Scan barcode
sarahmcg's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was incredible. At times difficult to read (listen to, I read this via audiobook), the trigger/content warnings should be seriously considered. There is extensive detail and plot revolving around anorexia and bulimia, as the main character Ginny struggles with one and then the other.
You are in Ginny’s head as she struggles with her anxiety, and finds that disordered eating quiets her mind (or rather, occupies her mind with anorexia/bulimia so there is no room to think of anything else) and gives her something she is able to control and have power over. But this book does not glamorize eating disorders - it is graphic, gritty, and at times, turned my stomach. You desperately want Ginny to tell someone, to reach out for help, to seek out recovery.
The author herself has spoken about how she struggled with eating disorders and went through recovery (is in recovery? I’m not sure if there is an end to recovery or if it’s an ongoing process). You can tell she put her heart and soul in Ginny, not only her ED but also the fact that she went to Harvard and wanted to become a writer. I give her a lot of credit for putting her story out there, and I hope the writing journey was healing for her.
This book is not only about a girl with eating disorders though. It is about friendships in your 20s, trying to find your place in the world after college, complicated and messy relationships, and what it means to love and be loved. I really enjoyed the story, even when it was difficult to read at times. I also appreciated Adrian’s character, seeing his character growth, and learning about Budapest (which I now want to visit!) and his family. I’d recommend this one as long as you consider the TW/CWs!
You are in Ginny’s head as she struggles with her anxiety, and finds that disordered eating quiets her mind (or rather, occupies her mind with anorexia/bulimia so there is no room to think of anything else) and gives her something she is able to control and have power over. But this book does not glamorize eating disorders - it is graphic, gritty, and at times, turned my stomach. You desperately want Ginny to tell someone, to reach out for help, to seek out recovery.
The author herself has spoken about how she struggled with eating disorders and went through recovery (is in recovery? I’m not sure if there is an end to recovery or if it’s an ongoing process). You can tell she put her heart and soul in Ginny, not only her ED but also the fact that she went to Harvard and wanted to become a writer. I give her a lot of credit for putting her story out there, and I hope the writing journey was healing for her.
This book is not only about a girl with eating disorders though. It is about friendships in your 20s, trying to find your place in the world after college, complicated and messy relationships, and what it means to love and be loved. I really enjoyed the story, even when it was difficult to read at times. I also appreciated Adrian’s character, seeing his character growth, and learning about Budapest (which I now want to visit!) and his family. I’d recommend this one as long as you consider the TW/CWs!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Vomit
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Dysphoria
More...