Maddy‘s Review of Dyscalculia by Camonghne Felix
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review this book. Dyscalculia is a poetry, non-fiction memoir about the author. Camonghne has gone through a lot of trauma in her life. She shares so honestly about everything she has been through. There’s her childhood trauma that leads to mental health issues and a difficult relationship with math. And much more. Some trigger warnings: self harm, panic attacks, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, and abortion. This book is definitely a difficult read and won’t be for everyone. Make sure you are in the right headspace to read it.
I loved the writing style. It is different from most other books that I’ve read. It is an accessible read. I learned a lot while reading Dyscalculia. I learned more about adhd, bipolar disorder, and dyscalculia. It is difficult seeing her struggle so much, and not getting a proper diagnosis for a long time. However, I know a lot of people will be able to relate to that pain, including myself. It was relatable with how she describes the feeling of being on medication. I’m glad she was so open and honest about everything she went through and her feelings. I am not a poc, but I related to the story in other ways, especially when Felix wrote about depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sexual assault, medication, and self harm. I am glad that she kept going to new therapists and trying new medications, it gives me hope that I will find the right medication and diagnosis for myself in the future. It gives me hope to keep hanging in there and to keep trying. Things really can get better. I am thankful she shared her story, and shared her healing journey.
I highlighted a lot in the ebook copy. I highlighted so many quotes and wrote so many notes. One of my favorite reads of the year. I can’t wait to read Camonghne’s next book.
Just a few quotes I liked:
“Pythagoreans believed that there are three ways humanity improves, one of which is dying. Death is biological, but where it is also metaphysical is where I find delight.”
“I fed and grew and grew until my need was the size of my shame and my shame was the size of a mountain, where I teetered at the edges of my desire and ignored him with my indecision and my impulses.”
“Black girls get to write about benign heartbreaks too. Proud and saccharine and pathetic.”
Page count: 240 pages
Star rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Publish date: February 14, 2023
Author: Camonghne Felix
