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Bewilderments of the Eyes
The climb from the shadows of her cave into the bewildering sunlight is not an easy one, but Quinn can't afford not to try.
When her best friend insists on a spontaneous summer road trip, twenty-year-old Quinn Aldredge finds herself on a desperate and daring mission to reclaim the version of herself that was swallowed by her crippling depression.
Not entirely sure if it’s even possible to bounce back from something as bone-deep as depression, she abandons the numbing life she had established in her hometown and dives head-first into an attempt to break free of the confines from her own mind. If she wants to succeed, Quinn will have to learn a valuable lesson: sometimes the right path isn’t the safest one.
As her eyes adjust to the light of the living, she finds friendship, freedom, and romance waiting for her under the sun.
Quinn wants nothing more than to uncover The Old Quinn, the one who smiled and socialized and actually participated in her own life without the whisperings of mental illness in her ear. But what she finds instead turns out to be so much better.
Quinn’s story is one that captures the hope that there is a purpose to getting out of bed every morning, without denying that it will be difficult.
When her best friend insists on a spontaneous summer road trip, twenty-year-old Quinn Aldredge finds herself on a desperate and daring mission to reclaim the version of herself that was swallowed by her crippling depression.
Not entirely sure if it’s even possible to bounce back from something as bone-deep as depression, she abandons the numbing life she had established in her hometown and dives head-first into an attempt to break free of the confines from her own mind. If she wants to succeed, Quinn will have to learn a valuable lesson: sometimes the right path isn’t the safest one.
As her eyes adjust to the light of the living, she finds friendship, freedom, and romance waiting for her under the sun.
Quinn wants nothing more than to uncover The Old Quinn, the one who smiled and socialized and actually participated in her own life without the whisperings of mental illness in her ear. But what she finds instead turns out to be so much better.
Quinn’s story is one that captures the hope that there is a purpose to getting out of bed every morning, without denying that it will be difficult.
First published January 1, 2016
About the author
Theresa Sopko
5 books34 followersHi! I'm Theresa.
Early on, I discovered the beauty of fictional friends. The mouse that ran up the clock, Junie B. Jones, and Harry Potter were among my earliest besties, and all taught me that I never have to be lonely. I started writing when I was very young. My credentials include a series of now-torn-up short stories that I deemed too stupid for human eyes, moody poems about becoming a teenager and wanting to hang onto my youth that I wrote in junior high, half of a time-travel novel entitled Werp that, at the time, I believed was literary gold, pretentiously verbose school essays, and one entire journal that I successfully filled with dramatic ramblings throughout my teens. I’m amazed by the capacity of words, specifically their capability to leave me a sobbing mess at two in the morning (Suzanne Collins, I’m looking at you) or inflate my heart with a first love that I’ve never experienced. I believe that storytelling is an essential part of human nature, whether we realize it or not. It is at the heart of everything, all the way back to hieroglyphs on cave walls. I believe in writing, and the stories that come from the craft. I want to share my stories, and connected with others’ stories. I want to explore the worlds inside my head and always have characters to fall in love with.
Praise for Bewilderments of the Eyes:
"Sopko’s ability to convey both sides of the story transforms Bewilderments of the Eyes into an important novel that should be read by people dealing with depression, whether they are sufferers or know someone who is."
-SPR, 4 Stars
“I have never read a more vivid description of mental illness, even while Quinn is struggling to find the words. I see this book as having the potential to be a game changer for teens with mental illness.”
–Mercy Pilkington of Author Options
Early on, I discovered the beauty of fictional friends. The mouse that ran up the clock, Junie B. Jones, and Harry Potter were among my earliest besties, and all taught me that I never have to be lonely. I started writing when I was very young. My credentials include a series of now-torn-up short stories that I deemed too stupid for human eyes, moody poems about becoming a teenager and wanting to hang onto my youth that I wrote in junior high, half of a time-travel novel entitled Werp that, at the time, I believed was literary gold, pretentiously verbose school essays, and one entire journal that I successfully filled with dramatic ramblings throughout my teens. I’m amazed by the capacity of words, specifically their capability to leave me a sobbing mess at two in the morning (Suzanne Collins, I’m looking at you) or inflate my heart with a first love that I’ve never experienced. I believe that storytelling is an essential part of human nature, whether we realize it or not. It is at the heart of everything, all the way back to hieroglyphs on cave walls. I believe in writing, and the stories that come from the craft. I want to share my stories, and connected with others’ stories. I want to explore the worlds inside my head and always have characters to fall in love with.
Praise for Bewilderments of the Eyes:
"Sopko’s ability to convey both sides of the story transforms Bewilderments of the Eyes into an important novel that should be read by people dealing with depression, whether they are sufferers or know someone who is."
-SPR, 4 Stars
“I have never read a more vivid description of mental illness, even while Quinn is struggling to find the words. I see this book as having the potential to be a game changer for teens with mental illness.”
