3 1/2 stars rounded up to four.

The Memory of Light is a about a depressed girl named Vicky Cruz who attempts suicide at the beginning of the book and spends the remainder of the book recovering. I recognized and related to her story, having struggled with depression my whole life, however it didn't resonate with me as deeply as [b:We Are the Ants|23677341|We Are the Ants|Shaun David Hutchinson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1425574151s/23677341.jpg|43285034].

I felt like Vicky's narrative could have been deeper than it was, but I was pulled along emotionally by her story, as well as the other patients she befriends, Gabriel, Mona and E.M. I found E.M. a particularly likable and interesting character.

Overall, I think that The Memory of Light is an important book and one that could really help struggling teenagers but it didn't quite connect to me in the way I wanted. ( )

CW: Recovering from suicide attempts ( )

SYNC: Depression is a real problem for many today, especially since 2020 shut the world down. I loved this book, the characters were so real and their battles with varied mental health issues so compelling, they way this group became a "family" was wonderful. I was totally into it, then the author told his own story with depression - it only raised by recommendation - I'd give it a 10 if that was possible. I have read and loved several books by Mr. Stork, he is a wonderful author. Highly recommended.

Frankie Corzo's delivery is beautifully suited to Stork's spirited narrator and strong characters in this story of loss, hope, and fighting for yourself in trying times. After Vicky Cruz attempts to end her life, she finds herself in the Mental Disorders Ward of Lakeview Hospital. Electing to stay and seek treatment, Vicky soon meets people who accept her as she is, and finds a strength and determination she hadn't thought possible. Through Corzo's characterizations, listeners will meet bubbly Mona, gruff E.M., kind Gabriel, and steadfast Doctor Desai, all of whom have wisdom to share. Varied pacing expertly captures the contrast between time spent in and out of treatment. ( )

Fantastic. Thank you for telling a story that is not often told, and for making it realistic. Mental health is so important, but it frightens people so no one talks about it. This is a wonderful way to open the conversation. Please keep writing Mr. Francisco X. Stork! ( )

*Thanks to Scholastic and the SLJ Teen Live virtual conference for providing me a free copy to review*

teen fiction (suicidal teen getting therapy with new friends at the hospital's psych ward; incidental diversity--Latinos in Austin, TX). From the plot description I didn't expect to like this book at all, but I got quite a bit out of reading from the perspective of a clinically depressed person--even the loved ones of those affected by depression can struggle with understanding why/how a person becomes suicidal, so I think this is really helpful, esp. since depression is a fairly common condition and can be extremely difficult to talk about. ( )