Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman, illustrated by Brendan Shusterman [ARC Review]

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Caden Bosch is on a ship that's headed for the deepest point on Earth: Challenger Deep, the southern part of the Marianas Trench.

Caden Bosch is a brilliant high school student whose friends are starting to notice his odd behavior.

Caden Bosch is designated the ship's artist in residence, to document the journey with images.

Caden Bosch pretends to join the school track team but spends his days walking for miles, absorbed by the thoughts in his head.

Caden Bosch is split between his allegiance to the captain and the allure of mutiny.

Caden Bosch is torn.

A captivating and powerful novel that lingers long beyond the last page, Challenger Deep is a heartfelt tour de force by one of today's most admired writers for teens. 

*PHEW*
 Okay, how am I going to criticize/review a book like Challenger Deep?
The topic is a bit sensitive… It’s not my first time to read something like this, but it my first time to read that focuses only with the issue.

I want to apologize, in advanced, if I will say something rude or inappropriate. GOSH I know deep in my heart I won’t mean any of that, Challenger Deep made me respect more the people with this condition.

Honestly, when I saw someone, on the streets, with mental illness I try to avoid and not ever made eye contact with them. It’s a knee jerk reaction; I know most of you have done that also. I felt embarrassed and ashamed for myself right now.

(Gosh! It is really hard writing a review for this book! I’m sweating!)

*MC’s Corner*

Note: Spoilers.

·         Did I enjoy reading Challenger Deep?
NOPE. I did not enjoy it.
But Challenger Deep is a compelling book, it compelled my mind to finish it and it never came cross to my mind to put it down... and not picking it up again.
I think it was the topic and the concept that made me finish it. It was honest and very brave.
Challenger Deep is a pretty good book you don’t know where will it take you.
Add it to your reading list next year.

·         When I read a book I write some notes. One of the notes I wrote on the first chapters of Challenger Deep is, “Lunatic. #craydar.”
On that time I have no, absolutely no idea that Caden Bosch has a mental illness.
The very first note I wrote is, “Narnia.”
I thought Caden just went into another world, like what happened the Pevensies. I just kept on asking chapter after chapter, “What will happen next?” “How did that happened?”
So… when I realized that it wasn’t like that. GOSH. I wanted to bang my head on the table that time.
I always throw the word ‘Cray-cray’ like it’s nothing but a fun word. (Read my other review. I do love throwing that word.)
I give you guys a permission to kick my ass. Not Really. *grin*

·         On Chapter 113 Neal Shusterman said something like a… similarity between Vincent van Gogh & Michelangelo and then on Chapter 122 pointed something about the prophets. Well he did have a point… we really don’t know what on these people’s minds.

·         This book requires a lot of attention. If you didn’t you’ll find yourself lost.
And you’ll ask yourself, “Why is he scared to a parrot?”

·         Tell me… the illustrations/drawings are just outlines… RIGHT???
That is the only I don’t like about the ARCs with drawings… some of them were… unrecognizable and I just can’t make out the picture.
The pictures were drawn by Brendan Shusterman, Neal’s son. #shocking.

<i> ARC provided by HarperTeen (HarperCollins Publishers) &Edelweiss in exchange of honest review.  Thank you! </i>

@gleekidMC