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Something’s Wrong with Micah
In the wake of a devastating car accident, sixteen-year-old Micah Hunter’s world begins to unravel. A mysterious illness leaves him unable to pursue the football dreams that he once shared with his father. At the peak of his illness, Micah bumps his wheelchair into Evie Thompson, a headstrong fifteen-year-old living with her own challenges. Coming of age and coming to terms with their disabilities, Micah and Evie find solace and companionship in each other. As their connection deepens, Evie helps Micah discover the truth about his illness, allowing him to reconnect with his past. But, in doing so, Micah fails to discover Evie’s deteriorating health, which she keeps hidden. When Micah finally realizes the gravity of her situation, he must make the most difficult decision of his life: get Evie the help she needs or respect her wishes and risk losing her forever.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2023
9 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
Jamison Hill
6books69followersJamison Hill has written for The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The New York Times, among others. His essay for The Times was adapted for WBUR’s Modern Love podcast and read by Pedro Pascal from The Mandalorian. The essay is part of an anthology called Disability Visibility. Jamison has also been a guest on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, and is a main subject of a Netflix original series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 2, 2024
Something's Wrong With Micah serves as a reminder to appreciate what we have, because it can be taken from us in an instant.
This book sheds light on many issues that people with disabilities face in their every day lives, such as faulty wheelchairs and general accessibility obstacles. As Micah adjusts to using his wheelchair at school after developing a mysterious illness, he meets Evie, who also uses a wheelchair. The two have an adorable meet cute and get to know each other after Micah begins attending Evie's class at school.
This was such a sweet story. Micah and Evie are so cute together - I enjoyed their dialogue and how they love to mess around with each other, they'll do anything to put a smile on the other's face. They're accepting of each other in all aspects, and they complement one another so well.
Thank you so much to Jamison Hill for this eARC! Be sure to check for any content warnings before reading, Hill kindly lists them at the front of the book.
This book sheds light on many issues that people with disabilities face in their every day lives, such as faulty wheelchairs and general accessibility obstacles. As Micah adjusts to using his wheelchair at school after developing a mysterious illness, he meets Evie, who also uses a wheelchair. The two have an adorable meet cute and get to know each other after Micah begins attending Evie's class at school.
This was such a sweet story. Micah and Evie are so cute together - I enjoyed their dialogue and how they love to mess around with each other, they'll do anything to put a smile on the other's face. They're accepting of each other in all aspects, and they complement one another so well.
Thank you so much to Jamison Hill for this eARC! Be sure to check for any content warnings before reading, Hill kindly lists them at the front of the book.
November 30, 2023
I received a copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.75 STARS
This was a beautiful story which really brings to light some of the struggles those in the disability community go through.
Micah was a star on the football team until he gets sick. He suffers from Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME, a medical condition that has confined him to a wheelchair. Micah falls in love along the way with Evie, who was on the track team until she got in an accident that eventually led to a below the knee amputation.
Micah’s “friends� from when he was popular really made me angry. I’m so glad he finally realized how toxic they were.
**Please pay attention to the content warnings, which the author has put in the front of the book.**
3.75 STARS
This was a beautiful story which really brings to light some of the struggles those in the disability community go through.
Micah was a star on the football team until he gets sick. He suffers from Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME, a medical condition that has confined him to a wheelchair. Micah falls in love along the way with Evie, who was on the track team until she got in an accident that eventually led to a below the knee amputation.
Micah’s “friends� from when he was popular really made me angry. I’m so glad he finally realized how toxic they were.
**Please pay attention to the content warnings, which the author has put in the front of the book.**
January 6, 2024
This is a young adult book about a football player who has become disabled. Over a year into being in a wheelchair due to fatigue, pain and nausea, Micah still doesn't know what's wrong and isn't any closer to feeling like his old active self.
I want to start my review with saying that I, too, am disabled. While I do not have the same conditions that Micah has, I am able to understand what his new world looks like. I relate to the moments where Micah pushes himself too far in hopes of it being a mind-over-matter problem, and his frustration that sometimes being disabled means having to get help with gross, embarrassing or uncomfortable situations.
That being said, this book was quite a struggle to get through. Many of the abled characters feel unrealistically cruel and one-dimensional, and Micah has nobody except for sometimes his grieving mother advocating for him, until he's able to find friendship with other disabled teens a year later. The ableism from the non-disabled characters, including medical professions, feels like this book would sit more in a 1920's setting, rather than a 2020's setting.
Micah spends over a year taking psychiatric medication and doing brain retraining programs, which at best do nothing and at worse actively harm him. Even his mother lets him continue these without seeking other opinions or questioning why nothing is working. The medical world can be flawed, but it felt strange to me that Micah was just allowed to continue being this ill without anyone trying to understand why, especially since he was an active football player before, so this couldn't be excused by "he's always been a little sickly".
There was good disability discussions with characters like Frankie, who has been sick his entire life and could offer a different perspective to Micah. Characters like Frankie and Evie, as fellow wheelchair users, had some initial internal biases against Micah which felt realistic. That even within the disabled community, sometimes people can be quick to judge others. Evie and Frankie were both able to understand their first impressions were wrong and each, at different times, apologize to Micah. Micah also does self reflecting throughout the novel about his previous biases, and knows that if he hadn't gotten sick, his thoughts would've stayed away from the disabled community.
I wasn't a big fan of the pacing of the book. I felt it skipped over certain important moments, like when Micah actually got his wheelchair. We have only a few flashback scenes, usually related to Micah and his father, but I had hoped we'd see more of Micah with his old friend group to understand why he'd been friends with them, and what he was like before becoming sick. He was a popular kid in school, and yet all of his friends have abandoned or actively bully him, with the exception of one friend who pops up sometimes to be kind before leaving him again.
Micah getting better near the end happened much too fast. Micah has been under new medical care for a few weeks, with a doctor who is able to identify and treat a lot of his symptoms, but he suddenly goes from still needing the wheelchair, to a week later being able to walk distances, carry his girlfriend and rejoin the football team. We don't get to see many of the moments of Micah getting stronger, he just suddenly is able to do these things again. After a year sitting down feeling weak, I have trouble believing he could do so much exercise without natural pain and fatigue. While he isn't suddenly 100% okay for the remainder of the book, the initial recovery just felt swept over.
This is not a book I'd personally read again, but there were some great moments in between all the rougher stuff.
I want to start my review with saying that I, too, am disabled. While I do not have the same conditions that Micah has, I am able to understand what his new world looks like. I relate to the moments where Micah pushes himself too far in hopes of it being a mind-over-matter problem, and his frustration that sometimes being disabled means having to get help with gross, embarrassing or uncomfortable situations.
That being said, this book was quite a struggle to get through. Many of the abled characters feel unrealistically cruel and one-dimensional, and Micah has nobody except for sometimes his grieving mother advocating for him, until he's able to find friendship with other disabled teens a year later. The ableism from the non-disabled characters, including medical professions, feels like this book would sit more in a 1920's setting, rather than a 2020's setting.
Micah spends over a year taking psychiatric medication and doing brain retraining programs, which at best do nothing and at worse actively harm him. Even his mother lets him continue these without seeking other opinions or questioning why nothing is working. The medical world can be flawed, but it felt strange to me that Micah was just allowed to continue being this ill without anyone trying to understand why, especially since he was an active football player before, so this couldn't be excused by "he's always been a little sickly".
