ARC Review: “Is This a Cry for Help?” by Emily R. Austin

“Is This a Cry for Help?” by Emily R. Austin

Publishing Date: January 13, 2026

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, LGBTQ

Page Length: 304 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Darcy’s life turned out better than she could have ever imagined. She is a librarian at the local branch, while her wife Joy runs a book binding service. Between the two of them, there is no more room on their shelves with their ample book collections, various knickknacks and bobbles, and dried bouquets. Rounding out their ideal life is two cats and a sun-soaked house by the lake.

But when Darcy receives the news that her ex-boyfriend, Ben, has passed away, she spirals into a pit of guilt and regret, resulting in a mental breakdown and medical leave from the library. When she returns to work, she is met by unrest in her community, and protests surrounding intellectual freedom, resulting in a call for book bans and a second look at the branch’s upcoming DEI programs.

Through the support of her community, colleagues, and the personal growth that results from examining her previous relationships, Darcy comes into her own agency and the truest version of herself. Is This a Cry for Help? not only offers a moving portrait of queer life after coming of age but also powerfully explores questions about sexuality, community, and the importance of libraries.

Review:

To be honest, I didn’t expect a book about grief to be so heartfelt and humorous. Is This Cry For Help pleasantly surprised me in all the right ways. The novel is told through the perspective of Darcy, a librarian, who has just returned to work after a mental health break. Though the journey of this novel she navigates her relationships (platonic and romantic), workplace issues, and life in general as she tries to get back on her feet. What follows is a story about how we grieve, cope with mental health, and a commentary about how healing grief is a non linear process.

Though Darcy is struggling with a lot of troubling things from the past in present, this book feels realistic in its character portrayals and issues discussed. I think that readers that will come across this novel will relate to some aspect of Darcy’s story. Though she can be self deprecating at times, her characters as the overall writing tone makes it a bit cheeky. There’s a bit of dark humor laced with funny hijinks that occur in her everyday life that makes the novel a bit brighter in tone.

On top of the many discussions around mental heath in the novel there is also an overall commentary on censorship and libraries roles in communities. As someone who used to work in a library (circulation), it took me back to some of the situations I experienced behind the desk and conversations I overheard as well. It’s a very timely subject since we are currently dealing with so many book bans and fighting for the freedom to read. Austin also talks about dealing with homophobia within your own family and why its so important for people to be more with talking about mental health.

This was such a timely and importantly read and I enjoyed every minute of it. My only complaint is that the novel is too short! I would be interested in reading more of Austin’s works going forward and I think this a novel well worth adding to your TBR.

Final Verdict:

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.