The Making of Brio McPride by RA Ruegg is a bold and thought-provoking novel that explores the intersection of mental health, identity, and corporate influence. Brio is a fiercely independent fifteen-year-old who refuses to accept the world’s judgment that he is mentally ill. Instead, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery through an unconventional therapist, Logie, and his experimental type of narrative therapy. As Brio delves deeper into his own psyche, the shadow of a powerful tech giant looms over his progress, threatening to redefine not just his therapy but the future of mental health treatment itself.
Author RA Ruegg has an original style of storytelling that is both innovative and deeply engaging, and it certainly makes for a novel that’s thoughtful, immersive, and often darkly humorous along the way. I appreciated the core message of the text, which offers a sharp and insightful look at mental health through the lens of an unforgettable protagonist who just wants clarity and self-discovery, something many of us can relate to. Brio’s journey is as heart-wrenching as it is empowering, pulling readers into his world completely, thanks to the immersive narrative and vibrant speech and thought presentation. What results is an intelligent and timely novel that raises important questions about therapy, technology, and identity, but also keeps us entertained along the way. Overall, I recommend The Making of Brio McPride as a compelling coming-of-age story that challenges the boundaries of self-perception and reality.
