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ash_ton's review against another edition
1.0
All of the characters are so two-dimensional. They’re only caricatures of people with ED’s, which is insulting. Janie is literally such a self-involved idiot and annoying as hell. She tries too hard to be “deep”, even inside her own head.
DNF’d at page 62.
DNF’d at page 62.
perfect_escape's review against another edition
4.0
This took me a while to finish, but not because I couldn't concentrate. It was simply because I haven't read much the past few days, as I've found myself preoccupied with other things. And let me tell you-if I wasn't preoccupied and able to read, I probably would have read this in one or two sittings-that's how I finished it, at least. It was just that gripping. I couldn't put it down, as it had me hooked.
For one, the storyline is just so realistic. For some reason, I've always had an interest in reading books that center around the MC suffering from an eating disorder. This book sounded interesting, and slightly different, as it started with the MC IN recovery.
So...the storyline was very realistic. So were the characters, including the main girl. Her emotions were very real and understandable and I felt true sympathy for her. She also made it not so depressing, if yo
u know what I mean. Her voice was very honest; the sarcastic humor provided was almost like a comic relief, given how depressing the book actually is when you think about it.
However, it was slightly hard to keep track of who was a "starver" or "puker", as she called it. I wish I learned more about the characters, especially Callie. I got confused as to what character had what family life and what drove them here. I wish I could've seen more of Tom and Royce; maybe it's just me, but Royce didn't seem that bad-not at first. Granted, he made that rude comment, but even that wasn't enough to make me hate him. That aside, the characters still felt very real, as were their lives. Their reasons for having an ED "made sense" and are sadly very common.
The last critique I have is that ending was too perfect. I don't want to give any spoilers away, but I didn't really see how they came to this one conclusion. Not to mention at the end SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
SPOILER SPOILER she was too...happy and all "well life sucks but I can make it through", if that makes any sense. In other words, I guess her attitude was too optimistic for someone who is suffering from an ED. It honestly felt like I was reading page after page of just too-real, optimistic attitude. However, I loved the last sentence. I was not expecting that.
So all in all, it was pretty good. It's a quick read, probably for most, and it gives you a very real insight on someone suffering from an ED. :P It's so sad...it makes me want to help. I'm starting to think my job-aside from writing-is meant to be a therapist for those with eating disorders. I want to help so badly. And if anything, this book inspired me to do so.
For one, the storyline is just so realistic. For some reason, I've always had an interest in reading books that center around the MC suffering from an eating disorder. This book sounded interesting, and slightly different, as it started with the MC IN recovery.
So...the storyline was very realistic. So were the characters, including the main girl. Her emotions were very real and understandable and I felt true sympathy for her. She also made it not so depressing, if yo
u know what I mean. Her voice was very honest; the sarcastic humor provided was almost like a comic relief, given how depressing the book actually is when you think about it.
However, it was slightly hard to keep track of who was a "starver" or "puker", as she called it. I wish I learned more about the characters, especially Callie. I got confused as to what character had what family life and what drove them here. I wish I could've seen more of Tom and Royce; maybe it's just me, but Royce didn't seem that bad-not at first. Granted, he made that rude comment, but even that wasn't enough to make me hate him. That aside, the characters still felt very real, as were their lives. Their reasons for having an ED "made sense" and are sadly very common.
The last critique I have is that ending was too perfect. I don't want to give any spoilers away, but I didn't really see how they came to this one conclusion. Not to mention at the end SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
SPOILER SPOILER she was too...happy and all "well life sucks but I can make it through", if that makes any sense. In other words, I guess her attitude was too optimistic for someone who is suffering from an ED. It honestly felt like I was reading page after page of just too-real, optimistic attitude. However, I loved the last sentence. I was not expecting that.
So all in all, it was pretty good. It's a quick read, probably for most, and it gives you a very real insight on someone suffering from an ED. :P It's so sad...it makes me want to help. I'm starting to think my job-aside from writing-is meant to be a therapist for those with eating disorders. I want to help so badly. And if anything, this book inspired me to do so.
tangerineteeth's review against another edition
1.0
This was unrealistic and flat. Stereotypical 2000s ED lit.
yabooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
A heart wrenching yet funny tale ("It was like they went from being my Band of Barfers, my Sisterhood of Sneaky Eaters, to my Judge and freaking Jury in three minutes flat.") Littman tackles such a huge issue with humor, honesty, and lets the raw pain of her characters shine through. It's really a book everyone should be reading and chatting about. It's that good.
lesliedianeg's review against another edition
3.0
Great for young high school about eating disorders and their roots.
boggy's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
aaliyahdreads's review against another edition
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
My god this was one of the best laughs I have ever had, truly this book ages poorly lol. However, I was expecting nothing other than that. As someone who relates to the ED struggle I have never cringed more at its portrayal which would be welcomed if I thought for a second that that was the intent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Homophobia, Infidelity, Medical trauma, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
aziz_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I got this book as part of a Thrift Books haul.
I'll be the first to tell you I'm a sucker for eating disorder books and started reading this with the intention of rating a five. But between the lack of character development and laughable depiction of treatment centers (I've been in a few), I just wasn't that into it. I don't see this book changing or even trying to change anyone's life--if anything, this is the kind of triggering fodder 'pro-anas' live for. Cannot recommend.
I'll be the first to tell you I'm a sucker for eating disorder books and started reading this with the intention of rating a five. But between the lack of character development and laughable depiction of treatment centers (I've been in a few), I just wasn't that into it. I don't see this book changing or even trying to change anyone's life--if anything, this is the kind of triggering fodder 'pro-anas' live for. Cannot recommend.
nicolet2018's review against another edition
4.0
Purge intrigued me. What goes through the mind of a teenage girl suffering from bulimia, an eating disorder? Young people having eating disorders are so common now where image is so important and everyone strives for that vision of perfection.
This issue is so close to many of us young adult's hearts. We find this so relatable with all the pressure to be perfect instead of accepting who we are.
Janie is admitted at Golden Slopes for bingeing and bulimia, she hates throwing up so why does she do it and how does a accomplished girl like her fall so low? The reader discovers as they go through the novel. Janie has so many issues in her and she is so afraid of admitting things to her parents because she thinks they will blame her. She learns many things from the lovable patients at the facility as well. She makes friends who support her which is nice.
She went through alot and although she is reluctant to allow the nurses and doctors to help her, much less speak up. She eventually opens her heart and learns to speak her mind. She learnt so much and I loved how inspiring this book is. It is so utterly realistic for teenagers and sends a positive message which I appauld. A stunning effort to get word out about a very misunderstood issue. Brilliant.
This issue is so close to many of us young adult's hearts. We find this so relatable with all the pressure to be perfect instead of accepting who we are.
Janie is admitted at Golden Slopes for bingeing and bulimia, she hates throwing up so why does she do it and how does a accomplished girl like her fall so low? The reader discovers as they go through the novel. Janie has so many issues in her and she is so afraid of admitting things to her parents because she thinks they will blame her. She learns many things from the lovable patients at the facility as well. She makes friends who support her which is nice.
She went through alot and although she is reluctant to allow the nurses and doctors to help her, much less speak up. She eventually opens her heart and learns to speak her mind. She learnt so much and I loved how inspiring this book is. It is so utterly realistic for teenagers and sends a positive message which I appauld. A stunning effort to get word out about a very misunderstood issue. Brilliant.