I read this book at my bookstore, Pipe & Thimble, to be able to better promote it.
Cherophobia starts off with a different style than I'm used to. It struck me more as "telling" than "showing," but this is a case where breaking the rules works. It put me, as the reader, in a similar position as the characters, feeling outside of everything and almost disconnected, while keeping me engaged enough to continue turning the page. I think it helps the reader understand the characters better by putting them in the character's shoes.
As I continued, I got into the story a bit more and stopped noticing as much. I became captivated with trying to find connections, which once again put me in the character's shoes.
June was probably my favorite character. He's the epitome of an optimist and a good role model, especially when you learn his backstory. He's someone I'd want to be friends with. Everyone needs a June.
I also really like the cover. It remind me of hope in the darkness. It was fitting for the story.
What really struck me the most was most, if not all, the characters already escaped the situations that caused their descent into darkness. The story is not about escaping the abuse or tragedy, but trying to survive afterwards. I really appreciated Taher writing about what Mr. Sherman explains as "the champions." I've heard it referred to as a couple different titles, including "Phoenix" by author Barbara Lieberman. I enjoyed seeing this topic in yet another book as it's not a stage in the healing process that is often discussed.
As someone who is dealing with my own mental health and as someone who knows people who have experienced similar situations as described in the book, I'm interested in finding out how much was based on personal experience. There are times I could relate and other times that sounded a little too dramatic for my liking. I think Taher got the point across without some of the other descriptors. Of course, some of the situations Taher describes I could relate to, if not on a personal level than at least relate to someone I know. Making something sound more dramatic than need be could be a way to drive the point home to someone not quite so familiar with these topics. However, I could see how it could put some people off who are going through and dealing with the same things the characters are dealing with.
While June, for example, felt fleshed out, certain other characters, especially secondary minor characters like the therapists felt more cookie-cutter. That in itself could be seen as a clever technique by the writer, though. I felt like the main character got more out of his interactions from June and Mr. Sherman than he did from the therapist.
Over all, I enjoyed the book and think others will as well! I enjoyed the connections and the way Taher tied it all up at the end. It reminded me of those movies, like Love Actually, where all these mini stories have a string running through them and connecting them. I look forward to Taher's next book.
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