There was good disability discussions with characters like Frankie, who has been sick his entire life and could offer a different perspective to Micah. Characters like Frankie and Evie, as fellow wheelchair users, had some initial internal biases against Micah which felt realistic. That even within the disabled community, sometimes people can be quick to judge others. Evie and Frankie were both able to understand their first impressions were wrong and each, at different times, apologize to Micah. Micah also does self reflecting throughout the novel about his previous biases, and knows that if he hadn't gotten sick, his thoughts would've stayed away from the disabled community.
I wasn't a big fan of the pacing of the book. I felt it skipped over certain important moments, like when Micah actually got his wheelchair. We have only a few flashback scenes, usually related to Micah and his father, but I had hoped we'd see more of Micah with his old friend group to understand why he'd been friends with them, and what he was like before becoming sick. He was a popular kid in school, and yet all of his friends have abandoned or actively bully him, with the exception of one friend who pops up sometimes to be kind before leaving him again.
Micah getting better near the end happened much too fast. Micah has been under new medical care for a few weeks, with a doctor who is able to identify and treat a lot of his symptoms, but he suddenly goes from still needing the wheelchair, to a week later being able to walk distances, carry his girlfriend and rejoin the football team. We don't get to see many of the moments of Micah getting stronger, he just suddenly is able to do these things again. After a year sitting down feeling weak, I have trouble believing he could do so much exercise without natural pain and fatigue. While he isn't suddenly 100% okay for the remainder of the book, the initial recovery just felt swept over.
This is not a book I'd personally read again, but there were some great moments in between all the rougher stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
Micah is a healthy high schooler that loves playing football. A mysterious illness ends up leaving him in a wheelchair, leading him far away from football and closer to a girl named Evie.
Let me start by saying I'm VERY picky when it comes to YA, and I ended up loving this book! I had a feeling that I would since I read Jamison Hill's memoir and loved that book as well. I definitely recommend reading it before this book if you want to read about a first account experience from someone who has ME themselves. That being said, Something's Wrong with Micah is own voices since the author has the same illness that Micah has.
There are a lot of scenes that are relatable for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses including doctors trying to gaslight you. Keep in mind there is ableism/bullying and other trigger warnings to be aware of. The author does mentions all trigger warnings in the beginning of the book, which I always appreciate!
I rarely ever see YA books with main characters with disabilities, so I'm glad Jamison Hill wrote this story. I highly recommend picking this up, it hooked me from the very beginning and it definitely deserves way more hype!
Let me start by saying I'm VERY picky when it comes to YA, and I ended up loving this book! I had a feeling that I would since I read Jamison Hill's memoir and loved that book as well. I definitely recommend reading it before this book if you want to read about a first account experience from someone who has ME themselves. That being said, Something's Wrong with Micah is own voices since the author has the same illness that Micah has.
There are a lot of scenes that are relatable for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses including doctors trying to gaslight you. Keep in mind there is ableism/bullying and other trigger warnings to be aware of. The author does mentions all trigger warnings in the beginning of the book, which I always appreciate!
I rarely ever see YA books with main characters with disabilities, so I'm glad Jamison Hill wrote this story. I highly recommend picking this up, it hooked me from the very beginning and it definitely deserves way more hype!
March 31, 2024
In this poignant tale of coming of age for individuals with disabilities, I found myself deeply invested from the very beginning. The narrative delicately weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience, offering a heartfelt portrayal of the human spirit.
The love story, in particular, resonated with me, as it unfolded amidst the backdrop of tragedy, illustrating the capacity for connection and growth even in the face of adversity. As the main character crosses paths with a young girl in a wheelchair, their friendship blossoms into something truly beautiful, demonstrating the power of companionship and understanding.
Through their journey, I was reminded of the importance of embracing differences and finding strength in solidarity. Overall, this touching story left a lasting impression, evoking a sense of empathy and admiration for its characters' courage and determination.
The love story, in particular, resonated with me, as it unfolded amidst the backdrop of tragedy, illustrating the capacity for connection and growth even in the face of adversity. As the main character crosses paths with a young girl in a wheelchair, their friendship blossoms into something truly beautiful, demonstrating the power of companionship and understanding.
Through their journey, I was reminded of the importance of embracing differences and finding strength in solidarity. Overall, this touching story left a lasting impression, evoking a sense of empathy and admiration for its characters' courage and determination.
August 12, 2024
I was really happy when I won an audiobook copy of Something's Wrong with Micah in the past. Jamison Hill was then a new-to-me author.
He expertly combines real-life issues and disability issues.
I have Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. I am a powered wheelchair user too.
Something's Wrong with Micah reveals so many truths about living with disabilities, whether that's being a wheelchair user, or the symptoms people can get with their disabilities. Although I have different disabilities to Micah and Evie, I still have pain, nausea dizziness, spasms and more on a daily basis. The book was so easy to identify with because of this.
I felt very sad about Micah's father's death after the car accident where Micah was in the car too.
Other big issues that are dealt with are: who is really there for you in the bad times? Who sticks around for you? Who can Micah really trust?
The writing style is immersive and fast-paced.
It raises great awareness of disabilities, as well as how people and doctors can react.
I didn't like Chrissy's attitude after Micah's illness. She became quite selfish compared to how she was before it.
I felt Micah's frustration at having been gaslighted by doctors. I felt he was strong in how he dealt with the experience, and fought for what he believed in until he got answers.
His mother's unwavering support was a great thing to witness. Not every person with disabilities has this kind of support from parents.
Evie and Micah are beautiful together. They are so realistic.
Thanks to Jamison Hill for my audiobook and ebook copies.
5 stars
He expertly combines real-life issues and disability issues.
I have Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. I am a powered wheelchair user too.
Something's Wrong with Micah reveals so many truths about living with disabilities, whether that's being a wheelchair user, or the symptoms people can get with their disabilities. Although I have different disabilities to Micah and Evie, I still have pain, nausea dizziness, spasms and more on a daily basis. The book was so easy to identify with because of this.
I felt very sad about Micah's father's death after the car accident where Micah was in the car too.
Other big issues that are dealt with are: who is really there for you in the bad times? Who sticks around for you? Who can Micah really trust?
The writing style is immersive and fast-paced.
It raises great awareness of disabilities, as well as how people and doctors can react.
I didn't like Chrissy's attitude after Micah's illness. She became quite selfish compared to how she was before it.
I felt Micah's frustration at having been gaslighted by doctors. I felt he was strong in how he dealt with the experience, and fought for what he believed in until he got answers.
His mother's unwavering support was a great thing to witness. Not every person with disabilities has this kind of support from parents.
Evie and Micah are beautiful together. They are so realistic.
Thanks to Jamison Hill for my audiobook and ebook copies.
5 stars
March 11, 2024
Cute coming of age story about how life changes when you develop a disability or chronic illness.
It’s cute. I know i said that already but it WAS!
I like that it introduces people to different disabilities and the shit people have to go through. But also that those people are normal. They go to school. They want love. They want to go to dances and football games. They want to feel “normal� in the face of the new normal.
Give it a try.
It’s cute. I know i said that already but it WAS!
I like that it introduces people to different disabilities and the shit people have to go through. But also that those people are normal. They go to school. They want love. They want to go to dances and football games. They want to feel “normal� in the face of the new normal.
Give it a try.
