Kissing Doorknobs Author:Terry Spencer Hesser In her first novel, Kissing Doorknobs, Terry Spencer Hesser has written an inspiring, often humorous novel about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a topic that merits discussion and compassion. — Fourteen-year-old Tara Sullivan has always been a worrier. On the surface, she has been able to behave like a normal girl. But when she is 11 years old, sh... more »e hears a phrase that changes her life: Step on a crack, break your mother's back. Now, everywhere she goes, Tara must count every crack in the sidewalk. If she gets interrupted or loses her place, she has to go home and start all over again. As she gets older, her "habits" don't get better -- they change and increase. She has to arrange her meals, recite prayers, and chat with her dolls, over and over again.
Tara does not know why she has these habits, she just knows that she has no choice: she has to complete the rituals. Then one day, before leaving the house, she finds herself kissing her fingertips and touching the doorknob...« less
I liked this book. I found it strange at times, but then realized that there is a lot about OCD that I don't understand. Good book - both entertaining (in that reading kind of way) and educational.
I am studying to be a cognitive behavioral therapist and found this book tremendously insightful into the mind of a girl suffering with OCD. The sense of humor incoporated into the mix helped lighten the seriousness of the subject. I couldn't put it and down and upon completion, wished the book was even longer.
The love story at the end developed a little too fast for my taste. However, I particularly enjoyed reading the interaction between Tara and Sam when Sam was the one falling victim to his OCD. It was sweet to see how they were both able to strengthen the other, albeit experiencing different types of OCD.
Overall, a highly recommended read to all- sufferers and non-sufferers alike.
I read this book in middle school and have searched high and low for another copy so I could re-read it. This book makes the struggle of living with OCD much more relatable.