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Apocalypse Untreated
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 4, 2021
Apocalypse Untreated is a multi-actor audiodrama available free with an Audible subscription, about a group of teenagers staying in a rehab facility who survive an extinction level event. I was interested because I like post-apocalyptic stories and was curious as to how the mental health aspects were handled, but didn’t enjoy this because most of the characters were so awful and the messaging very dubious.
A giant asteroid is heading towards the earth, but a group of young psychiatric patients have bigger problems - their families have had them detained in an isolated treatment centre where uncaring sarcastic staff force them to attend group therapy. When the apocalypse turns out not to be fake news after all, six teens with assorted diagnoses will have to learn to get along with each other - and survive in the wilderness without their pharmaceuticals.
I gather this was written by people with knowledge of mental illness, and am hesitant to criticise this wearing my medical hat, but I don’t think the authors did psychiatric patients any favours here, with their cliched depictions of illness sufferers, or the idea that all of them needed to be on cocktails of potent drugs to be able to function normally. Indy, the central protagonist, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and is showing clear signs of post-traumatic stress, so why make her The most annoying adolescent since Holden Caulfield? She’s whiny, unbelievably selfish and chooses some strange issues to take a stand on.
There’s lots of debate about whether or not Eva is a sociopath, and her behaviour is pretty evil, but the conclusion is that she can decide to be nice and helpful after all? The only sympathetic characters are the chatty schizophrenic and Indy’s beleaguered father. This had a diverse range of characters, but with a high proportion being gay, bisexual or asexual, which seems improbable. There was at least an attempt to break some stereotypes with a male eating disorder patient. It’s supposed to be “darkly humorous” but I didn’t find any of it remotely funny.
The actors did a reasonable job of distinguishing the characters from each other. This is broken up into 19 chapters, varying from 3 to over 20 minutes in length, which was aggravating when you have to download and play each one separately and they don’t even get listed in order. I tend to listen to audiobooks sped up, as I find them too slow and boring otherwise but the already high-pitched female voices ended up intolerably screechy. And what’s with all the vomiting?! Completely unnecessary. It’s unclear whether there might be a sequel as things were left rather open-ended. Looking at other reviews, it seems people with experience of mental illness have enjoyed this, and younger listeners might find the characters and the way they speak more relatable but I can’t give it more than 2 stars and regret wasting my listening time.
A giant asteroid is heading towards the earth, but a group of young psychiatric patients have bigger problems - their families have had them detained in an isolated treatment centre where uncaring sarcastic staff force them to attend group therapy. When the apocalypse turns out not to be fake news after all, six teens with assorted diagnoses will have to learn to get along with each other - and survive in the wilderness without their pharmaceuticals.
I gather this was written by people with knowledge of mental illness, and am hesitant to criticise this wearing my medical hat, but I don’t think the authors did psychiatric patients any favours here, with their cliched depictions of illness sufferers, or the idea that all of them needed to be on cocktails of potent drugs to be able to function normally. Indy, the central protagonist, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and is showing clear signs of post-traumatic stress, so why make her The most annoying adolescent since Holden Caulfield? She’s whiny, unbelievably selfish and chooses some strange issues to take a stand on.
There’s lots of debate about whether or not Eva is a sociopath, and her behaviour is pretty evil, but the conclusion is that she can decide to be nice and helpful after all? The only sympathetic characters are the chatty schizophrenic and Indy’s beleaguered father. This had a diverse range of characters, but with a high proportion being gay, bisexual or asexual, which seems improbable. There was at least an attempt to break some stereotypes with a male eating disorder patient. It’s supposed to be “darkly humorous” but I didn’t find any of it remotely funny.
The actors did a reasonable job of distinguishing the characters from each other. This is broken up into 19 chapters, varying from 3 to over 20 minutes in length, which was aggravating when you have to download and play each one separately and they don’t even get listed in order. I tend to listen to audiobooks sped up, as I find them too slow and boring otherwise but the already high-pitched female voices ended up intolerably screechy. And what’s with all the vomiting?! Completely unnecessary. It’s unclear whether there might be a sequel as things were left rather open-ended. Looking at other reviews, it seems people with experience of mental illness have enjoyed this, and younger listeners might find the characters and the way they speak more relatable but I can’t give it more than 2 stars and regret wasting my listening time.
