First off, the cover and title for this book are chef’s kiss. They set the perfect mood for what type of book this will be from the jump, and I was immediately drawn in because of these elements.

Is This a Cry For Help? is a witty, humorous tale of a woman named Darcy who has just recently gotten out of a psychiatric hospital after having a mental breakdown. She’s back at work as a librarian, but that comes with its own gigantic set of challenges. As someone who loves the library with all my heart and who has had some mental health struggles myself, this story felt right up my alley. There are so many threads of the storytelling that were completely compelling (and also very timely), including a fight against banning books, the dangers of social media, and Darcy’s quest for self-acceptance.

Emily Austin is incredibly skilled at developing a multitude of characters that feel authentic, while also providing plenty of chuckles too. Not every writer is adept at balancing tonal shifts, but I never felt those awkward transitions that can happen when books are trying to be clever and funny while also including darker themes. I couldn’t wait to see how Darcy’s story was going to unfold, and I was actually a bit sad when the novel came to a close.

I haven’t read anything by Austin before, and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m sure I’ll seek out her books in the future. If they’re anything like this one, I’ll be a happy camper.

5 stars

*Free ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review