This article summarizes and reflects on a Readers’ Favorite review of Upside Down.
In this Readers’ Favorite review, the reader calls Upside Down “a raw, refreshing and thoughtful approach to a condition that all humans share.” Their focus is on the emotional weight of the story and how the Upside Down world becomes a place where pain refuses to stay hidden.
The review centers on Caleb and Maddy’s struggle to escape the mirrored realm, a place where:
emotional wounds become visible
some people cling to their suffering
others desperately want out
and one figure—Sebastian—turns his own pain into power
Rather than escaping discomfort, many of the characters are forced to confront it head-on, which is exactly what this reviewer connected with.
“Thoughtful and adventurous, the Upside Down world is a world of pain.”
“Most will identify with this story of wanting to avoid emotional pain and the trials we all experience.”
“A refreshing take on giving the emotional body we all contain a voice.”
“The writer has a gift of presenting our shadow selves in a powerful light.”
“Hell of a read.”
The reviewer especially emphasizes how the book deals with shadow selves, emotional avoidance, and the uncomfortable work of honestly facing what hurts.
What makes this review stand out is the way it frames Upside Down not just as a surreal or psychological story, but as:
a metaphor for emotional honesty
a confrontation with the parts of ourselves we try to hide
a narrative where pain is not neatly resolved, but acknowledged and given a voice
The review also calls out Sebastian as someone who “capitalizes on his own pain to thrive in a world he refuses to leave,” which is a key read on his role in the book. He represents the part of grief that doesn’t want to heal because staying broken feels safer than risking change.
Read the full review on Readers’ Favorite
ISBN: 979-8296073051