October 2, 2020
Dunn does an amazing job highlighting the uniqueness of each character and how they react to their specific mental illness in the midst of an apocalyptic event. This was very thoughtful and throughout.
May 2, 2021
Nuovo podcast, gratuito per gli iscritti, di Audible, questa volta made in U.S.A..
Un asteroide è in rotta di collisione con la Terra, c'è chi organizza una missione per frantumato e renderlo inoffensivo, chi nega la sua esistenza e chi non li considera proprio... dell'ultimo gruppo fanno parte i protagonisti della storia, un gruppo di adolescenti rinchiusi in una clinica di riabilitazione.
Dipendenze varie e problemi psichiatrici non aiutano, ancor meno la catastrofe che devasta il Nord America e rende l'accesso alle loro medicine a dir poco difficoltoso.
Alla ricerca di sopravvissuti, cercando di sopravvivere nella nuova realtà ostile e ai loro sintomi che, senza medicine, tornano più aggressivi che mai.
Con un gioco di eventi in diretta, flashback e registrazioni terapeutiche la storia risulta interessante e ben dotata. La sola cosa fastidiosa sono gli stacchi tra un episodio e l'altro, non separati da sigle o altro e, ascoltandolo a pubblicazione settimanale terminata, l'impossibilità di ascoltare tutto di fila (se conoscete un trucco, spiegatemelo).
Non so se avremo una seconda stagione, ma il viaggio dei nostri superstiti è solo all'inizio.
Un asteroide è in rotta di collisione con la Terra, c'è chi organizza una missione per frantumato e renderlo inoffensivo, chi nega la sua esistenza e chi non li considera proprio... dell'ultimo gruppo fanno parte i protagonisti della storia, un gruppo di adolescenti rinchiusi in una clinica di riabilitazione.
Dipendenze varie e problemi psichiatrici non aiutano, ancor meno la catastrofe che devasta il Nord America e rende l'accesso alle loro medicine a dir poco difficoltoso.
Alla ricerca di sopravvissuti, cercando di sopravvivere nella nuova realtà ostile e ai loro sintomi che, senza medicine, tornano più aggressivi che mai.
Con un gioco di eventi in diretta, flashback e registrazioni terapeutiche la storia risulta interessante e ben dotata. La sola cosa fastidiosa sono gli stacchi tra un episodio e l'altro, non separati da sigle o altro e, ascoltandolo a pubblicazione settimanale terminata, l'impossibilità di ascoltare tutto di fila (se conoscete un trucco, spiegatemelo).
Non so se avremo una seconda stagione, ma il viaggio dei nostri superstiti è solo all'inizio.
September 29, 2020
Literally just finished this audio book and I’m bummed it’s over. As someone who has been on medication for mental illness for 20+ years I have often wondered in the age of dystopian fiction how I would survive the apocalypse, zombie outbreak, etc if my medication were to run out. I appreciate that the story unpacked the physical and mental symptoms of going cold turkey off a medication. I also enjoyed the array of mental illness depictions and how each person’s experience was nuanced in a way that showcased the fact that no mental illness and no mental illness treatment is a one size fits all. Additionally, the social commentary towards the end of the story about how society creates almost a hierarchy of mental illness that is allowed to exist alongside “normal people” and those that are deemed too disruptive for society was so necessary and I’m glad it was included.
I love Gaby Dunn and everything she does but I feel that this story hits close to home and will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I love Gaby Dunn and everything she does but I feel that this story hits close to home and will forever hold a special place in my heart.
June 26, 2021
Audible Description:
"In this scripted Audible Original, five mentally ill teenagers in an inpatient wilderness program during the apocalypse face not only the end of the world, but also the end of their prescriptions. Now, they have to figure out what’s real and what’s just a side effect, and keep their wits about them as they fight for their lives and their minds. Apocalypse Untreated is a multi-part, post-apocalyptic thriller brought to life with world class sound design, and performance. The story moves between real-time action, audio diaries, and archival therapy sessions as our central characters struggle for survival in a deteriorating world.
Apocalypse Untreated is created by Gaby Dunn, an actor, podcaster, LGBTQ activist and New York Times bestselling author and focuses on themes of survival, queer identity, and mental health. Also starring, Chanel Ali (Girl Code), Jes Tom (Soojung Dreams of Fiji) Adam Faison (Everything’s Going To Be Ok) and a full cast."
