Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton follows Adam, a 16-year-old living with schizophrenia, who navigates mental illness, starts a clinical drug trial, and adapts to life at a new school while keeping his condition secret. He forms friendships, engages in a romantic relationship, and faces the challenges of his condition as the efficacy of the drug trial varies. The book includes discussions of mental illness.

Julia Walton's Words on Bathroom Walls offers a poignant and sincere depiction of schizophrenia in a teen's life, praised for its authentic voice and compelling narrative. While some critics find the portrayal deeply moving and the protagonist relatable, others mention that the secondary characters lack depth. Overall, the novel balances sensitivity and humor effectively, making it a thoughtful read.

A reader who would enjoy Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton is likely a fan of contemporary YA fiction with deep emotional themes, similar to those explored in John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars and Nicola Yoon’s Everything, Everything. They appreciate stories that tackle mental health issues with sensitivity and authenticity.

Emotional / Contemplative / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Challenging

- Words on Bathroom Walls was Julia Walton's debut novel, and it quickly received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia.
- The novel inspired a film adaptation released in 2020, featuring actors like Charlie Plummer and Taylor Russell, bringing more awareness to the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions.
- Julia Walton's engaging writing style in Words on Bathroom Walls often includes elements of humor and hope, making complex themes accessible and thought-provoking for young adult readers.

**Adam Petrazelli**  
Adam is a teenager diagnosed with schizophrenia who grapples with the challenges of living with hallucinations. He navigates relationships and the stigma surrounding his mental illness while striving for personal acceptance.

**Maya Salvador**  
Maya is Adam’s love interest, portrayed as a skeptical yet genuine character who feels disillusioned by superficiality in others. She comes from a family facing financial difficulties and shares a guarded nature similar to Adam's.

**Rebecca**  
Rebecca is a hallucination experienced by Adam, embodying a silent, comforting presence with distinctive blonde hair and blue eyes. She often reflects Adam's internal states and can foreshadow the arrival of more troubling hallucinations.

**Dwight Olberman**  
Dwight is a talkative and optimistic friend Adam makes, distinguished by his bright appearance and positive demeanor. He maintains his friendship with Adam regardless of his schizophrenia, consistently supporting Adam without judgment.

**Ian Stone**  
Ian is a student and antagonist at St. Agatha's, known for his habit of collecting secrets to highlight others' vulnerabilities. His actions towards Adam revolve around exposing and misusing personal information.

**Rupert and Basil**  
Rupert and Basil are hallucinations representing Adam's internalized anger and sarcasm, often vocalizing his more negative thoughts. They surface when Adam feels constrained or powerless.

**Paul**  
Paul is Adam's stepfather who initially struggles to comprehend Adam’s illness but eventually becomes supportive and protective. His journey involves overcoming fear to nurture a more understanding relationship with Adam.

**Adam’s Mom**  
Adam's mom is a source of concern for him, as he worries about the impact his schizophrenia may have on her. Her decisions throughout the story signal her belief in Adam's ability to lead an independent life.

**The Mob Boss**  
The Mob Boss leads a group of hallucinatory gangsters and symbolizes Adam's reluctance to accept his schizophrenia. The character challenges Adam's efforts to dissociate from his mental health reality.

**Jason**  
Jason is a hallucination characterized by his nudity and philosophical nature, representing Adam's sense of exposure. His presence emphasizes Adam's discomfort with vulnerability while offering occasional insights.

Julia Walton

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Words on Bathroom Walls reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Words on Bathroom Walls | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Words on Bathroom Walls and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Words on Bathroom Walls Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-5

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 3-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-8

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 6-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-11

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 9-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-14

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 12-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-17

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 15-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-20

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 18-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-23

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-27

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 24-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-31

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 28-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-33

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 32-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-35

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 34-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-40

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-42

Words on Bathroom Walls Chapters 41-42 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Words on Bathroom Walls Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Words on Bathroom Walls Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Words on Bathroom Walls Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Words on Bathroom Walls Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Words on Bathroom Walls Essay Topics

Words on Bathroom Walls

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Words on Bathroom Walls?

Reading Age

Book Details