February 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this YA book about disability advocacy and head injuries in sports. Micah was a football star with a proud dad as coach, but a car accident changes everything and soon Micah is in a wheelchair suffering from inexplicable pain and nausea and most people think he's faking it. I love that this book has all of the features of a good YA, romance, teen problems, bullying/discrimination, while also show casing several important ideas related to disability, including inaccessibility, saviour complexes, mental health, stereotypes, disability discrimination and new perspectives. I also think that the use of grief, problems with advocacy in the medical system and concussion management, which are areas that are not often showcased in adult books even, much less in YA, and yet important areas to consider and discuss. I liked that the author chose to have Micah be abled bodied and a jock in the past because it really gives a unique opportunity for an able-bodied person to see life through the perspective of someone with a disability. I also love that multiple characters in the story had disabilities, but were generally shown in a very positive light, aside from specific scenes related to discrimination, which is a good contrast to many stories where people with disabilities are seen using tropes and stereotypes. I really loved the relationship with Evie, especially closer to the end when their relationship was truly tested, Overall, this is a very well written YA with some really complex ideas and discussions that are important for both adults and teens to consider. I would highly recommend this book and could see it being a valuable addition to high school libraries and potentially class reading lists. There is a tiny bit of fooling around and mention of drug use, but definitely not a huge deal, and I think that the YA content in general would be just enough to draw in teens and still send these valuable messages.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this excellent book!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this excellent book!
June 16, 2024
Something’s wrong with Micah� and his doctor doesn’t think it’s real.
While disability has been featuring more and more in YA literature, invisible disabilities have been less prominent in this inclusion. Not surprising, if you think about how society doesn’t really understand invisible disabilities. Heck, even the medical fraternity barely understands it.
Micah is - was - a rising football star, but shortly after his dad dies in a freak accident, Micah develops odd symptoms that his doctor can’t explain, and treats with antidepressants and therapy. While Micah certainly has elements of depression and anxiety, there is very clearly something else cooking. Micah knows it, but he has no way of identifying it until he befriends a few other disabled kids at his school.
Something’s Wrong with Micah features the all-too common experience of people with disabilities being exposed to quackery, charlatans looking to find financial gain from supposed cures, and the failure of “friends�.
Micah’s beliefs around his disability undergo a touching evolution - the character illustrating how ableism is often internalised, and what it takes to become free of those shackles. Micah is almost unlikeable, but mostly only almost. The kid redeems himself, and his love interest, Evie, is such a sweet darling. I appreciated their developing mindsets about “walking again�, and how they feel about being “without� their wheelchairs.
Chrissy, although a bit of a caricature, really serves to illustrate the virtue-signalling nature of many “supporters� of people with disabilities, while Evie’s response to offers of help will likely open the eyes of able-bodied readers about how their offers can in fact be disabling.
Something’s Wrong with Micah is a worthy addition to the growing inclusive melting pot of young adult literature. I hope it opens eyes, and makes kids with disabilities feel seen.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for providing a free eARC.
While disability has been featuring more and more in YA literature, invisible disabilities have been less prominent in this inclusion. Not surprising, if you think about how society doesn’t really understand invisible disabilities. Heck, even the medical fraternity barely understands it.
Micah is - was - a rising football star, but shortly after his dad dies in a freak accident, Micah develops odd symptoms that his doctor can’t explain, and treats with antidepressants and therapy. While Micah certainly has elements of depression and anxiety, there is very clearly something else cooking. Micah knows it, but he has no way of identifying it until he befriends a few other disabled kids at his school.
Something’s Wrong with Micah features the all-too common experience of people with disabilities being exposed to quackery, charlatans looking to find financial gain from supposed cures, and the failure of “friends�.
Micah’s beliefs around his disability undergo a touching evolution - the character illustrating how ableism is often internalised, and what it takes to become free of those shackles. Micah is almost unlikeable, but mostly only almost. The kid redeems himself, and his love interest, Evie, is such a sweet darling. I appreciated their developing mindsets about “walking again�, and how they feel about being “without� their wheelchairs.
Chrissy, although a bit of a caricature, really serves to illustrate the virtue-signalling nature of many “supporters� of people with disabilities, while Evie’s response to offers of help will likely open the eyes of able-bodied readers about how their offers can in fact be disabling.
Something’s Wrong with Micah is a worthy addition to the growing inclusive melting pot of young adult literature. I hope it opens eyes, and makes kids with disabilities feel seen.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for providing a free eARC.
February 20, 2024
Micah has something wrong with him, but none of his football buddies believe him, especially after the death of his father. He stands (not really cuz he passes out when he does) tight and befriends the students with disabilities.
Heavy life leasons
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Heavy life leasons
4 stars
Happy Reading!
January 12, 2024
Micah, a football player, gets in a car crash with his father. He gets sick, standing for too long, and he loses his dad. He struggles to come to terms with having to use a wheelchair until he meets a few people in his new class. After being told ways to “retrain� his brain to “get better�, it doesn't work. His new friends, Evie and Frankie, eventually help him.They find out why he feels the way he does and gets help to get better.
As someone who recently got sick and can't walk far distances like Micah. I was happy to find a book like this. I related to how Micah was before and when he got his wheelchair. How he didn't like it much, I didn't like myself using a wheelchair as I always think I can walk, just not a lot. I was very embarrassed about it and always felt like a hypocrite. People knew I could walk, so I was afraid that they would see me walking and say things. Slowly, I realized that I should just use a wheelchair to help me get better. There was no point in trying to prove myself if I couldn't walk far without wanting to pass out and be light-headed. This book was really nice to read as I don't really have someone to help me through everything I'm going through. It definitely felt like Evie and Frankie were talking to Micah and me, helping us come to terms with the fact that there's a spectrum in different disabilities.
So this book has some pros and cons for me.
PROS
It's very diverse in different disabilities, like muscle dystrophy and more!
I really related to Micah
I loved his friends and how they helped him
CONS
His doctors before he met his friends, I'm sure most doctors nowadays aren't how his doctors are. (personally, I've yet met a doctor like his, and mine have all been pretty understanding)
How quickly he recovered. His symptoms are similar to mine, though I'm sick with something different from him. It felt unrealistic how he was under a new doctor, and he was able to do stuff like walking and running after a few weeks. I've been sick for a few months, and I try not to use my wheelchair as much, but I always end up feeling too tired by a couple of minutes. Though it maybe be different for everyone, I just couldn't comprehend how he was having a hard time and he gets a new doctor and a few weeks later he was able to do stuff he had a hard time with a few weeks ago.
As someone who recently got sick and can't walk far distances like Micah. I was happy to find a book like this. I related to how Micah was before and when he got his wheelchair. How he didn't like it much, I didn't like myself using a wheelchair as I always think I can walk, just not a lot. I was very embarrassed about it and always felt like a hypocrite. People knew I could walk, so I was afraid that they would see me walking and say things. Slowly, I realized that I should just use a wheelchair to help me get better. There was no point in trying to prove myself if I couldn't walk far without wanting to pass out and be light-headed. This book was really nice to read as I don't really have someone to help me through everything I'm going through. It definitely felt like Evie and Frankie were talking to Micah and me, helping us come to terms with the fact that there's a spectrum in different disabilities.
So this book has some pros and cons for me.
PROS
It's very diverse in different disabilities, like muscle dystrophy and more!
I really related to Micah
I loved his friends and how they helped him
CONS
His doctors before he met his friends, I'm sure most doctors nowadays aren't how his doctors are. (personally, I've yet met a doctor like his, and mine have all been pretty understanding)
How quickly he recovered. His symptoms are similar to mine, though I'm sick with something different from him. It felt unrealistic how he was under a new doctor, and he was able to do stuff like walking and running after a few weeks. I've been sick for a few months, and I try not to use my wheelchair as much, but I always end up feeling too tired by a couple of minutes. Though it maybe be different for everyone, I just couldn't comprehend how he was having a hard time and he gets a new doctor and a few weeks later he was able to do stuff he had a hard time with a few weeks ago.
