Summary: The Unlikely Hero Of Room 13B

Ivy Zheng Mr. Tillmann ENL1W1 17 January 2024 A Journey of Awakening To Self-Preservation Teens struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, frequently display an inability to control recurring thoughts and repetitive behaviours that, if diagnosed, can affect everyone around them. In Teresa Toten’s novel, The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B, a teenager struggling with OCD finds himself caught in a conflict struggle to control repeating behaviour and thoughts; a psychological battle that not only shapes his individual experiences, but also ripples through the lives of those around him. In The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B, Adam’s development into a mature individual is facilitated impacted by his evolving relationship with Robyn,
I’m falling apart, Robyn. You can’t save me from this. You’re making it worse” (Total 233). This, begins his beginning his transformation into a mature and independent individual. The relationship between Robyn and Adam comes to an end ironically, as Adam embarks on his own transformation by falling in love with Robyn at first sight. Adam’s new reality - one without Robyn - is one whereA world where Adam and Robyn are not meant to be is a world where both can grow as individuals without the reliance on each other for their happiness on one another. His decision to end the relationship shows his determination to overcome his illness and free Robyn from his clutch. He knows that if he does not terminate the relationship, his condition will never improve nor will Robyn ever stop lying to herself and to him. Since Adam does not want to trouble Robyn with his illness, he, therefore, lies and hurts Robyn with his words so that they can both move forward in life. Adam, foolishly in love, allows Robyn to be the catalyst of his happiness—he transforms from a naive lovebird into someone who is trying to grow into to find the best version of himself while helping others find their own