My Book Review:
"Apocalypse Untreated" is a 19-part sci-fi podcast about a cataclysmic global apocalypse during which a group of teenagers on lockdown at a rural mental rehab facility are some of the only American survivors. This is an engaging story--I wanted to know what happened next, especially that which affected the main characters. The world building is just enough to explain what's going on around the globe but not too much to detract from the immediate challenges of the narrative.
The strongest contribution this makes to its genre is in its representation of mental illness. I especially appreciated that the characters here make their own choices of treatment and aren't helpless despite having mental illnesses. Most of the situations are really well handled and well performed, with the exception of Eva. I just found her to be poorly written and severely over acted.
I am not a mental health professional, nor do I have much personal experience with these conditions, so I really have to trust Gaby Dunn has been respectful and accurate in her depictions. I welcome any quality story of any genre to be published that is more representative of the diversity evident in our human society. As such, I think this is a great step in the right direction. I recommend all potential readers to pay attention to reviews by those with these illnesses or who are professionals in the treatment of these illnesses; they will have a better sense than I as to the well treatment in this full cast performance.
That being said, I enjoyed this and am glad I read it. I recommend this to those interested in YA dystopian fiction, apocalyptic fiction, sci-fi, American fiction, mental illness representation, full cast performances, podcasts, Audible Originals, and LGBTQ+ representation. Happy Pride Month 2021!
"In this scripted Audible Original, five mentally ill teenagers in an inpatient wilderness program during the apocalypse face not only the end of the world, but also the end of their prescriptions. Now, they have to figure out what’s real and what’s just a side effect, and keep their wits about them as they fight for their lives and their minds. Apocalypse Untreated is a multi-part, post-apocalyptic thriller brought to life with world class sound design, and performance. The story moves between real-time action, audio diaries, and archival therapy sessions as our central characters struggle for survival in a deteriorating world.
Apocalypse Untreated is created by Gaby Dunn, an actor, podcaster, LGBTQ activist and New York Times bestselling author and focuses on themes of survival, queer identity, and mental health. Also starring, Chanel Ali (Girl Code), Jes Tom (Soojung Dreams of Fiji) Adam Faison (Everything’s Going To Be Ok) and a full cast."
My Book Review:
"Apocalypse Untreated" is a 19-part sci-fi podcast about a cataclysmic global apocalypse during which a group of teenagers on lockdown at a rural mental rehab facility are some of the only American survivors. This is an engaging story--I wanted to know what happened next, especially that which affected the main characters. The world building is just enough to explain what's going on around the globe but not too much to detract from the immediate challenges of the narrative.
The strongest contribution this makes to its genre is in its representation of mental illness. I especially appreciated that the characters here make their own choices of treatment and aren't helpless despite having mental illnesses. Most of the situations are really well handled and well performed, with the exception of Eva. I just found her to be poorly written and severely over acted.
I am not a mental health professional, nor do I have much personal experience with these conditions, so I really have to trust Gaby Dunn has been respectful and accurate in her depictions. I welcome any quality story of any genre to be published that is more representative of the diversity evident in our human society. As such, I think this is a great step in the right direction. I recommend all potential readers to pay attention to reviews by those with these illnesses or who are professionals in the treatment of these illnesses; they will have a better sense than I as to the well treatment in this full cast performance.
That being said, I enjoyed this and am glad I read it. I recommend this to those interested in YA dystopian fiction, apocalyptic fiction, sci-fi, American fiction, mental illness representation, full cast performances, podcasts, Audible Originals, and LGBTQ+ representation. Happy Pride Month 2021!
December 26, 2021
An interesting audiobook beginning. The characters are a group of young adults at a wellness and therapy camp when a cataclysm befalls the eastern United States and the patients must fend for themselves in a hostile environment while also trying to maintain their mental wellbeing.
I don't feel like I can fairly rate this audiobook, the story is clearly a podcast meant to be enjoyed in long seasons however Audible seems to have packaged one large portion and delivered it as a cohesive audio book. In that manner its lacking a better narrative. Its strengths are its characters and it delivers interesting and diverse voices although perhaps at times somewhat stereotypically. The problem is its just a beginning and as a foundation to a larger story its pretty interesting but as a stand alone story its pretty sparse. The fault probably lies with Audibles packaging of content but regardless it makes the audiobook mediocre but with room to get pretty interesting.
