Group by Christie Tate

GROUP

Arriving with a huge box of chocolates from a best mate last week was this book – perfect gift I think so! My friend is a discerning reader and when she recommends a book I know it’s good. I don’t know if I would have immediately been drawn to this but the disparity of reviews online pushed me to start it straight away.

I have seen descriptions like Carrie Bradshaw in therapy – this is a brutally honest, searing look at one woman’s long term experience through group therapy. I had to keep reminding myself it was nonfiction as it is written so well and is at times so shocking in relation to what her therapist suggests she do (cue many google searches about this form of therapy).

When I tell you I didn’t put down this book once from beginning to end I mean it. I was laughing, emotional, gasping with surprise and completely entertained simultaneously. It’s light but complex, thought provoking and fast paced. Her group become her family. 

I think this would appeal to a huge array of readers. It has a real soul and I loved every page. I adore you @cassiehorwich for sending this.

~ Chaya

I love it when a book surprises me and Group did that — and more. In all honesty, I wasn’t expecting all that much. It sounded like a relatively interesting read. What I didn’t expect, though, was how profoundly moving it would be. How it would make me laugh out loud but also shake me to my core.

Group is the true story of Christie Tait. A ferociously hard worker and successful twenty-something student — she’s top of her class at law school — with, seemingly, an awful lot going for her on the surface. In reality, though, Christie’s thoughts are dark; she’s contemplating ending her life. 

This marks the start of a journey, through therapy. Group therapy, specifically. With the indomitable Dr Rosen at its helm, Christie’s group becomes so much more than the context in which her therapy takes place. It is the very situation that saves her life — but more than that, it is the space that ensures she is able thrive.

At times, absolutely hysterical and at others, incredibly poignant, I read this one in a day and I believe there’s something in there for all of us.

~ Sophie