive, and painfully honest look at mental illness from the first person point of view. One particular exchange involving main character, Maggie, really touched my heart:

“We were really young. I don’t think either of us could have comprehended mental illness.”

“You’re right . . . but what I did understand was the pain I saw in your eyes. Maggie, you cried from your soul.” It gives me chills again as I type the words.

Fortunately, Mrs. Sofayov sprinkles just enough humor throughout the novel to prevent it from being too emotionally taxing for the reader. I especially liked the humor in the “About the Author” section.

“Susan Safayov lives in scenic, tropical Pittsburgh, PA . . . ” Scenic? Okay I’ll buy that. Tropical?  Pittsburgh – tropical? Now that’s just crazy.

Would I recommend it: Yes. I think this would be a good discussion story for book groups.

About the book – from Goodreads: University of Pittsburgh law student, Maggie Hovis, battles an enemy she cannot escape-her own brain. Her family calls her a drama queen. Her fiance, Sam, moves out after she throws a shoe at his head. Maggie knows there is only one way to get him back-control her moods. So she takes the step most of her family is against: therapy. After a diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder, Maggie begins to investigate her family tree-which is plagued by mental illness and hidden relatives-and develops empathy for her deceased Great Aunt Ella, who lived her life in a mental institution. But Maggie’s journey leads her into fear and insecurity, afraid she’ll end up like Ella and never get Sam back. But what about Nick, her super-sexy old flame, who wants to reignite their passion? And does it even matter, anyway? Won’t mental illness stop any man from loving her?