February 16, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Something's Wrong with Micah" by Jamison Hill is a realistic exploration of the challenges of disability, identity, and self-acceptance. Through the compelling story of Micah, a high school football star whose life is upended by a tragic car accident and a mysterious illness, Hill skillfully explores the complexities of living with a disability. Before going into the review, I do want to note that as someone who does not have a physical disability, I am unable to provide that perspective with my review, so I highly encourage others to find reviews with that perspective. I do believe that teen readers that have physical disabilities will be able to connect to Micah and his experiences, so I would definitely consider this book a must-have in the school library or English classroom.
Micah's journey is one of struggle and growth as he grapples with the physical and emotional effects of his condition. From the devastating loss of his father to his newfound reliance on a wheelchair, Micah faces numerous obstacles on his path to acceptance. Hill's portrayal of Micah's experiences is raw and honest, capturing moments of frustration, anger, and hope.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of diverse disabilities and the importance of representation in literature. Micah's interactions with his classmates, particularly his friendship with Evie and Frankie, offer insight into the varied experiences of individuals living with disabilities. Through these characters, Hill challenges stereotypes. While Micah’s old friends act as more extreme ableists with their ignorance and treatment of Micah, I really enjoyed his new friends and how Micah is able to surround himself with a supportive and understanding community. I love the found-family aspect of the book,
Overall, Hill’s writing was very engaging, and I enjoyed learning more about Micah’s perspective. There was so much care given to the depiction of Micah’s condition, and you really get to see Micah’s growth as a person as he learns who he is with the disability. Through Micah's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Hill delivers a powerful message about the importance of resilience, empathy, and the strength found in community.
"Something's Wrong with Micah" by Jamison Hill is a realistic exploration of the challenges of disability, identity, and self-acceptance. Through the compelling story of Micah, a high school football star whose life is upended by a tragic car accident and a mysterious illness, Hill skillfully explores the complexities of living with a disability. Before going into the review, I do want to note that as someone who does not have a physical disability, I am unable to provide that perspective with my review, so I highly encourage others to find reviews with that perspective. I do believe that teen readers that have physical disabilities will be able to connect to Micah and his experiences, so I would definitely consider this book a must-have in the school library or English classroom.
Micah's journey is one of struggle and growth as he grapples with the physical and emotional effects of his condition. From the devastating loss of his father to his newfound reliance on a wheelchair, Micah faces numerous obstacles on his path to acceptance. Hill's portrayal of Micah's experiences is raw and honest, capturing moments of frustration, anger, and hope.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of diverse disabilities and the importance of representation in literature. Micah's interactions with his classmates, particularly his friendship with Evie and Frankie, offer insight into the varied experiences of individuals living with disabilities. Through these characters, Hill challenges stereotypes. While Micah’s old friends act as more extreme ableists with their ignorance and treatment of Micah, I really enjoyed his new friends and how Micah is able to surround himself with a supportive and understanding community. I love the found-family aspect of the book,
Overall, Hill’s writing was very engaging, and I enjoyed learning more about Micah’s perspective. There was so much care given to the depiction of Micah’s condition, and you really get to see Micah’s growth as a person as he learns who he is with the disability. Through Micah's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Hill delivers a powerful message about the importance of resilience, empathy, and the strength found in community.
January 10, 2024
Meet Micah, most popular man on campus, football star, handsome, prettiest girlfriend� we all know him, you may have even been him. His dad shares his love for football and lives to watch his son perform. Micha is aggressive on the field and has taken some blows to the head. This concerns both parents who want a healthy son over a football hero. Still he is on the gridiron for intense practice and games, constantly.
Then there is a devastating car accident, and sixteen-year-old Micah Hunter’s world begins to unravel. His beloved father dies in the accident. Then a mysterious illness leaves him unable to pursue the football dreams that he once shared with his father. We learn that his condition is CTE, Chronic traumatic encephalopathy which is a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated trauma to the head, exaberated by traumatic events. Micah, unable to stand or walk without blacking out is now confined to a wheelchair. His mother has handicapped equipped the house and bought an expensive adaptive van to transport him. Micah’s popular friends have abandoned him except to make fun and bully saying hey, just get up and walk, you’re faking. He’s not! His girlfriend has left him for a more popular guy. She’s the real deal, huh?
He is seeing a doctor really a quack after his money, who focuses on mind retraining to improve his health and it’s not working! In the peak of his illness, Micah bumps his wheelchair into Evie Thompson, a headstrong fifteen-year-old living with her own challenges. Once a track runner, she had to have her leg amputated and her doctors are struggling to get her infection at the site under control so she can use a prosthetic. The two become very close as boyfriend and girlfriend. In the meantime of their dating and making outs, Micah finds a new doctor who puts him on the path to recovery. He’s not suddenly but slowly coming back by walking and rekindling his relationships with coach and his team. He is so desperate to get back on the field, he puts his friends betrayal behind him. Should Micah play and risk a setback that could affect the rest of his life? Can he and Evie’s love survive this?
This is a Coming of age and coming to terms with disabilities novel. I really enjoyed the way Micah and Evie find solace and companionship in each other even though it was not always rosey.
Will this have a happy ending?
A must read!
Then there is a devastating car accident, and sixteen-year-old Micah Hunter’s world begins to unravel. His beloved father dies in the accident. Then a mysterious illness leaves him unable to pursue the football dreams that he once shared with his father. We learn that his condition is CTE, Chronic traumatic encephalopathy which is a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated trauma to the head, exaberated by traumatic events. Micah, unable to stand or walk without blacking out is now confined to a wheelchair. His mother has handicapped equipped the house and bought an expensive adaptive van to transport him. Micah’s popular friends have abandoned him except to make fun and bully saying hey, just get up and walk, you’re faking. He’s not! His girlfriend has left him for a more popular guy. She’s the real deal, huh?
He is seeing a doctor really a quack after his money, who focuses on mind retraining to improve his health and it’s not working! In the peak of his illness, Micah bumps his wheelchair into Evie Thompson, a headstrong fifteen-year-old living with her own challenges. Once a track runner, she had to have her leg amputated and her doctors are struggling to get her infection at the site under control so she can use a prosthetic. The two become very close as boyfriend and girlfriend. In the meantime of their dating and making outs, Micah finds a new doctor who puts him on the path to recovery. He’s not suddenly but slowly coming back by walking and rekindling his relationships with coach and his team. He is so desperate to get back on the field, he puts his friends betrayal behind him. Should Micah play and risk a setback that could affect the rest of his life? Can he and Evie’s love survive this?
This is a Coming of age and coming to terms with disabilities novel. I really enjoyed the way Micah and Evie find solace and companionship in each other even though it was not always rosey.
Will this have a happy ending?
A must read!
January 25, 2024
Micah is a high school football star. He is in a car crash with his father (who doesn't survive); Micah starts becoming light and dizzy ... to the point of passing out ... with even light physical activity. He becomes wheelchair bound. The beginning of the book describes his symptoms and what daily life is like. The elevator at school is broken and he has to take the "long way around" and his motorized wheelchair stops midway on the hill. My heart goes out to Micah at the beginning of the book.
Shortly after Micah is able to do most of his classwork in a classroom that has many other disabled peers. Frankie is my favorite character in the book and always looks at the bright side. Micah hates the wheelchair because it represents his weakness and constraint; Frankie is thankful for his crutches because it provides mobility and lets him get out and about (otherwise he would be at home).