I don't feel like I can fairly rate this audiobook, the story is clearly a podcast meant to be enjoyed in long seasons however Audible seems to have packaged one large portion and delivered it as a cohesive audio book. In that manner its lacking a better narrative. Its strengths are its characters and it delivers interesting and diverse voices although perhaps at times somewhat stereotypically. The problem is its just a beginning and as a foundation to a larger story its pretty interesting but as a stand alone story its pretty sparse. The fault probably lies with Audibles packaging of content but regardless it makes the audiobook mediocre but with room to get pretty interesting.
March 24, 2021
Overall this was an enjoyable experience (and free to listen on Audible UK) but I really want to know who is the one that tought that in a full cast production, which is so good to be listened to through earphones, it is appropriate to have such a huge amount of vomiting! And it was also a very good performance... which is not a compliment. After a while having someone trowing up in your ear all the time is simply disgusting.. does anyone disagree?
Apart from the vomiting the story was good, not totally believable that a bunch of people are all casually alive and no one else is, but it didn't matter. There also is no proper ending, but it's not a cliffhanger, simply the story is not about what happened outside (the plot), but what happened inside the characters, and that made all the rest ok for me. I mean, it worked..
Well, again, apart from the vomiting!!!
Apart from the vomiting the story was good, not totally believable that a bunch of people are all casually alive and no one else is, but it didn't matter. There also is no proper ending, but it's not a cliffhanger, simply the story is not about what happened outside (the plot), but what happened inside the characters, and that made all the rest ok for me. I mean, it worked..
Well, again, apart from the vomiting!!!
September 29, 2020
An Audible Original Podcast - approximately 8 hours listening time - Meteor Strike
From Audible:
In this scripted Audible Original, five mentally ill teenagers in an inpatient wilderness program during the apocalypse face not only the end of the world, but also the end of their prescriptions. Now, they have to figure out what’s real and what’s just a side effect, and keep their wits about them as they fight for their lives and their minds. Apocalypse Untreated is a multi-part, post-apocalyptic thriller brought to life with world class sound design, and performance. The story moves between real-time action, audio diaries, and archival therapy sessions as our central characters struggle for survival in a deteriorating world.
From Audible:
In this scripted Audible Original, five mentally ill teenagers in an inpatient wilderness program during the apocalypse face not only the end of the world, but also the end of their prescriptions. Now, they have to figure out what’s real and what’s just a side effect, and keep their wits about them as they fight for their lives and their minds. Apocalypse Untreated is a multi-part, post-apocalyptic thriller brought to life with world class sound design, and performance. The story moves between real-time action, audio diaries, and archival therapy sessions as our central characters struggle for survival in a deteriorating world.
December 4, 2020
I loved this story so much! It covered serious topics but had a lot of humor that was not atonal. I love the depiction of people with mental illnesses as main characters and the discussion about how society puts mental illness on a hierarchy.
The book could have done with being a little less didactic though when displaying mental illnesses. The world building and plotting was also a little off as there were too many random consequences that worked in the characters favor. Some of the details were also a little off like them walking impossibly long distances while carrying things.
But if you are willing to suspend disbelief, this would be a great book.
The book could have done with being a little less didactic though when displaying mental illnesses. The world building and plotting was also a little off as there were too many random consequences that worked in the characters favor. Some of the details were also a little off like them walking impossibly long distances while carrying things.
But if you are willing to suspend disbelief, this would be a great book.
February 1, 2023
I really liked this series! Somehow, before I even started listening I already knew that I would love it and I did! Also, I think her name was either Eve or Eva or something along those lines, but her character throughout the first half of the series reminded me of Maxine from Ginny and Georgia so it was really cool to see a character written like this. I'm not sure if this was meant as a stand alone series or if there was a plan for another season but I kind of liked how it ended in a way that kind of left me wanting more but I was also satisfied with how the last episode ended. It was a great listen and the concept of the series was a great idea!
March 24, 2022
Well.... First starting this book I was immediately going to stop and return it, but I decided to give it a while longer in hopes that it would get better. And... I'm glad that I did. this story is comical but revolves around real life mental health issues. Each character clearly had their own personality and illness. The illness seemed to fit the character perfectly(or maybe its the other way around) but the Audiobook narrators were exceptional. I'm looking forward to reading what happens next.
