This past weekend I read two books focusing on mental healthy - they were both phenomenal and so well done, but for different reasons. The Lost Girls of Willowbrook was harrowing because it was based on the true story of Willowbrook State School on Staten Island New York. Thankfully the school was shut down in 1987, but this book is set in the 70’s.

Sage Winters has believed her identical twin sister Rosemary for the past 6 years, until one night she finally gets it out of her step father that Rosemary has been in Willowbrook getting treatment and she’s gone missing. Sage hurries off and heads to Willowbrook only to learn she’s lost her purse on the journey. With no identification the administration of Willowbrook believes Sage is Rosemary and quickly locks her up and drug her despite her desperate pleas. Sage continues her quest to find Rosemary and searches for anyone who will help her. Thinking she’s found help in Eddie, Sage uses the cover of reports approaching to school to escape herself. However things aren’t what they seem and Sage quickly learns she’s in more danger than she ever thought.

This book will stick with me a long time. We have a state run mental institution close to where I went to college and this book reminded me of stories I’ve heard about it. I’ve heard it’s better now, but to think not long ago, we as a society cast out anyone not 100% mentally capable as trash is just frightening. I’ve learned so much from the books I read this year and I am so grateful for that. Please pick up this book, but know that the writing could be disturbing. Read the synopsis first to make sure you can handle the imagery. I give this a strong 5/5 and highly recommend you check it out. Special thanks to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for my copy from the NetGalley public catalog.