Book Review + Giveaway: Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett

Rae: My True Story of Fear, Anxiety, and Social Phobia by Chelsea Rae Swiggett
Genre: Teen Memoir

Release Date: Available
Now Publisher: HCI Teens
Pages: 168
Source: Received from publicist for honest review
(Louder Than Words Tour)

Summary: Rae is beyond socially awkward. Since she was a little girl, Rae Swiggett knew something was different about her. The sound of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack. Being called on in class was enough to push her over the edge. She feared the unknown, life, death, people . . . even fear itself. By the time she reached ninth grade, Rae was muddling through life in relative silence, convinced everyone was mocking her, judging her, picking her apart, bit by little bit. Rae knew she couldn't keep going on this way. She knew something had to give. 'It's a game of catch-22 I constantly play with myself. If I keep acting normal, I hope one day I will be, but every time I try, I just let myself down. I'm so entirely sick of this game.'

My Review: Rae was a meaningful and moving memoir written by our very own blogger The Page Flipper. Chelsea's vulnerability and raw honesty was commendable. It takes a lot of guts to reveal hidden fears to others. There is always that chance that people might not accept you for who you are. I for one, respect and can somewhat relate with Chelsea. Over the years, I also struggled with anxiety and the fear of death. Like Chelsea, my imagination can somewhat be overactive and I tend to worry too much. Also in comparison, I'm also afraid of plane crashes, car accidents or anything that doesn't look safe. The part where I sympathized most within the story, was her social anxiety. So many teens and adults deal with emotional discomfort and fear while interacting with others. I believe now a days, this plays a huge role in bullying. I hate people who scrutinize individuals and make them feel insecure and worthless. Who are we to judge?

This memoir has the ability to touch a lot of lives who suffer with the same phobias. The part where Chelsea mentioned her anxious feelings in class brought back so many memories for me. I despised participating in class and always made it my business to sit in the back. I always felt like people were observing my every imperfection, so I figured no one could see me besides the wall. To this day, I'm not really sure why I have these feelings, but I've learned to hide them very well. I appreciate Chelsea for opening her soul to readers. She's taught me that I am not alone and can have the strength to surpass my fears and live in the moment. Not only was there intense stories, her writing was also impeccable. She has great story-telling skills that will hopefully one day grace the pages of a YA fiction novel. Overall, I'm glad to have had the chance to understand Chelsea more as a person. I recommend this memoir to those who want to read a touching and enlightening book.

My Rating: (4.5)
Book Trailer:

Author's Info:

Chelsea Rae Swiggett is eighteen years old and will soon be heading to college to major in English and immerse herself even further into the world of books and writing. She currently serves on the Ypulse Youth Advisory Board and plans on traveling the world — or at least the U.S. — by the time 2012 hits. Just in case.

Visit her blog at http://thepageflipper.blogspot.com/

Other books in the Louder Than Words Memoir Series:

Meet Alexia / Meet Hannah

Want the chance to win a book in this series? Check below on how to enter!

CONTEST IS CLOSED.

::Contest Details::

-Their will be FOUR winners.
-First winner will win all three books in the series.
-Second winner will pick one book from the series (Rae, Alexis or Hannah.)
-Third winner will pick one book from the two remaining.
-Fourth winner will win the last book left.
-This contest is for U.S. + Canada residents only.
-Deadline will be on August 25, 2010 at midnight EST time.

(Please enter through form and not comments, thanks!)
!! FILL THIS FORM OUT TO ENTER !!