When ever there is a confrontation, Micah's answer is to resolve it with physical violence. I found this really bothersome. Even from his wheelchair, he was always ready (and looking) for a fight. I kept hoping he would use brains rather than brawn.
At one point Micah, love interest Evie and Micah's mother go on a trip that requires a flight. Evidently Micah thought you could just drive a motorized wheelchair onto a plane; they seem to blame the airlines. Not sure if the wheelchair in question was this brand, but redmanpowerchair.com indicates Air Carrier Access Act that mandates that airlines provide a place to store collapsible, folding wheelchairs.
I really had much higher hopes for this YA book. The author said that many publishers rejected his book and implies it is because of the disabled characters. If I were a publisher, I would steer clear of this book as well. Not because of the disabled characters, but due to the physical violence, lying and constant caving to peer pressure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing the opportunity to read Something's Wrong with Micah in exchange for an honest review. I believe in reading the entire book before reviewing.
Shortly after Micah is able to do most of his classwork in a classroom that has many other disabled peers. Frankie is my favorite character in the book and always looks at the bright side. Micah hates the wheelchair because it represents his weakness and constraint; Frankie is thankful for his crutches because it provides mobility and lets him get out and about (otherwise he would be at home).
When ever there is a confrontation, Micah's answer is to resolve it with physical violence. I found this really bothersome. Even from his wheelchair, he was always ready (and looking) for a fight. I kept hoping he would use brains rather than brawn.
At one point Micah, love interest Evie and Micah's mother go on a trip that requires a flight. Evidently Micah thought you could just drive a motorized wheelchair onto a plane; they seem to blame the airlines. Not sure if the wheelchair in question was this brand, but redmanpowerchair.com indicates Air Carrier Access Act that mandates that airlines provide a place to store collapsible, folding wheelchairs.
I really had much higher hopes for this YA book. The author said that many publishers rejected his book and implies it is because of the disabled characters. If I were a publisher, I would steer clear of this book as well. Not because of the disabled characters, but due to the physical violence, lying and constant caving to peer pressure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing the opportunity to read Something's Wrong with Micah in exchange for an honest review. I believe in reading the entire book before reviewing.
January 20, 2024
In Jamison Hill's poignant and deeply moving novel, "Something's Wrong with Micah," we are introduced to two teenagers, Micah Hunter and Evie Thompson, whose lives are irrevocably intertwined by a devastating car accident and the subsequent challenges they face. Micah, a sixteen-year-old football prodigy, finds his dreams shattered when a mysterious illness leaves him unable to pursue his passion. Confined to a wheelchair, he feels lost and alone until he meets Evie, a headstrong and resilient fifteen-year-old living with her own set of obstacles. As Micah and Evie navigate the complexities of coming of age and coming to terms with their disabilities, they find solace and companionship in each other. Their bond deepens as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. With Evie's unwavering support, Micah delves into the truth behind his illness, uncovering secrets that bridge the gap between his past and present. However, amidst their growing connection, Micah remains oblivious to Evie's deteriorating health, which she conceals out of concern for his well-being. When the gravity of Evie's situation finally dawns on Micah, he is confronted with an excruciating dilemma: prioritize her health by seeking medical intervention or respect her wishes and risk losing her forever. This heart-wrenching choice sets the stage for a powerful and emotional climax that will leave readers deeply affected. Hill's skillful storytelling captures the raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and resilience of Micah and Evie, making them characters that readers will root for and empathize with. Through their journey, the novel explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the transformative power of love and friendship. "Something's Wrong with Micah" is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking story that delves into the depths of the human spirit, leaving readers with a lasting impact long after they finish the final page.
January 26, 2024
This book initially unfolded at a leisurely pace, failing to captivate my interest. As an individual grappling with an invisible illness, I found myself struggling to connect with Micah's perspective, particularly the aspects tied to reliance on a wheelchair and parental assistance for mobility—a reality distinct from my own experience with chronic illness.
Nevertheless, I must commend Jamison for their meticulous attention to characterization. The depictions of classmates, parents, and the enigmatic Evie were exceptionally well-crafted. Despite the varying physical abilities of readers, the narrative skillfully immerses them in the protagonist's mindset and the unique challenges faced. The inclusion of subtle grief elements resonated with me, acknowledging that individuals, irrespective of physical capabilities, navigate the complex landscape of emotions.
Jamison's discerning eye for detail shines throughout the narrative, from witty banter and occasional profanity to clever Snapple jokes. These elements inject a lighthearted quality into the storyline, offering moments of respite from the profound themes explored. This balance is particularly commendable, given the inherent difficulty of delving into traumatic subjects. The intermittent humor serves as a reminder of the characters' normalcy, affirming that they are not defined solely by their disabilities but are, above all, typical teenagers.
In its entirety, this book emerges as an exemplary #ownvoices narrative, providing an authentic representation of disability. Its uniqueness has kindled within me the aspiration to share my journey with an invisible illness through writing. While I'd assign it a rating of 4.5 stars for its commendable qualities, I acknowledge the constraint of the absence of half stars in this evaluation. I wish the pace was faster.
Review posted on IG: @asian bookstorekat today.
Nevertheless, I must commend Jamison for their meticulous attention to characterization. The depictions of classmates, parents, and the enigmatic Evie were exceptionally well-crafted. Despite the varying physical abilities of readers, the narrative skillfully immerses them in the protagonist's mindset and the unique challenges faced. The inclusion of subtle grief elements resonated with me, acknowledging that individuals, irrespective of physical capabilities, navigate the complex landscape of emotions.
Jamison's discerning eye for detail shines throughout the narrative, from witty banter and occasional profanity to clever Snapple jokes. These elements inject a lighthearted quality into the storyline, offering moments of respite from the profound themes explored. This balance is particularly commendable, given the inherent difficulty of delving into traumatic subjects. The intermittent humor serves as a reminder of the characters' normalcy, affirming that they are not defined solely by their disabilities but are, above all, typical teenagers.
In its entirety, this book emerges as an exemplary #ownvoices narrative, providing an authentic representation of disability. Its uniqueness has kindled within me the aspiration to share my journey with an invisible illness through writing. While I'd assign it a rating of 4.5 stars for its commendable qualities, I acknowledge the constraint of the absence of half stars in this evaluation. I wish the pace was faster.
Review posted on IG: @asian bookstorekat today.
April 20, 2024
At the age of 16 Micah's whole world changes due to a severe car accident. Then things get worse when he gets mysteriously ill and is forced to use a wheelchair and must leave his dreams of football behind.
When Micah is at his worst he literally bumps into Evie who is also in a wheelchair and dealing with her own issues. From here their relationship starts to grow and Evie works to help Micah get to the bottom of why he's sick.
With his focus being elsewhere, Micah fails to realize that Evie's health is going downhill. However, once he does notice he needs to decided on whether he should respect Evie's wishes to let her deal with it on her own or should he push her to get the help he needs.
I have never read a book that has featured a main character or side characters with disabilities, so I was really excited to read Something's Wrong With Micah. Before the book even begins Hill lets the reader know that he has done lots of research and has consulted with many sensitivity readers and people within in the disability community and you can really tell. He does a wonderful job of showing the characters' vulnerability and strength. You truly can't help but fall in love with the characters.
As Micah learns new ways to look at being disabled, it is wonderful watch him grow. Having finally found a group of friends in Evie, Frankie, and Courtney (all are disabled in different ways), they help to make him realize that life could be a whole lot worse.
Watching Micah and Evie's relationship grow was extremely endearing. As they face challenges, deal with hard, and more, you can't help root for them.
I enjoyed Something's Wrong With Micah so much! I really loved reading such a unique book and look forward to reading more by Hill in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Micah is at his worst he literally bumps into Evie who is also in a wheelchair and dealing with her own issues. From here their relationship starts to grow and Evie works to help Micah get to the bottom of why he's sick.
With his focus being elsewhere, Micah fails to realize that Evie's health is going downhill. However, once he does notice he needs to decided on whether he should respect Evie's wishes to let her deal with it on her own or should he push her to get the help he needs.
I have never read a book that has featured a main character or side characters with disabilities, so I was really excited to read Something's Wrong With Micah. Before the book even begins Hill lets the reader know that he has done lots of research and has consulted with many sensitivity readers and people within in the disability community and you can really tell. He does a wonderful job of showing the characters' vulnerability and strength. You truly can't help but fall in love with the characters.
As Micah learns new ways to look at being disabled, it is wonderful watch him grow. Having finally found a group of friends in Evie, Frankie, and Courtney (all are disabled in different ways), they help to make him realize that life could be a whole lot worse.
Watching Micah and Evie's relationship grow was extremely endearing. As they face challenges, deal with hard, and more, you can't help root for them.
I enjoyed Something's Wrong With Micah so much! I really loved reading such a unique book and look forward to reading more by Hill in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2023
💬 “I’m not broken,� Frankie says. “My disability isn’t something to fix or overcome. It’s something to find the good in.�
With A Walk to Remember and Me Before You being 2 of my favourite movies - how could I not enjoy this book!
This is Jamison’s Debut Novel and he kindly reached out to me, offering a free ARC copy, in exchange for an honest review, which would be shared across my platforms and as soon as I read the blurb, I knew it was a book for me - so thank-you so very much Jamison and what a book!!
I adored Evie, such a badass headstrong chick and the relationship with Micah was beautiful in a very realistic way - the characters were real, they weren’t always perfect and they never tried to be, they made mistakes, reflected on past thoughts and grew together and I loved it all.
This highlighted important topics, especially that being around Medical Professionals who don’t believe patients and who are more interested in their own personal interests and lives, instead of helping those in actual need and I was also quite shocked at the plane/travel issues 🤯
Books like these are so important to be out there in the world, I came away from this with a slightly different outlook on disabilities - these kind of reads help to educate us and if made me furious to read in the author notes that publishers wouldn’t pick this up, one even stating that books that focus on characters with disabilities shouldn’t exist� WHAT?!?!
Jamison himself has ME/CFS and you can feel when reading this book that he has pulled parts from his own experiences. He has also written a Memoir called When Force Meets Fate: a mission to solve an invisible illness and I have just put this on hold at my library and look forward to reading.
With A Walk to Remember and Me Before You being 2 of my favourite movies - how could I not enjoy this book!
This is Jamison’s Debut Novel and he kindly reached out to me, offering a free ARC copy, in exchange for an honest review, which would be shared across my platforms and as soon as I read the blurb, I knew it was a book for me - so thank-you so very much Jamison and what a book!!
I adored Evie, such a badass headstrong chick and the relationship with Micah was beautiful in a very realistic way - the characters were real, they weren’t always perfect and they never tried to be, they made mistakes, reflected on past thoughts and grew together and I loved it all.
This highlighted important topics, especially that being around Medical Professionals who don’t believe patients and who are more interested in their own personal interests and lives, instead of helping those in actual need and I was also quite shocked at the plane/travel issues 🤯
Books like these are so important to be out there in the world, I came away from this with a slightly different outlook on disabilities - these kind of reads help to educate us and if made me furious to read in the author notes that publishers wouldn’t pick this up, one even stating that books that focus on characters with disabilities shouldn’t exist� WHAT?!?!
Jamison himself has ME/CFS and you can feel when reading this book that he has pulled parts from his own experiences. He has also written a Memoir called When Force Meets Fate: a mission to solve an invisible illness and I have just put this on hold at my library and look forward to reading.
January 24, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Something's Wrong with Micah has a rocky start that shows how chronic illness and personal loss can wreck a person's life. All of this coming from an able-bodied author can give off a negative feeling, however Jamison Hill has done their due diligence to represent disabilities accurately and with tact. Micah as a POV character shows the frustrations a person experiences when the trajectory of their life is altered for the worse, the trials they are able to overcome, and the obstacles they are likely to face in their daily lives.
Micah struggles with accessibility, losing the ability to play football, drifting away from his old friend groups and medical malpractice from doctors pushing pseudoscience as treatment for his symptoms. Every bit of Micah's physical illness reflects the loss of his dad's life. He has survivor's guilt from the accident that killed his dad, while he sustained minor injuries. The book gives great closure to this grief (after 20 chapters of having that grief take a backseat to the love story).
As a YA romance novel that also explores disabilities, Something's Wrong with Micah does falter a tiny bit. When Micah meets Evie, there is little chemistry between them, and it feels as if the first half of the book is Micah dealing with his illness while the second is the romance plot. It is a very minor complaint about the pacing of the story. Overall it hardly affects my enjoyment of the story. I only feel like the relationship between Micah and Evie could have been intertwined in the first half of the book a little bit more. All said, it, along with everything else mentioned, only knocks a single star off the overall rating.
Something's Wrong with Micah has a rocky start that shows how chronic illness and personal loss can wreck a person's life. All of this coming from an able-bodied author can give off a negative feeling, however Jamison Hill has done their due diligence to represent disabilities accurately and with tact. Micah as a POV character shows the frustrations a person experiences when the trajectory of their life is altered for the worse, the trials they are able to overcome, and the obstacles they are likely to face in their daily lives.
Micah struggles with accessibility, losing the ability to play football, drifting away from his old friend groups and medical malpractice from doctors pushing pseudoscience as treatment for his symptoms. Every bit of Micah's physical illness reflects the loss of his dad's life. He has survivor's guilt from the accident that killed his dad, while he sustained minor injuries. The book gives great closure to this grief (after 20 chapters of having that grief take a backseat to the love story).
As a YA romance novel that also explores disabilities, Something's Wrong with Micah does falter a tiny bit. When Micah meets Evie, there is little chemistry between them, and it feels as if the first half of the book is Micah dealing with his illness while the second is the romance plot. It is a very minor complaint about the pacing of the story. Overall it hardly affects my enjoyment of the story. I only feel like the relationship between Micah and Evie could have been intertwined in the first half of the book a little bit more. All said, it, along with everything else mentioned, only knocks a single star off the overall rating.
January 18, 2024
⚠️ CW: ableism, parental death, grief, medical trauma and brief mentions of suicide ⚠️ As someone who is also a disabled wheelchair user with complex health conditions, this book meant so much more to me than I thought it would. In the wake of a devastating car accident, sixteen-year-old Micah Hunter’s world begins to unravel. A mysterious illness leaves him unable to pursue the football dreams that he once shared with his father. At the peak of his illness, Micah bumps his wheelchair into Evie Thompson, a headstrong fifteen-year-old living with her own challenges. Coming of age and coming to terms with their disabilities, Micah and Evie find solace and companionship in each other. As their connection deepens, Evie helps Micah discover the truth about his illness, allowing him to reconnect with his past. But, in doing so, Micah fails to discover Evie’s deteriorating health, which she keeps hidden. When Micah finally realizes the gravity of her situation, he must make the most difficult decision of his life, get Evie the help she needs or respect her wishes and risk losing her forever. This book is filled with amazing disabled and chronic illness representation and does an incredible job of expressing the whirlwind of emotions that you go through when becoming disabled or chronically later in life and the grief you experience for your 'old life'. Some parts were really hard to read, especially the medical trauma as it really hit hard for me, but they were all unfortunately very common experiences for disabled and chronically ill people and I think they were handled and written about so well. Overall, I highly recommend this book!
