Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

I read Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork a few weeks ago, and now I'm finally writing the review.  Not the most fun topic for a book, but a necessary one.  The book opens after the main character, Victoria, has tried to commit suicide.  She ends up at a hospital in the psychiatric ward.

Vicky meets three other teens, also dealing with psychological issues through her group therapy.  Mona, her roommate, and two guys, E.M. and Gabriel, couldn't be more different.  The doctor, Dr. Desai, is a kind woman who helps each one discover their own strengths, especially Vicky.  She learns to stand up for herself and recognize when depression is taking over.  She gains the strength to not be bulldozed into her domineering father's wishes.  She comes to terms with her mother's death, her housekeeper's leaving, her absent sister, and her cold step-mother.  Through all this, she also helps her friends.

I would recommend this book to teens.  It would open the door to real issues people are dealing with and help people realize there is help out there.  Mental illnesses are real, and when correctly diagnosed and properly treated people can continue living happy and meaningful lives instead of believing they're bad and/or would be better off dead. While this is not a "happy" read, it is "real" and you'll be rooting for Vicky as she comes to term with her depression and starts living her life, finding her strengths, and helping others.