alittleoverdue's review against another edition
2.0
I'm conflicted. This book is incredibly well-written. Truly superb writing. However, I'd hesitate to recommend this book. First off, a trigger warning about detailed and graphic descriptions of eating disorder behaviors (which is likely discernible to the reader by the title/book jacket alone). That aside, I found the depiction of eating disorder treatment to be mostly unrealistic. Parts of the experience are spot-on, but the cluelessness of the treatment center and its methods were extreme. Recovery is grossly simplified - I'm sorry, but it takes a lot more than just slightly eating more food to recover.
I really appreciated that it was a non-straight protagonist struggling with sexuality issues connected with her eating disorder, but ultimately felt like it ultimately fell into the very cliche it calls out (emaciated white girl who suppresses sexual desires into anorexia), which is a minority of those who struggle with eating disorders.
I really appreciated that it was a non-straight protagonist struggling with sexuality issues connected with her eating disorder, but ultimately felt like it ultimately fell into the very cliche it calls out (emaciated white girl who suppresses sexual desires into anorexia), which is a minority of those who struggle with eating disorders.
haleypages's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Vomit, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Mental illness
pjs_peaches's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
readswithrosie's review against another edition
5.0
CW: anorexia nerviosa, bulimia nerviosa, binge eating disorder, abusive relationships, manipulation.
Intense. Dark. Visceral.
Thin Girls is about Rose, a young woman with anorexia nervosa. Her journey with an eating disorder begins in high school as she struggles to fit in. Her twin sister Lily develops her own unhealthy relationship with food around this time.
This was, at (many) times, a painful read for me. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t the descriptions of the starving, emaciated bodies that brought me the most discomfort. Instead, it was the unhealthy relationship between Lily and Rose, and the manipulative and self-destructive behaviors present in their dynamic, as well as in their relationships with others.
Mental health thoughts: Eating disorders are extremely prevalent in our society, though they may not always be as obvious as an emaciated body. I appreciate how the author explores the various types of eating disorders and their physical symptoms. I also appreciate the way in which Clarke explores the emotional dysregulation and unhealthy thought patterns that typically co-occur with an eating disorder. She showed us, rather than told us- as the reader, we are seeing life through the thoughts of someone very sick and struggling to survive the only way they know how.
Throughout her book, Clarke shows how eating disorders are glorified in the media, and we watch as that glorification ultimately kills some who prescribe to it. It’s a very raw look into this mental illness. Additionally, Clarke explores sexuality, family relationships, and trauma very beautifully.
Perfect when paired with dark chocolate sea salt caramels from Costco and some veggie sticks, since you like to alternate between salty and sweet. 5 ⭐️
Intense. Dark. Visceral.
Thin Girls is about Rose, a young woman with anorexia nervosa. Her journey with an eating disorder begins in high school as she struggles to fit in. Her twin sister Lily develops her own unhealthy relationship with food around this time.
This was, at (many) times, a painful read for me. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t the descriptions of the starving, emaciated bodies that brought me the most discomfort. Instead, it was the unhealthy relationship between Lily and Rose, and the manipulative and self-destructive behaviors present in their dynamic, as well as in their relationships with others.
Mental health thoughts: Eating disorders are extremely prevalent in our society, though they may not always be as obvious as an emaciated body. I appreciate how the author explores the various types of eating disorders and their physical symptoms. I also appreciate the way in which Clarke explores the emotional dysregulation and unhealthy thought patterns that typically co-occur with an eating disorder. She showed us, rather than told us- as the reader, we are seeing life through the thoughts of someone very sick and struggling to survive the only way they know how.
Throughout her book, Clarke shows how eating disorders are glorified in the media, and we watch as that glorification ultimately kills some who prescribe to it. It’s a very raw look into this mental illness. Additionally, Clarke explores sexuality, family relationships, and trauma very beautifully.
Perfect when paired with dark chocolate sea salt caramels from Costco and some veggie sticks, since you like to alternate between salty and sweet. 5 ⭐️
sarahnodarseowen's review against another edition
5.0
This is truly one of the best novels I’ve ever read. It is intimate in the most painful and beautiful ways and I know it will stay with me for a very long time.
alisarae's review against another edition
Lily and Rose, identical twins who can taste each other's emotions. Lily covers her troubles with food; Rose stops eating.
This book was alright: it wrapped up womanhood, sisterhood, sexuality, and diet culture in a nice package. A little overhyped because the author is "Roxane Gay's protege."
This book was alright: it wrapped up womanhood, sisterhood, sexuality, and diet culture in a nice package. A little overhyped because the author is "Roxane Gay's protege."
kidneybean's review
5.0
I read this for one of my literature classes. It covers some heavy topics but it is definitely worth a read.
yagirlvic's review against another edition
2.0
In theory, yes in reality, no. Don't think this book needed to be almost 400 pages long - it dragged for no reason. The main character lacked depth other than having an ED and being queer, like that's really all I got from it lol. Also it walked the line of romanticizing domestic violence and EDs idk (2010 tumblr vibes). Sorry to Diana Clarke.
ailonn7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emgobo's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder