Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley

"Highly Illogical Behavior" by John Corey Whaley is a fictional story that follows the life of two high school students, an overachiever named Lisa Praytor, and an agoraphobe named Solomon Reed.  The story is told in Solomon's point of view in every odd numbered chapter, and is told in Lisa's point of view in every even numbered chapter. 

Solomon's chapters illustrate his experiences with agoraphobia, or the fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment.  After an embarrassing meltdown in front of the school, Solomon Reed made a decision to never leave home.  Since then, Solomon hasn't left his house in 3 years, 2 months, and a day.  At home, he had more control over his anxiety and was comfortable, and he did not plan to leave anytime soon.

Enter Lisa Praytor, an intelligent, high-achieving high school junior whose dream is to the 2nd best psychology program in the US.  In order to earn a scholarship to her program of choice, she needs to write an essay about her experience with mental illness. She remembers Solomon, and his meltdown from middle school, and decides she can find and cure him, resulting in the best story and essay that the program has ever seen.

Witty, funny, and bittersweet, this coming-of-age story realistically illustrates teenagers and their interactions.  The story was truly captivating due to its interesting character development and the ability to relate with its characters.  Solomon's crippling anxiety and agoraphobia are treated seriously, but through his quirky personality, we get to see that people with mental illness aren't defined by their issues.  There are twists and turns that the author throws in later in the book that keep the story interesting and raises the reader's curiosity.  All in all, this book makes for a sweet and entertaining read, and has become one of my favorites.