Puzzled: A Memoir about Growing Up with OCD

A harrowing yet ultimately hopeful look at the manifestation of mental illness.

Irish cartoonist Cooke's debut graphic novel memoir neatly articulates his childhood and teenage experience managing persistent anxious thoughts that he deems "the Puzzle," which he later learns is undiagnosed obsessive compulsive disorder. The novel's clean, unadorned art style enhances the persuasive verbal and visual jigsaw metaphor, which clearly evidences the creator's lonely hardship as his numerous attempts to solve the unrelenting Puzzle fail. At first, 10-year-old Cooke, who attends Catholic school, engages in an extensive bedtime prayer routine, only tucking himself in once his Hail Marys feel just right. At 12, intrusive thoughts insist he must run up the stairs or risk his family dying horrifically. When, at 14, he begins counting calories, the compulsion soon results in an anorexia and hypochondria diagnosis that eventually leads him to uncovering a "piece that fits": a description of OCD. In a closing chapter, Cooke shares his first experience attending therapy, provides a digestible introduction to OCD's multiple forms and symptoms, and dispels common myths about the disorder, explaining that people who like cleaning and organizing are not a "little OCD" because "no one with OCD enjoys what it makes them do." An afterword concludes. Ages 10-14. (Apr.)

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 6-8--A vulnerable account of trying to fit in, finding your place in the world, and the experience of being a regular teen while living with chronic intrusive thoughts. The vivid graphic representations of these intrusive thoughts in the main character Pan's mind tangibly illustrate the struggles that they face, while the supporting text demonstrates how they operate outwardly in the public sphere. Pan's thoughts, set in a blue-gray palette, become known as the Puzzle, which they try to solve through different regimens that seemingly overtake them. In contrast, Pan's public life is shown in brighter, more vibrant shades. In such an authentic representation, the content surrounding OCD may be triggering to some readers; however, the author gives a realistic and frank perspective to symptoms and signs of the disorder, while also dispelling the myths and stereotypes that are often associated with it. Puzzled includes other heavy topics, such as mental health, peer pressure, eating disorders, bullying, anxiety, faith, and family. VERDICT A powerful graphic novel memoir that gives readers an authentic account of life with OCD; for collections that include Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka and A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner.--Cat Miserendino

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The cheery colors in many of the panels serve as a stark contrast to the dark thoughts in Pan's head, while the blue-gray panels illustrating Pan's thought spirals emphasize his distress. Pan's striking story handles mental health withcare and precision, dispelling myths about OCD and providing readers with the language necessary to discuss its signs and symptoms. Readers will also appreciate the quick yet comprehensive overview of cognitive behavioral therapy treatment toward the end. A harrowing yet ultimately hopeful look at the manifestation of mental illness. —Kirkus