June 9, 2024
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Rating: 🫑 / 5 🌶�
{ Make sure to check the content warnings in the beginning of the novel. }
Something's Wrong with Micah is a powerful story that showcases the ableism and challenges people with disabilities experience every day.
In the course of a couple of months, Micah finds out firsthand how quickly everything can be taken away from you. He and his dad have always connected about football, but when Micah's dad is killed in a car accident, his entire life is upturned. Micah throws himself into football, but soon he's unable to do even that. Micah finds himself wheelchair-bound due to his illness. As a former star football player, Micah finds it difficult to go through his everyday life with these new challenges, but when he meets Evie, he finds companionship and someone who understands what he is going through. Evie and Micah continue to get closer, and she helps him leave behind gaslighting doctors and further understand his illness through medical practitioners who can actually help him.
Micah and Evie's relationship was a sweet one that began as mutual understanding but turned into true compassion. Their entire "disability squad" was so heartwarming--I loved seeing them all come together to provide each other with much-needed support.
This was a beautiful novel about coming of age and coming to terms with a disability, and it further opened my eyes to see the many obstacles people with disabilities face in our ableist society every single day.
Spice Rating: 🫑 / 5 🌶�
{ Make sure to check the content warnings in the beginning of the novel. }
Something's Wrong with Micah is a powerful story that showcases the ableism and challenges people with disabilities experience every day.
In the course of a couple of months, Micah finds out firsthand how quickly everything can be taken away from you. He and his dad have always connected about football, but when Micah's dad is killed in a car accident, his entire life is upturned. Micah throws himself into football, but soon he's unable to do even that. Micah finds himself wheelchair-bound due to his illness. As a former star football player, Micah finds it difficult to go through his everyday life with these new challenges, but when he meets Evie, he finds companionship and someone who understands what he is going through. Evie and Micah continue to get closer, and she helps him leave behind gaslighting doctors and further understand his illness through medical practitioners who can actually help him.
Micah and Evie's relationship was a sweet one that began as mutual understanding but turned into true compassion. Their entire "disability squad" was so heartwarming--I loved seeing them all come together to provide each other with much-needed support.
This was a beautiful novel about coming of age and coming to terms with a disability, and it further opened my eyes to see the many obstacles people with disabilities face in our ableist society every single day.
April 2, 2024
When 16 year old Micah is struck down by a mysterious illness which leaves him wheelchair bound, it feels as though life has come to an end. Still reeling from his father’s sudden death, unable to play football and rejected by his friends, he wonders how his life could have gone so wrong.
Before his illness, Micah never considered what life would be like with a disability. He suddenly sees things from a different perspective and not much of it is good. His school building isn’t equipped for wheelchair users, he faces insensitive comments on a daily basis and even his doctor thinks he’s faking it.
The author has written a sensitive book about disabilities. I wondered how the author would deal with Micah’s illness as a potentially reversible condition. Would recovery be presented as a happy ending? If so, what does this say about disability? By introducing us to several characters, with varying disabilities, some recoverable, others not, the author explores many aspects of disability, in particular, how society views disabled people. I loved reading about Micah’s relationship with Evie, proving that disabled or not, these two characters are just ordinary teenagers.
I enjoyed this book and whilst I think I am quite aware of disability issues, this opened my eyes to things it’s too easy to overlook. I would thoroughly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Before his illness, Micah never considered what life would be like with a disability. He suddenly sees things from a different perspective and not much of it is good. His school building isn’t equipped for wheelchair users, he faces insensitive comments on a daily basis and even his doctor thinks he’s faking it.
The author has written a sensitive book about disabilities. I wondered how the author would deal with Micah’s illness as a potentially reversible condition. Would recovery be presented as a happy ending? If so, what does this say about disability? By introducing us to several characters, with varying disabilities, some recoverable, others not, the author explores many aspects of disability, in particular, how society views disabled people. I loved reading about Micah’s relationship with Evie, proving that disabled or not, these two characters are just ordinary teenagers.
I enjoyed this book and whilst I think I am quite aware of disability issues, this opened my eyes to things it’s too easy to overlook. I would thoroughly recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2024
Micah’s whole life has changed: once a star football player for his elite private school, now he’s stuck in a wheelchair with a mysterious illness that his former teammates and dismissive doctor think is all in his head, perhaps a reaction to his dad’s recent death.
As Micah struggles to cope with this illness, his grief, the loss of his friends, and the loss of the ability to do what he loved most, he meets Evie, another student at his school in a wheelchair, who, along with a few other friends, helps him to see possibilities for his life beyond loss and disappointment.
The love story is cute but not particularly remarkable (though students will probably enjoy it more than we did as adult readers), but what makes the novel worth recommending to your students is the exploration of what it’s like to struggle with an invisible illness. Micah ends up being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as chronic fatigue syndrome, and his experience with doctors who refuse to believe the condition is real is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Students with a similar experience have an opportunity to feel seen, one of our favorite reasons to recommend novels. There’s also an interesting exploration of CTE in high school athletes, a topic we should probably be talking more about.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
As Micah struggles to cope with this illness, his grief, the loss of his friends, and the loss of the ability to do what he loved most, he meets Evie, another student at his school in a wheelchair, who, along with a few other friends, helps him to see possibilities for his life beyond loss and disappointment.
The love story is cute but not particularly remarkable (though students will probably enjoy it more than we did as adult readers), but what makes the novel worth recommending to your students is the exploration of what it’s like to struggle with an invisible illness. Micah ends up being diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as chronic fatigue syndrome, and his experience with doctors who refuse to believe the condition is real is, unfortunately, not uncommon. Students with a similar experience have an opportunity to feel seen, one of our favorite reasons to recommend novels. There’s also an interesting exploration of CTE in high school athletes, a topic we should probably be talking more about.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.
August 26, 2024
When Micah begins passing out upon standing and puking regularly when exerting energy and is overtly tired his doctor writes it off as grief. After all his father just died in a car accident that Micah was involved in. Who wouldn’t be devastated their father who was the high school football coach where Micah was the star quarterback?
His mother is as supportive as it gets. When Micah loess the ability to walk or even propel himself with a wheelchair it’s an electric wheelchair that his mother purchases along with a van including a power lift.
Hen Micah is transferred to the class with the other handicapped kids in his school, he feels he has hit rock bottom.
He has gone from being an only child with a 2 parent household, homecoming king, football quarterback, handsome and popular with a bunch of friends and dating the head cheerleader to a wheelchair outcast.
In a matter of months.
What’s worse , his family doctor believes his illness is all in Micah’s head and it’s just a matter of affirmations that will cure him.
Will Micah and his mom get the courage to change doctors or will they succumb to the doctor’s, classmates, and friend bullying?
Read to find out. You won’t regret it!
But it’s the little things that make the biggest changes in life
There he meets Evie, a girl who has had her leg amputated because of a sepsis diagnosis in her foot.
His mother is as supportive as it gets. When Micah loess the ability to walk or even propel himself with a wheelchair it’s an electric wheelchair that his mother purchases along with a van including a power lift.
Hen Micah is transferred to the class with the other handicapped kids in his school, he feels he has hit rock bottom.
He has gone from being an only child with a 2 parent household, homecoming king, football quarterback, handsome and popular with a bunch of friends and dating the head cheerleader to a wheelchair outcast.
