Hesser, Terry Spence. Kissing Doorknobs. New York Doubleday, 1998.Annotation: Eleven-year-old Tara Sullivan has always been a worrier. Then one day, before leaving the house, she finds herself kissing the fingertips and touching the doorknob... She shows many signs that she struggles with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and tons of anxiety.
Justification for nomination: This book isn't your typical story of normal behavior, however I think this story is something young adults and adults can relate too. I'm not OCD but I do worry a lot and that's probably why I never sleep literally. In America there is only a small percent reported who have this condition but think of the cases that aren't? This book brings light to symptoms of this case. This book's cover is illustrated beautifully and shows many symbols of the things that made her OCD. It is a disease that needs more awareness. I would recommend this book read in a middle school or high school health class. Know the signs and seek help. I think this book also opens up to other disease that people need need with. Like clepto's those who steal your favorite pen or shoplifters. I think Tara would have been able to have help if there was some sort of support system around her. Her friends weren't supportive and that's unfortunate. The downfall to this book was it was slow paced. This book also has a few common themes relate to this dealing with relationships and understand the body, sex and drugs and teen pregnancy. This book brings the reader to see what Tara goes through day by day. Uncomfortable at times and even stressful, the reader will feel some anxiety going through a lot of these rituals with Tara as if living through her. It makes you think what would you do if this was your daughter, your friend, your student? What would you do to help?
Genre: Coming of age, Realistic fiction, fiction
I assure you, I've read every one of the books reviewed on my blog. Your attitude is rude and uncalled for.
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