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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Warning: this book contains some triggering subjects and goes into great detail inside the mind of a character with anorexia and the effects of it. There is also some discussion around bulimia and abusive relationships. I know these subjects can be tough for many, so I wanted to preface my quick review with this.
This was another book I saw on Bookstagram that I ended up ordering on my Kindle and was excited to read. Maybe because it was so sad that I felt very meh about it afterwards? Or most likely how sad it made me feel. It’s a tough time and I think the sadness really brought me down and didn’t make me appreciate this book as much as I could have. There was a large focus on anorexia and how the main character, Rose, developed an eating disorder and how she starves herself. I felt uncomfortable and upset reading it because it’s hard to read in great detail about a fictional character that struggles with an eating disorder when you know there are women and men who suffer from the same disorders in real life, every single day.
I don’t want to take away the message and the realness of the troubles both Rose and her twin sister, Lily, endure. This book really spotlights the nitty gritty of eating disorders and it doesn’t necessarily glorify it, but it’s up close and personal with the effects of the disease and how it impacts not just Rose and Lily, but those around them as well.
Thin Girls is ultimately a powerful book, but it’s sad and there are a lot of difficult subjects and details that could be triggering or upsetting to some. I think I could have liked it more if I was in a better state of mind, so I don’t want to discount it at all. Don’t shy away from it if you’re interested, but don’t push yourself to read it if it’s not something that you’re comfortable with.
This was another book I saw on Bookstagram that I ended up ordering on my Kindle and was excited to read. Maybe because it was so sad that I felt very meh about it afterwards? Or most likely how sad it made me feel. It’s a tough time and I think the sadness really brought me down and didn’t make me appreciate this book as much as I could have. There was a large focus on anorexia and how the main character, Rose, developed an eating disorder and how she starves herself. I felt uncomfortable and upset reading it because it’s hard to read in great detail about a fictional character that struggles with an eating disorder when you know there are women and men who suffer from the same disorders in real life, every single day.
I don’t want to take away the message and the realness of the troubles both Rose and her twin sister, Lily, endure. This book really spotlights the nitty gritty of eating disorders and it doesn’t necessarily glorify it, but it’s up close and personal with the effects of the disease and how it impacts not just Rose and Lily, but those around them as well.
Thin Girls is ultimately a powerful book, but it’s sad and there are a lot of difficult subjects and details that could be triggering or upsetting to some. I think I could have liked it more if I was in a better state of mind, so I don’t want to discount it at all. Don’t shy away from it if you’re interested, but don’t push yourself to read it if it’s not something that you’re comfortable with.
Originally this book made me want to scream, as Rose always threatened. She is such a toxic character. I just wanted to shake her. So dependent and manipulative towards her twin. I do appreciate the subject matter because it was so raw and real and people normally burn or skirt around anorexia. I liked Jemima a lot wish there was more of her. Would like to read about everything she went through since Rose was so frustrating.
Only the second book this year to move me to tears. So good, so emotional, the most gorgeous and unforgettable voice, at times so dark. The best books make you feel like you understand humanity a little better, and this is one of those.
(Clarke, you are a rockstar and my favorite Kiwi)
(Clarke, you are a rockstar and my favorite Kiwi)
This book is phenomenally written. The characters are raw and their pain feels explicit to read. Clarke writes eating disorders as hideous as they are and throughout the read you fear for Rose and Lily while disdaining Jemima until she becomes redeemed, loved, and loving. A beautiful portrayal of how women are conditioned to loathe themselves and make themselves small, and then how women can save each other.
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was an incredibly tragic and vulnerable story. Between the dark humor and graphic trauma, there was an immense amount of humanity. The characters were deeply flawed but yet grew and transformed in some times minute, yet still meaningful ways.
There are dozens of content warnings but the biggest ones are eating disorders, domestic violence, and homophobia
There are dozens of content warnings but the biggest ones are eating disorders, domestic violence, and homophobia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Vomit
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Lesbophobia
I really love how this book was constructed. The thought and effort put into divulging lots of relevant information without overwhelming the reader. It's priceless. This was not easy to read, but it was good. Interesting. Necessary for me.
I liked Part 1 and 2 but Part 3 feels unfinished to me. Not necessarily because of where it was left because I like the ending but with how things that I wished were circled back to where either never addressed or under-addressed. However, I do recommend the book for the twisted characters and insight it could bring.
25.12.22: changed rating from 4 to 4.75 stars
I liked Part 1 and 2 but Part 3 feels unfinished to me. Not necessarily because of where it was left because I like the ending but with how things that I wished were circled back to where either never addressed or under-addressed. However, I do recommend the book for the twisted characters and insight it could bring.
25.12.22: changed rating from 4 to 4.75 stars
The premise sounded SO interesting but this book just did not do it for me. I wanted to like it, but it was just over the edge of magical realism that I don’t care for. A generously rounded up 2.5 stars.
I was very unsure about starting this one. I have a history of binge eating (only recognized as a distinct disorder in recent years DESPITE being oh so common...and very different from occasional overindulging or even comfort eating) and some degree of body dysmorphia. I wasn't sure this was a wise read...and, while it is an insightful and at time stunningly beautiful novel...I'm still not sure it was. I'm not one for a million trigger warnings...never frown on the ability to find out what one's getting into, but sometimes it goes too far...but this is tough territory (and includes a few "tips" of the pro-ana variety).
Anyway, twin sisters Rose and Lily are all but one. Lily is a bit more gregarious, but Rose follows closely and is always Lily's number one. Until. As it is wont to do, the girlworld social hierarchy rears its ugly head. And Rose finds a connection in her ability to perfect her anorexic tendencies. Which, sadly, propel her to the top of the pyramid. Lily, initially to "cover" for her sister, eats for two. The book peers back at these adolescent years from their twenties as Rose approaches a full year at an in-patient clinic and Lily dives into a painful-to-watch relationship in which she changes herself, including becoming an adherent to an eating disorder billed as a lifestyle group.
There's a LOT here. And the author either has firsthand experience or delved deep into her topic because so much of the girls' actions and thoughts (we are more privy to Rose's mind than Lily's, but their twinhood makes Rose privy to Lily's mind) ring real (said from some experience of my own and from talking about these issues with some amazing warrior women). True, as another reviewer noted, Rose is more self-aware than most, but she gets at a lot about the intersection of body, selfhood, and sexuality. If you want to get a sense of how someone can disappear down this rabbithole...move from casual dieting to something wholly other...this is a good place to start. The author is certainly a talented wordsmith and an insightful creative mind. I'd love to see another novel from her...and maybe I'd be able to evaluate that more clearly.
But, I can't way it enough, tread with care if you are at all vulnerable. There's a beauty in feeling understood, but if there's any chance it'll feel like validation, then steer clear.
Rating is hard...3.5 simply b/c it is a default value for me. It probably deserves more....danger doesn't negate beauty, and it is deeply beautiful but also dangerous in the wrong head. Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC.
Anyway, twin sisters Rose and Lily are all but one. Lily is a bit more gregarious, but Rose follows closely and is always Lily's number one. Until. As it is wont to do, the girlworld social hierarchy rears its ugly head. And Rose finds a connection in her ability to perfect her anorexic tendencies. Which, sadly, propel her to the top of the pyramid. Lily, initially to "cover" for her sister, eats for two. The book peers back at these adolescent years from their twenties as Rose approaches a full year at an in-patient clinic and Lily dives into a painful-to-watch relationship in which she changes herself, including becoming an adherent to an eating disorder billed as a lifestyle group.
There's a LOT here. And the author either has firsthand experience or delved deep into her topic because so much of the girls' actions and thoughts (we are more privy to Rose's mind than Lily's, but their twinhood makes Rose privy to Lily's mind) ring real (said from some experience of my own and from talking about these issues with some amazing warrior women). True, as another reviewer noted, Rose is more self-aware than most, but she gets at a lot about the intersection of body, selfhood, and sexuality. If you want to get a sense of how someone can disappear down this rabbithole...move from casual dieting to something wholly other...this is a good place to start. The author is certainly a talented wordsmith and an insightful creative mind. I'd love to see another novel from her...and maybe I'd be able to evaluate that more clearly.
But, I can't way it enough, tread with care if you are at all vulnerable. There's a beauty in feeling understood, but if there's any chance it'll feel like validation, then steer clear.
Rating is hard...3.5 simply b/c it is a default value for me. It probably deserves more....danger doesn't negate beauty, and it is deeply beautiful but also dangerous in the wrong head. Thank you to HarperCollins for the ARC.