Lately, I’ve been revisiting some of the most impactful books from my later teenage years, and Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen is the next to join that list. Tragic yet inspiring, this resilient coming-of-age memoir is an important read for young women.

Set in the 1960s, a young Susanna is admitted to a high-end psychiatric hospital that has housed many members of elite society during their struggles with mental illness. There, she encounters a fascinating and unsettling cast of characters, including Lisa, a beautiful and manipulative sociopath constantly plotting her next escape, and Daisy, whose disturbing routines reveal the depth of her suffering. From within the hospital walls, the girls watch the outside world unfold on television – the rise of counterculture, the chaos of the Vietnam War – slowly realizing that life continues on without them.

This book offers a striking look at how young women were treated within the mental health system during that era, while also raising broader questions about diagnosis, identity, and what it means to be “well.” It can be deeply uncomfortable at times (especially given some of the more graphic or sensitive content, so checking trigger warnings is wise), but it is written with such clarity and vividness that Susanna’s experiences feel immediate and real.

I know this is one of my younger sister’s favorite books, and I think it’s especially impactful for readers around her age (she just turned 19).

The film adaptation is also worth watching, particularly for its standout cast, including Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder, and Brittany Murphy. That said, it differs quite a bit from the book, and I’d strongly recommend reading the original first for the full experience.

If you’re looking for something raw, honest, and emotionally challenging, this is a powerful read – just be prepared to sit with a bit of discomfort along the way.