Arabelle's Shadows

Everything in Arabelle's life is coming together. She has confidence, great friends, she's even dating Naak, a wealthy Thai socialite. But there are too many models in Bangkok. Arabelle’s broke, she can’t find an agent in New York, and Naak isn’t as wonderful as he first appears.
Slowly the Shadows creep back into Arabelle’s mind, bringing with them thoughts of hopelessness and despair. The vile Shadows know something Arabelle’s refusing to remember and, if she’s not careful, they’ll use it to destroy her.
Based on a true story, Arabelle’s Shadows takes us on a journey through the struggles of growing up, not quite making it as an international model, and attempting to overcome a crushing depression.
This book deals with a lot of issues, I think everyone can find something to relate. As I was reading I kept wondering about it, it's written in form of a journal so I didn't know where it would lead. Knowing is based on a true story, I believe it makes it even more powerful.

The way is written, it talks about previous dates but we're focusing on her present, you keep going back and forth, so sometimes it was a bit hard to keep track of the details. Still, it only took a couple of phrases to remind me what had happened and what she was talking about.
It definitely needs your attention; some stories are similar since she relates them to her present life.

I don't know if this is targeted to young adults or adults, but I feel like it has some strong moments. Yet, at the same time I know most of those issues are real in young kids. It talks about many sensitive subjects and I feel like if you don't finish reading this, it would affect some people even more. It's a sad story, it made me think about other people and myself. I may not have such strong thoughts or feelings but you understand what she means when she refers to her shadows. I think it's something we all deal with, in different ways, but maybe they can have the same effect in the end if we let them.
Even though the character always tried to keep a positive attitude to try to overcome them it wasn't easy. I'm afraid that, readers that are in her position would be influenced by this if they stop reading it before they finish it.
The issues are very real, so I think it's a great way to help others, for them to know that they're not alone.

There's also a different perspective, if you read it not having the same emotions as the character, you could take a look at her life and think about others. Maybe even people you know and there's a way for you to help them. There are several quotes that I like to share. "I can be quite distant with people so maybe that's why they didn't think they could get close to me."
"Wanting only to be normal"
"The longer I spent by myself, the more often I would feel sad and insecure."
"I had no one to help me, no one to talk to."
"why has no one noticed that you're not happy?" I feel like this is always an issue, people blame the parents or close friends. But they hide their pain so well that sometimes there's no way to know. Maybe there's something that they say or do that we take for granted that could be a clue and we could do something.

No matter if you relate to the character personally or not, there is so much you can get out of this book. It's a little strong and sad but it's a different way to see the people around you and yourself. Especially, knowing it's based on a true story.

Favorite parts:
"Today is a great day - full of hope, joy and new beginnings."
"I didn't feel judged because they accepted me as I was."
"Why do I have so many things the rest of the world doesn't?"
"I have to stop complaining and being so pessimistic or I'm going to lose everything."
"Giving is always more rewarding than taking."
"You're allowed to make mistakes."
"No matter how bleak things appear, you'll still occasionally come across magical people who make everything seem worthwhile."