The story was slow, the dialogue was basic and the concept was predictable. It was clear there was no research done on this topic. The characters and situations are stereotypes. A magic pill to resolve a "chemical imbalance," the archaic term used to describe the cause of the main character's problem, is unbelievable. It appeared the main character could have ADD because she had trouble with organization and motivation, and undiagnosed ADD does cause depressive symptoms. Or perhaps she had depression from the lack of a mother figure in her house and a father who was not a caring man. It was strange how he just so happened to have a card for a psychiatrist, because he was not believable as someone who would have faith in psychiatry. Where was her caring father or a guardian when she went to visit the psychiatrist? An emphasis on home support would have given the story strength. There was nothing more stereotypical than when she took the medication, which could never work that quickly. The alter egos of all the characters implied that everyone needs a "magic pill" and added some comic relief. In reality blood tests and constant doctor visits are required to tweak medication. Flashbacks would have been a stronger way to detail the key moments. Also, the teacher appeared to be the one who connected with the main character and might assist her in seeking help. The father's role in that did not fit his personality. This is a serious topic that adults should have provided supervision on and it required months of research before anything was even written.
Review of The Imbalancing Act