October 12, 2020
The depiction of mental health in this book was more than refreshing. I loved how the different characters had their own approaches to the ways they treated their diagnoses, the way it actually happens in real life. How people with mental health issues are still functional human beings. And the part of you can’t choose one diagnosis and say that person is better than someone with a “more serious” diagnosis. At the end I just wanted more, so I hope there is a follow-up to this, it felt really good to read a story that really understands.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2021
This is so fun. The full cast production is perfect with the exception of a lot of vomiting directly in your ears.
I love reading about mental illness that is portrayed correctly, or as correct as my real life knowledge is. The fear of what it would be like if a disaster happens and those who rely on medication can't get it is a real problem that I have so watching these teens struggle and survive is a comfort even when portrayed in a silly way.
I love reading about mental illness that is portrayed correctly, or as correct as my real life knowledge is. The fear of what it would be like if a disaster happens and those who rely on medication can't get it is a real problem that I have so watching these teens struggle and survive is a comfort even when portrayed in a silly way.
May 31, 2022
This book was excellent! I was captivated. Couldn’t put the book down. It was also thought provoking. The characters said some things that made me think. They discussed politics, feminism, mental health & suicide. There was a lot going in the story. A lot to keep me at the edge of my seat. This is a great book. And the performances were done well. I would definitely recommend this book to those who love LGBTQ Fiction with mental health themes. 👍🏼👍🏼
February 4, 2021
Audio was awesome. Story was great until the very end, which is why I've reduced it by a star.
I thought the ending was bad, and ruined the rest of it. Mental illness shouldn't be used to excuse away being an awful person, and the main character shouldn't have sided with an awful person over her girlfriend, just because the awful person has a mental illness.
I thought the ending was bad, and ruined the rest of it. Mental illness shouldn't be used to excuse away being an awful person, and the main character shouldn't have sided with an awful person over her girlfriend, just because the awful person has a mental illness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2021
I found this funny and entertaining but most of all I enjoyed the way it portrayed people with mental illness. As someone who suffers from anxiety, and is medicated for it, it made me question how I would handle an apocalypse situation without my meds. Could I still function long enough to get through the withdrawal? How would I cope with my anxiety if medication wasn't an option?
February 3, 2021
Not really but kind of a spoiler - it takes a little while to get to the apocalypse.
I wish I had known that so I could have enjoyed the beginning a bit more, but it was a fun interesting ride with unique characters who you just want to study.
I wish I had known that so I could have enjoyed the beginning a bit more, but it was a fun interesting ride with unique characters who you just want to study.
March 22, 2021
Not what I expected but I was super impressed with the sensitive but funny way they handled the stigmatised topic of mental health. Really felt the funny bits were funny and the serious moments land very well.
May 23, 2021
Very cool story about troubled teens dealing with mental illnesses and addictions caught in an apocalypse and running out of their meds. Super cool story idea that I hope is continued! I would definitely listen to more! Great voice actors as well!
August 12, 2021
Terrible acting, poorly done. Some ‘episodes’ go for an hour, but most only last 3 or so minutes. The ending was pointless and the entire story is basically a bunch of sooky teenagers whining about everything under the sun. Even free was too expensive for this!!
October 18, 2020
An enjoyable listen. Hope more are added
November 28, 2020
I like the concept (mental health, teens, apocalypse) but it's not quite as gritty as other post-apocalyptic books I've read making it somewhat unrealistic at times. Still a good read.
November 29, 2020
This was so good. I really enjoyed the characters and it was a take on the apocalypse that I haven't seen or ever thought of before. It was so gripping, I highly recommend. Really well written.
December 24, 2020
Very well done with a full cast. A little overdone in parts but very clever.
April 14, 2021
Hoping they do a sequel!
June 13, 2021
Inventive, engaging, thought-provoking. Good YA book.
August 9, 2021
A bit of hope in darkness!
October 12, 2021
I had fun. Nice cast and sounds. Some people try to find gasoline, water and food, mental patients meds - seems like at the regular rave party.
March 29, 2023
Great Audible series, very entertaining. End of the world with unstable people.
April 25, 2023
Cool concept, played more like a radio drama then an audiobook but that’s necessarily a negative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews