In this poignant and deeply hopeful young adult novel, *How It Feels to Float*, the story follows Biz, a sixteen-year-old navigating life's turbulent waters. Haunted by loss—particularly the death of her father when she was seven—Biz struggles to maintain a semblance of normalcy while grappling with dark thoughts and the weight of intergenerational mental illness. Helena Fox masterfully weaves together themes of grief, sexuality, and the arduous journey toward healing. Biz's life is a delicate balance between solid friendships, including her mother and close friends, and the overwhelming currents of emotional struggle. The novel explores how loss can be both a profound connection to those loved and lost, and an isolating chasm. Ultimately, *How It Feels to Float* is a stunning exploration of resilience. It celebrates the strength found in community—the people who hold us tightly when we feel adrift—and reminds readers that even when hope seems distant, love remains a guiding force.