Crazy by Han Nolan

Crazy is an inspirational YA realistic fiction book. Jason's mother is dead, and his father's insanity and hallucinations have taken over, leaving Jason by himself to care for his father. He is determined to tell nobody because his father needs him. Simultaneously as his father's condition deteriorates even further, Jason is forced to join a support group at school where he discovers friendships that will inspire him to finally have the strength to get help for his father.

Crazy is one of the most emotional books that I have ever read! The book enforces the importance of asking for help and standing up for what you believe in. Many people are afraid to ask for help or are ashamed that they need it, but this book clearly illustrates the power of friendship and support that can be provided. I believe that hope is the most powerful asset that Crazy has. Through the sad times and the angry times, and the almost-giving-up times, hope still shined through, inspiring optimism.

The themes of family, love, and friendship were very important. The family dynamic has completely switched. Jason is now the father and the father is now a child, the son. Jason's protectiveness of his father was inspiring and heartbreaking. I cannot imagine the weight on his shoulders and how fast he had to grow up, and how isolated his life was. Jason's external and internal conflicts were so emotional and contradicting. On one hand, the house is broken (literally) and completely falling apart, he is emotionally and mentally drained. On the other hand, he loves his father and wants everything to remain how it is, because it was safer and easier for him. I loved his character development and how he came to realize the importance of friendship and how he did not want to be alone anymore. 

This is a book that nobody can forget! I highly recommend this book!

I am also very interested in reading another book of the author's, Dancing on the Edge, as well as If I Should Die Before I Wake about a girl who hates all Jewish people who travels back in time to live the life of a Jewish girl.

Title: Crazy
Author: Han Nolan
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Pages: 352
Series: No
Rating: 5 Stars
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