natalie intihar

Publication Date: January 13, 2026

Is This a Cry for Help? was a different story to what I usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Emily Austin’s portrayal of Darcy’s life working as a librarian as well as someone with mental health struggles had me very invested. The plot about book bans & different opinions on libraries was equally interesting and a real insight into how those fights show up in real life.

Darcy’s own journey through grief and healing as well as her understanding of herself and her sexuality was so powerful. I really appreciated how much of her story was about that journey and how openly Emily Austin writes about therapy. Everyone’s journey in therapy is different, so I appreciated the honest insight into Darcy’s experience.

While Darcy’s own happy ending with her wife Joy was already solidified before the book began, I found my own joy in seeing their dynamic and the way they showed up for each other. There’s something so lovely about the consistency of their relationship- even in the hard times, the way they never give up on one another is so beautiful.

Thank you to Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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