Parents' Guide to

Highly Illogical Behavior

By Mary Cosola, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Sweet, funny tale of teen helping boy beat fear of outside.

Book John Corey Whaley Coming of Age 2016
Highly Illogical Behavior Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

Solomon Reed's agoraphobia seems like a problem to everyone but Solomon. Never leaving the house has solved all his problems: No more anxiety attacks, no more figuring out how to coexist with the population at large. His family is supportive and loving to him, even though they're wracked with worry as to what kind of future he can possibly have. Enter Lisa Praytor, a smart, high-achieving high school junior who's determined to get into a good psychology program. To earn a scholarship to her top-choice program, she needs to write an essay about her experience with mental illness. She remembers Solomon from middle school -- he had a very public meltdown before disappearing from public -- and decides she can cure him and get a killer essay in the process. She enlists her boyfriend, Clark, in her scheme, and an unlikely friendship blossoms among the teens. They all learn a lot about themselves and what matters most in life.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (3):

Funny, smart, and bittersweet, this coming-of-age story of an agoraphobic and the girl determined to cure him will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Author John Corey Whaley portrays teens and their interactions realistically and with compassion. Solomon is a quirky character who charms the reader from the outset. His crippling anxiety and agoraphobia aren't played for laughs, but rather we get to see that teens with mental illness aren't defined by their issues.

Though most readers will cringe when Lisa decides to "cure" him, all for the sake of an excellent college scholarship essay, her journey turns out to be more compelling that it might seem at first. It boils down to a "Who is saving whom?" situation between Solomon and Lisa. Lisa's boyfriend, Clark, defies typical YA jock stereotypes and is a sweet, engaging character who adds a lot of heart to the story. Even though the author telegraphs many of the plot twists way in advance, this still makes for a sweet and entertaining read.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about mental illness. Why do you think it's a common subject in YA novels? What do you think of the way different mental illnesses are presented in books and movies? Does it match or add to your knowledge of kids with these issues?

  • Are there particular books, movies, or TV shows that really speak to you? How have they helped you understand things about life or brought you comfort?

  • The pressure to get into a good college can be all-consuming and cause people to behave in ways they might not normally. What are some good ways to keep your priorities in check while still working hard for what you want?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate