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beccablock's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
avery_herker's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.75
fairyof_shampoo's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dlauabby's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The addition of fantasy and controlling an ability was a bit weird and eerie. An attempt at keeping the audience engaged which I think was already successful since the plot grew to be exciting and eventful on its own.
I wish there was more to how and why and what caused the main character to recover. Other than that, this book was about a closeted boy and a eating disorder and self hatred and such.
Worth my time reading tho.
I wish there was more to how and why and what caused the main character to recover. Other than that, this book was about a closeted boy and a eating disorder and self hatred and such.
Worth my time reading tho.
jsncnrd's review against another edition
5.0
"Very little is truly frightening, because you have learned the identity of your true worst enemy. And, spoiler alert: it’s you."
I had no idea how much this book would affect me. There were moments where I felt physically uncomfortable. There were moments where I cried. There were moments when I laughed at the darkest of humor. This book unleashed so many emotions for me, and I loved it.
The story was unlike anything I've ever read. I have never come across a book with a premise like this. The plotting was steady, left you with just enough questions to want to continue reading, and it didn't give everything away up front.
Matt was an incredible protagonist who I took an immediate liking to from the first chapter. When you see yourself in a character right from the jump, it makes the entire journey through their story that much more special. I wanted him to win. I wanted him to defend himself. I wanted to hug him, especially when he made self-destructive choices. It was almost like you could feel his loneliness. He was complex, he was resilient, and he was intelligent.
The narrative was fascinating in that the lines begin to blur -- reality or hallucination? Rational thought or delusion? Attachment or dissociation? The book explores mental health, mainly eating disorders, and how those can manifest in so many areas of life -- and just how much they can take control.
I understand why this book won't be for everyone, and that is fine. The supernatural elements may not be something that will appeal to everyone's reading interests. And to tell the truth, I'm still debating how much of it was supernatural, or if it was an even deeper-rooted commentary on mental illness.
Despite this likely being polarizing for some readers, I hope it finds its way to the people who will enjoy it. Especially the queer men out there who have ever struggled with body image or eating disorders.
Men can and do have eating disorders. And they deserve to be seen, heard, and loved. And they deserve to receive treatment. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Matt will be in my mind for a while. Well done, Sam J. Miller.
I had no idea how much this book would affect me. There were moments where I felt physically uncomfortable. There were moments where I cried. There were moments when I laughed at the darkest of humor. This book unleashed so many emotions for me, and I loved it.
The story was unlike anything I've ever read. I have never come across a book with a premise like this. The plotting was steady, left you with just enough questions to want to continue reading, and it didn't give everything away up front.
Matt was an incredible protagonist who I took an immediate liking to from the first chapter. When you see yourself in a character right from the jump, it makes the entire journey through their story that much more special. I wanted him to win. I wanted him to defend himself. I wanted to hug him, especially when he made self-destructive choices. It was almost like you could feel his loneliness. He was complex, he was resilient, and he was intelligent.
The narrative was fascinating in that the lines begin to blur -- reality or hallucination? Rational thought or delusion? Attachment or dissociation? The book explores mental health, mainly eating disorders, and how those can manifest in so many areas of life -- and just how much they can take control.
I understand why this book won't be for everyone, and that is fine. The supernatural elements may not be something that will appeal to everyone's reading interests. And to tell the truth, I'm still debating how much of it was supernatural, or if it was an even deeper-rooted commentary on mental illness.
Despite this likely being polarizing for some readers, I hope it finds its way to the people who will enjoy it. Especially the queer men out there who have ever struggled with body image or eating disorders.
Men can and do have eating disorders. And they deserve to be seen, heard, and loved. And they deserve to receive treatment. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Matt will be in my mind for a while. Well done, Sam J. Miller.
lsparrow's review against another edition
3.0
YA novel about a gay teen in a small town struggling to be himself and with his eating disorder
urf4vpisces's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Eating disorder, and Outing
jasoncomely's review against another edition
3.0
Gay horror fiction isn't my cuppa, and I'm not the target audience, so I admit to skimming over parts. However, the main character derives his superpowers from extreme dieting and Buddhist psychology - two topics I am interested in - and that kept me from abandoning the book.