Author Neal Shusterman, who has written other books such as the Arc of Scythe and Unwind series, presented “Challenger Deep” in 2015,  a book that won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature the same year it was published and the Golden Kite Award for Fiction in 2016.

The novel goes into the depths of the mind of a fifteen year old boy and his struggles to decipher reality from the imaginary. Caden Bosch is a brilliant boy who is suffering from Schizophrenia. On one end of the spectrum, he lives with his family and goes to a good school and all is well, but his mind gets the best of him. On the other end, he is part of a crew on a ship and has pledged his allegiance to a captain, for whom he must fulfill his duties as a seaman. 

I really enjoyed this book because of the way it was written. Every word, phrase and passage is written in a way that conveys so much meaning that it pulls you into the book. Suddenly, you find yourself inside Caden and begin to perceive things the way he does. 

I recommend this book because it teaches you so many things about what some people have to go through. Although I wasn’t very well educated on mental health issues before I read this book, “Challenger Deep” taught me to be aware of such issues and to help those who need it. 

If you like a mix of fantasy and reality, then this book is the one for you. It is a truly beautifully written book, bursting with such wonder that will leave you astounded and satisfied. 

Overall, I would give this book a 10 out of 10. Once again, I promise you will really enjoy this book. “Challenger Deep” will take you through a portal and switch you back from normal school life and adventures among the unforgiving sea.

“Challenger Deep” is available in Barnes and Noble for $7.99.