–Mercy Pilkington of Author Options
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 9, 2016
A mental health illness is a subject that many individuals find uncomfortable and uneasy to discuss candidly. Theresa Sopko’s Bewilderments of the Eyes brings forth a sensitive topic through vivid descriptions and realistic breakdown of young Quinn’s daily struggle with crippling depression. As someone who has personally struggled with depression and mental illness, I have yet to find another text which honestly depicts the daily and moment-to-moment battle that faces you. Theresa Sopko breaks down traditional stereotypes and boundaries that surround mental illness and depression while providing an outlet for those who struggle or had struggled with depression and those who know someone who is/has struggled. Bewilderments is honest and upfront about a topic which most people avoid, and lets the reader know that they are not alone on their daily journey.
June 8, 2016
This book is amazing. As a person who struggles with very similar issues as Quinn, this book has been super helpful to me and my personal struggles.
But not just that, these characters are riveting and this story is so fun while still being honest and truthful.
I one hundred percent recommend.
But not just that, these characters are riveting and this story is so fun while still being honest and truthful.
I one hundred percent recommend.
May 27, 2019
This book truly captivated me - relating pieces of my own life to the main character and her venture out to be an individual. I read the book in a few days and get inspired to revisit my own ambitions and take action towards my dream.
August 6, 2018
I like this book and the characters in it! Fresh!
July 14, 2016
I received this book from the author in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I will say that I didn't realize that this book was about mental health issues. I read the part of the description that talks about going on a road trip, and coming out of a cave. I thought that it was going to be a thriller. That being said I was three chapters in thinking what is going on. Why isn't there any action. this isn't a book that I would normally pick up for myself, but I'm glad that I won the giveaway, because once I realized what it was about I really enjoyed it. Not enough people talk about the struggles of crippling anxiety,and depression. I have several friends who have some of these problems. I talked to them about the book, and they said the author had it spot on. About how they felt most of the time. Not only is it about a girl dealing with her depression, but it is extremely relatable when she realizes that what caused some of her breakdown,was following what society, and everyone else thinks is the right path. I mean who hasn't realized that they don't know what they want to do, or that they are only following a certain path due to feeling pressured,or scared to live their life how they want. What Quinn does in the book, is something I have always dreamed of doing which may be why I can relate to why she did it. This book is incredible, and gives me hope that I can be as fearless as she is. I think that this book should be mandatory reading for students. I am beyond happy I won this book, and can't wait to share it with people who I know are struggling with some of the same issues as Quinn, and who want to take control of their life, and stop living for others, and take steps towards battling their depression. I can't wait to see what the author publishes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2016
I won a copy through Goodreads first reads.
The bewilderments of the eyes is a story that deals with depression and woman who is trying to over come its hold on her. Theresa Sopko creates a great relatable character who is a normal person before a simple event triggers a spiral of depression that pulls her in like quick sand. She then sets up an summer of learning how to heal and live again. Sopko helps bring awareness to a hard to deal topic into a great story while showing how depression feels to someone who is going through it and how it feels when others around don’t understand.
This is a great book for any teenager and young adult fan who want something different and real that will keep you drawn in. The book is clean so its appropriate for teens but the characters are in college so it appeals to wider range of readers. I honestly think adults past these stages in life will enjoy the bewilderments of the eyes.
The bewilderments of the eyes is a story that deals with depression and woman who is trying to over come its hold on her. Theresa Sopko creates a great relatable character who is a normal person before a simple event triggers a spiral of depression that pulls her in like quick sand. She then sets up an summer of learning how to heal and live again. Sopko helps bring awareness to a hard to deal topic into a great story while showing how depression feels to someone who is going through it and how it feels when others around don’t understand.
This is a great book for any teenager and young adult fan who want something different and real that will keep you drawn in. The book is clean so its appropriate for teens but the characters are in college so it appeals to wider range of readers. I honestly think adults past these stages in life will enjoy the bewilderments of the eyes.
July 11, 2016
As someone who studied Psychology, I thought I had a decent understanding of how our minds work, including those with mental health issues. However, reading textbooks and learning about studies done decades ago gave me a very sterile and generalized education. Theresa Sopko brings all of that into present day, through a very realistic main character. Quinn seems like she could be your typical girl next door, and she is, except for her often times debilitating anxiety and depression. The author has taken a subject with a lot of grey areas and made it relatable, so the reader can truly understand the inner workings of this disease.
June 18, 2016
This author has taken a subject that no one wants to talk about and has written a really great book around it. Quinn has tried to do better with her depression she has taken the medicine and talked to the dr, this book kind of lets you see how someone with this might really think even when they can tell you. Loved the characters the new friends and the old ones. I liked that the author ended the book as she did I think it left you with hope for what would come from for these characters.
September 29, 2017
theresa sopko completely blew me out of the water with this book. i cried so much, as i could feel and relate to many of the things quinn was feeling. but, they weren't helpless and hopeless tears. they were tears of hurt, because i have felt and feel the same, but also tears of hope because if quinn can learn to slowly redirect her energy and life, even with depression and anxiety, then, i believe i can, too. this was a stunning, raw, and honest book. i definitely plan on returning to this book when i need a reminder that i can and will succeed and thrive in this life. thank you to theresa for putting many hours into such a perfect book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews