Ms. Swan's Bookstore

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When Bella Swan joins her two best friends for a girl's night out she meets the feisty bartender Edward Cullen. Though she is taken aback by his uncontrollable mood changes she can't seem to get him out of his head. It is only a little bit later, after the two get closer and closer, that she is told about Edward's psychological illness: the young man is bi-polar. Bella learns that Edward has difficulties setting goals and pursuing them. He suffers from anxiety and often tends to isolate himself from the world.

Yet, despite these rather unfavorable circumstances Bella and Edward begin a relationship. But although Edward's love for Bella manages to reduce some of the diseases's symptoms, her affection alone is not enough to get him out of his dark world. In especially difficult moments, the young man often disappears for months without getting in touch. Worried but patient, Bella gives him the space and time he needs to cope with his problems in his own kind of way, but when she discovers that she's pregnant she has to make a decision. Either Edward finally undergoes some medical treatment or she will be forced to leave him.

  

With or Without You is one of those highly underrated gems that leave a mark. Edward's bi-polar disease is accurately described and realistically portrayed. From one moment to the next, romantic situations turn into sad misunderstandings, and well-meant help is met by anger and fear. Yet despite all these complications, the reader takes an immediate liking to the couple and wants to find out whether the two can overcome all these obstacles and can start a life together.

With or Without You consists of 43 chapters and a total of 162,105 words. All characters are human. The story is rated M for mature content.

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