Rae: My True Story of Fear, Anxiety, and Social Phobia by Chelsea Rae Swiggett
Release Date: August 2, 2010
Publisher: HCI Teens
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 168
Source: Bought
Interest: Author
Challenge: None
Buy the Book: Amazon
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.
So... you might notice that I don't have any star ratings or anything for this... although if I was going to give is some stars I would give it five stars.
I might be a little bias because I know the person that wrote this book... and it's more than I 'know' the person as an acquaintance. I've known Chelsea for going on four year I believe. I've shared looooong car rides with her, multiple hotel rooms... dozens of book signings! I call her my other sister Chelsea, because I have a sister, Chelcea, already.
So that's why I'm not going to do a conventional review. Not only that but how can you really review a person's life... especially a person you know? That being said, you might be thinking, well then why the heck are you even doing this non-review, Kristi. BECAUSE even though I'm biased it's still an awesome book and I wanted to share it with you!
I have to say that it was heartbreaking to read about the inner most feelings of someone that you have the utmost respect and admiration for. To have the courage to share that about yourself is something that I'm not sure I posses. I think I have even more respect for Chelsea now that I've read Rae.
If you're looking for a realistic teen memoir that's actually by a teen, you should check this one out.
I love you Chelsea.
(HCI Teen actually has a series of teen memoirs written by teens... you know, if your interested in that kind of thing.)