The Opposite of Music

The Opposite of Music is a poignant and realistic young adult novel that delves into the devastating impact of severe depression on a family. Billy's father, once vibrant, becomes distant and unresponsive, leading his family to try various unconventional methods to bring him back. The narrative unflinchingly portrays the emotional toll on Billy, who stops pursuing his passion for music, his sister, who contemplates suicide-proofing their home, and his mother, who struggles with work-life balance. It's a story of profound family love, the immense challenges of caregiving, and the crucial lesson of seeking external support when facing overwhelming circumstances. This book is ideal for parents and teens seeking to understand and discuss mental illness within a family context.

when i am well i will take you At first Billy's father just seemed distant, as if he had something on his mind. Then he stopped listening to music, saying it hurt his ears. After a while he stopped eating and sleeping. And after that he just stopped. Stopped being Billy's father and his friend and became someone else. Someone who was depressed and withdrawn and wouldn't respond to treatments. Determined to help their father, Billy and his family devise a series of unconventional therapies for him. But the strain of looking after Dad begins to wear on them all. Billy stops writing songs and starts avoiding his friends. His sister wants to suicide-proof the house. And his mother worries about losing her job because she takes so much time off. Taking care of Dad is starting to sap the strength they need to keep him alive. The Opposite of Music is a powerful and realistic debut novel about the lengths a family will go to in order to save one of their own, and the strength it takes to learn how to ask for help.