Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

“I’m going to show you something that will change your whole life.”
― Tamara Ireland Stone, Every Last Word

  Samantha McAllister is popular but she has a secret --- She has OCD. She second guesses everything. She takes medication to curb her impulses. focus and sleep.  She has weekly visited to a psychiatrist.

Despite being popular she struggles to fit in and find her place but a chance meeting with "Caroline"  introduces her to a secluded, secret club that meets in a hidden space behind the school theater.

She slowly becomes a part of this group, called "Poet's Corner" and uses her talent with words to express herself, while forging friendships with other members of this secret group. She is drawn a guitar wielding guy uses music and verse to express himself. Things appear to be looking up but a revelation makes her question her sanity.

Stone has developed a great group of characters, even the popular "mean" girls are intriguing. I could relate to, Sam's obsession and second guessing tendencies. Stone has obviously researched what it's like to live with OCD.

The climax is intense and rather surprising. My favorite part of the novel is the relationship the character has with her mom. "Every Last Word" has left an impression on me and I think it will leave one on you too.