Until the Ribbon Breaks

# Until the Ribbon Breaks: A Heartfelt Journey Through Mental Health

## Recommended Age: older YA readers (16+)

## Content Warnings: bullying, language, self-harm, substance abuse, suicide, mental illness

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Book Summary

"Being locked up in a juvenile mental health facility was the last place Harlow thought she’d be spending the summer before her senior year of high school. Battling with massive depressive disorder and a past suicide attempt, one wouldn’t think things could get much worse. That is, until Hopewell’s newest patient arrives—Sebastian. He’s popular, arrogant, and the one person Harlow despises the most at school. It couldn’t possibly get any worse, could it?

With nowhere to hide, Harlow is forced to confront her deepest insecurities. These insecurities pave the way for an unforeseen friendship with Sebastian. Together, they learn to lean on each other to find the strength to drop their walls and see each other’s truths.

But when they leave Hopewell and return home, life becomes even more complicated. Stripped of all their safeguards, they must rely on each other as they navigate through their senior year."

My Thoughts

This was a tough book to get through. Because it’s so well written, the more it hurts. I loved the symbolism of the ribbon throughout the book. Blair weaves it through the story so seamlessly yet intentionally. The way she handled the family dynamics was also a powerful part of the narrative. You could feel the pain, frustration, and confusion from all sides. It shows how mental illness is rarely the cause of a single event. Instead, many tiny, seemingly meaningless factors slowly make that ribbon go taut until it finally snaps.

I almost didn’t want to read it. With books like this, you can either choose to protect your peace or confront the harsh reality many people quietly live with. But then Blair’s raw, unfiltered writing makes it impossible to ignore, especially when you realize the characters are around your age.

The Impact of Bullying

One of the reasons this book feels so important is because of where everything stems from: school bullying. High school can be a brutal place to be if you don’t fit in. The book forces you to reconsider how “harmless” bullying really is. A few taunts or cruel words add up over time. It’s a reminder that the impact of our words can linger far longer than we might think.

Life at Hopewell

The scenes at Hopewell are written to make you feel like you’re on the sidelines with them. Blair wrote everything so realistically that I was horrified at some of the precautions the facility had to consider. I’d never realized how much planning went into making a place like that safe. Still, I loved the sense of community they found for themselves at Hopewell. The story doesn’t just focus on Harlow—we also get a glimpse of the solitary struggles of those around her.

Until the Ribbon Breaks does go into graphic detail about the content warnings mentioned above. Please only read the book if you’re sure you can handle it and are in the right place emotionally. I know I finished this book feeling heartbroken and angry, wondering how things like this can happen to people who don’t deserve it. But more than anything, reading this was a good reminder that we don’t always know the weight our words can carry.

Finding Strength in Vulnerability

As I turned the pages, I found myself reflecting on the importance of vulnerability. Harlow and Sebastian's journey is a testament to how sharing our struggles can lead to unexpected connections. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re not alone in our battles. The friendships we forge, especially in tough times, can help us heal.

The Journey Beyond Hopewell

When Harlow and Sebastian leave Hopewell, the real challenge begins. They must face the world outside, where the safety net of the facility is gone. This transition is daunting. It’s a stark reminder that recovery isn’t linear. There will be setbacks. Yet, their bond gives them the courage to face these challenges together.

Conclusion: A Call to Empathy

In the end, Until the Ribbon Breaks is more than just a story about mental illness. It’s a call to empathy. It urges us to understand the struggles of others, even when we can’t see them. As readers, we are invited to reflect on our own lives and the lives of those around us.

So, if you’re ready to dive into a story that challenges your perspective and tugs at your heartstrings, I highly recommend picking up this book. It’s a journey worth taking!