In a matter of months.
What’s worse , his family doctor believes his illness is all in Micah’s head and it’s just a matter of affirmations that will cure him.
Will Micah and his mom get the courage to change doctors or will they succumb to the doctor’s, classmates, and friend bullying?
Read to find out. You won’t regret it!
But it’s the little things that make the biggest changes in life
There he meets Evie, a girl who has had her leg amputated because of a sepsis diagnosis in her foot.
March 28, 2025
This is a story of a boy who finds himself unable to walk. This is something that happens to him without prior warning and on the heels of another loss. Having been a popular football ( American) player previously, this new life is teaching in more ways than one.
Micah spends the book trying to find a way to understand his disability and how it defines him in general. The story has children being the young adults they are, including the mean and selfish. The emotional upheavals all felt realistic.
I think I had a problem with the whole doctor issue. The primary physician and the related storyline seemed to be too crazy to be a part of the rest of the story. It is never dealt with completely, and given how everything else happens in the book, I thought it would have been tackled some more.
This book had a good way to focus on how children are impacted by even the subtlest changes in their lives and what the repercussions could mean for others in their lives. I would recommend it to people who find the blurb interesting.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Micah spends the book trying to find a way to understand his disability and how it defines him in general. The story has children being the young adults they are, including the mean and selfish. The emotional upheavals all felt realistic.
I think I had a problem with the whole doctor issue. The primary physician and the related storyline seemed to be too crazy to be a part of the rest of the story. It is never dealt with completely, and given how everything else happens in the book, I thought it would have been tackled some more.
This book had a good way to focus on how children are impacted by even the subtlest changes in their lives and what the repercussions could mean for others in their lives. I would recommend it to people who find the blurb interesting.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
January 5, 2024
4.5 stars! Really well-done! I discovered Jamison Hill several years ago after the publication of his superb and honest memoir When Force Meets Fate, so I was excited to read his newest book - even if it is Young Adult, which is not typically my genre. As someone from a family with chronic illness and disability, this book hits the nail on the head, and yet if I didn't know any better, I'd think there's no way some of this stuff could happen. For example, doctor gaslighting is real! Even though this book is fiction, it is very informational. Hill does a fabulous job of highlighting "ordinary" high school/teenager life alongside disability/chronic illness. His main characters are good people who find happiness while struggling to cope with and accept their current situations. And he truly demonstrates how others do not understand disability - especially when a healthy person suddenly becomes ill. Something's Wrong with Micah is a great read! Thank you to Jamison Hill and NetGalley for the eARC.
February 24, 2024
This was a sweet story about two kids with disabilities who end up falling for each other. Micah is a teenager who played football until an accident appeared to cause him to have dizzy spells, nausea, and passing out just from standing. Evie is a teenager who was in a car accident and had part of her leg amputated. They are in the same class at school and slowly become friends.
Things I loved about this book:
Evie. She was so sassy and funny, but also vulnerable, scared and strong.
Micah. I could totally empathize with him losing his dad and not only that, but something that he felt gave him his identity.
The friendship group was so fun!
The way the kids stood up for each other.
The parents were so good in this story.
I loved how the sexual experiences were normal, fumbling teenager experiences, AND I love how Evie and Micah reacted the day after.
Learning to ask for help.
Looking for that happy ending that our kids got!
Super sweet epilogue.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Things I loved about this book:
Evie. She was so sassy and funny, but also vulnerable, scared and strong.
Micah. I could totally empathize with him losing his dad and not only that, but something that he felt gave him his identity.
The friendship group was so fun!
The way the kids stood up for each other.
The parents were so good in this story.
I loved how the sexual experiences were normal, fumbling teenager experiences, AND I love how Evie and Micah reacted the day after.
Learning to ask for help.
Looking for that happy ending that our kids got!
Super sweet epilogue.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2024
TW from the author: ableism, medical trauma, suicide, car accidents, profanity, sex, ableist language
I definitely appreciated that the author included this at the beginning and think authors should do this moving forward.
This was an excellent read, but most of all what I enjoyed the most was that it raised awareness about how many people are unintentionally ablelist and instead of trying to shame you for it, he takes the approach of educating you on things you may be doing or saying that are ablelist.
The story itself was really good, though I found the ending a bit too "rushed" or a bit too convenient. I felt like the recovery was just too idlylic/rushed. I also absolutely hated half the characters for their treatment of Micah! So be prepared to scream at the book and ask how people could be so cruel.
Thank you to the author and netgalley for this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I definitely appreciated that the author included this at the beginning and think authors should do this moving forward.
This was an excellent read, but most of all what I enjoyed the most was that it raised awareness about how many people are unintentionally ablelist and instead of trying to shame you for it, he takes the approach of educating you on things you may be doing or saying that are ablelist.
The story itself was really good, though I found the ending a bit too "rushed" or a bit too convenient. I felt like the recovery was just too idlylic/rushed. I also absolutely hated half the characters for their treatment of Micah! So be prepared to scream at the book and ask how people could be so cruel.
Thank you to the author and netgalley for this arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 26, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you Jamison for reaching out to me and offering me an ARC of your book for an honest review.
This is a YA novel which centres around Micah. He is wheelchair bound after contracting an illness. This book gives you such a huge insight as to what it is like to be disabled and as an able bodied person really gave me much more perspective on life and how the world isn’t as inclusive as it really should be.
The cute love story between Evie and Micah is lovely to read and really reminded me of The Fault In Our Stars which is one of the first YA novels I ever read as a teen.
This book is really fast paced,easily digestible and just a lovely light hearted but very necessary read and I definitely believe that disabled people are under represented in books and I hope to find more books that include disabled characters.
Thank you Jamison for reaching out to me and offering me an ARC of your book for an honest review.
This is a YA novel which centres around Micah. He is wheelchair bound after contracting an illness. This book gives you such a huge insight as to what it is like to be disabled and as an able bodied person really gave me much more perspective on life and how the world isn’t as inclusive as it really should be.
The cute love story between Evie and Micah is lovely to read and really reminded me of The Fault In Our Stars which is one of the first YA novels I ever read as a teen.
This book is really fast paced,easily digestible and just a lovely light hearted but very necessary read and I definitely believe that disabled people are under represented in books and I hope to find more books that include disabled characters.
January 23, 2024
Jamison does it again
I received this copy from the author, as I did another of his books. I have told everyone about When Force Meets Fate, so I was so excited when Jamison reached out to me again. As a middle school teacher, this book is a fantastic addition to a classroom library. The dialogue was age appropriate without being cheesy or crass. It doesn’t follow the cliche “kids with disabilities are weird� trope, but rather shows how disabilities come in all varieties, and don’t discriminate. I know many of my students would relate to Evie and Micah’s struggles with not being able to play their favorite sports anymore and/or being ostracized by their “friends�, as well as the different layers of mental health. Fun story with many lessons and topics to discuss!
Thanks again, Jamison!
I received this copy from the author, as I did another of his books. I have told everyone about When Force Meets Fate, so I was so excited when Jamison reached out to me again. As a middle school teacher, this book is a fantastic addition to a classroom library. The dialogue was age appropriate without being cheesy or crass. It doesn’t follow the cliche “kids with disabilities are weird� trope, but rather shows how disabilities come in all varieties, and don’t discriminate. I know many of my students would relate to Evie and Micah’s struggles with not being able to play their favorite sports anymore and/or being ostracized by their “friends�, as well as the different layers of mental health. Fun story with many lessons and topics to discuss!
Thanks again, Jamison!
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