Title: Every Last Word
Author: Tamara Ireland Stone
Rating: 5 stars
Every Last Word
Every Last Word perfectly displays how everyone is not what they seem. From the outside, Sam McAllister is popular, smart, and pretty. Her friend group, who deemed themselves “The Crazy Eights” seem to be best friends unconditionally. However, Sam’s status in the social hierarchy actually weighs her down, as she was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD. Her social status coupled with her diagnoses, results in Sam struggling to cope with her impulsive thoughts as she attempts to hide her diagnosis from her friends.
When she starts the school year, Sam meets a new friend, Caroline, who seems to rid her of her anxiousness. Sam finds that she is able to confide in Caroline, and even admits that she has OCD. When Caroline introduces Sam to Poets Corner, Sam’s life changes. You see, Poet’s Corner is a place of creativity, fun, and most importantly, no judgment. The secret society, tucked behind a janitor’s closet, allows Sam to cope with her darknesses.
As implied by the name, Poet’s Corner is a place to share your writing, whether it be poems or songs. This place allows Sam to dive into her love of poetry, and allows her to share her thoughts and feelings. Though it was a challenge to prove that she is worthy of membership, it didn’t take long to persuade the other members of Poet’s Corner.
Over the course of a few months, the members of the secret society welcome Sam into their tight knit community, and Sam feels as though she finally fits in somewhere. The novel follows Sam’s journey of becoming confident in her work and herself all while realizing that she doesn’t love The Crazy Eights. Battling her lack of interest in her friend group, Sam becomes very close with the crew at Poets Corner, and gives very little attention to her old friend group.
The novel talks about common misconceptions about OCD, and informs readers about the reality of those living with it. One way Sam copes with her diagnoses is by talking to a therapist. Her therapist, Sue, is very attentive to Sam and has aided her in finding how to live with OCD. However, Sam fails to mention Poet’s Corner in her sessions, as she vowed to keep it a secret. By lying to her therapist, Sam is hiding her journey of growth, confidence, and what she believes to be her becoming “normal.”
While all of this is going on, Sam falls for a cute boy in Poet’s corner, named AJ. A familiar enemies to lovers trope happens here, yet their love story allows Sam to heal a little. While believing she is becoming “normal” and not having many “episodes,” Sam hides her diagnoses with Sam at the fear of him not liking her because of it. Their cute love story, though, seems to be going well, and she has enough courage to tell the Crazy Eights about it.
Towards the end of the novel, Caroline seems to be distancing herself from Sam, which seems odd. Sam doesn’t see her as often at her locker, and she doesn’t come over as much. When Sam asks AJ a question about Caroline, the unthinkable happens. Though I don’t want to reveal the crazy plot twist, this event spirals Sam into an OCD episode. Just when she was thinking everything was going well, the other shoe drops.
By the end of the novel, Sam is more accepted by her old friend group and Poet’s Corner still remains dear to her heart. This compelling story educated readers about the harsh realities of living with mental illnesses and the road to recovery. I personally gave this book 5 stars, as the plot captivated me and the lessons will stick with me, and hopefully you.
