Skin and Bones by Sherry Shahan
Sherry Shahan's SKIN AND BONES, pitched as ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST meets LOVE STORY set in an eating disorder hospital in which an aspiring ballerina and a quirky nerdboy fall desperately in love only to become each other's next deadly addiction, to Wendy McClure at Albert Whitman
Publishes in US: Published 2014 by Albert Whitman Teen
Genre: YA contemp
Source: Netgalley
Series? No
Buy it: Amazon IndieBound Book Depository
Author stalk away: ~site
I wanted to read Skin and Bones because I am drawn to books about teens with issues, especially eating disorders. It impacted my family and reading about it is therapeutic for me. I also haven't read many books from the male perspective of eating disorders and was drawn to that unique element.
While there are differences in how men and women see their bodies, the disease has a lot of overlap in effecting them. There have been events that really made Jack insecure about his body and it started as something that he could control. Unlike in his group, his family is intact and mostly put together, but it is really how he saw himself that was at the root of his problems.
Jack is placed with an overeater nick-named Lard, and at first, Jack thought that they couldn't be any more different. But as they room together, talk and go to group together, they find more in common than they thought and become friends and begin to help each other.
It is so important what they realize and are told it is one moment, one choice at a time that will make a change. Everyone wants overnight cures but it isn't that easy.
I had a feeling I knew where everything was going with Bones and Alice. Bones, of course, I was glad he would see the light and get a better understanding of what healthy is and transform his body image, but I was so afraid of him only getting it after a tragedy with Alice.
I am appreciative that the story didn't end with a completely cured Bones, but one that wanted to change, and was willing to put in the work.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you struggled with body issues?
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ReplyDeleteThis one is quite different for sure. Boys don't tend to have less hang-ups than girls so the perspective is definitely unique.
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
How interesting. I'm with you that's good to see a story facing these real issues coming from the male POV as well. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.
ReplyDeleteSounds super interesting. I've never read a book about a male with an eating disorder before! Totally adding to my list to read!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever read a book about a guy with an eating disorder. This sounds like a thought provoking read, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI am unsure today
ReplyDeleteit must be interesting to see it in the pov of a man I agree, it's different.
ReplyDeleteMy friend had an eating disorder and she actually had to go to treatment and was in a hospital for a while. It was one of the scariest things I have had to witness so I can totally relate to this book in some ways. I'm glad this managed to surprise you and that you enjoyed it as a whole. The premise sounds completely adorable despite the serious topic.
ReplyDeleteI usually tend to stay away from books with disorders,but this one definitely sounds interesting. A guy having an eating disorder, that is a unique twist. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a book about a guy with an eating disorder, but I just couldn't get into this one. I'm not really sure why I couldn't, but I ended up giving up on it fairly quickly.
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