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m00plays's review against another edition
5.0
I am incredibly happy to have had the chance to read this book. It was provided by Hot Key Books for The Book Club pick in August but this doesn't effect my review or opinions.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Like a lot of other people, I have felt massive pressure from the media and other sources to be skinny and perfect. This book surrounds the idea that Nothing Tastes As Good As Healthy and that is the overall message from Claire Hennessy.
First we have Annabel, who I loved for her sarcastic and bitchy personality, but unfortunately died from the effects of anorexia. Then we have Julia who is binge eating as a way to deal with things in her life and feel control. The writing style is brilliant because it is from Annabel's perspective as a guardian angel to Julia.
I thought this book defined healthy and really makes you think about pressure and how much we need to alleviate that.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Like a lot of other people, I have felt massive pressure from the media and other sources to be skinny and perfect. This book surrounds the idea that Nothing Tastes As Good As Healthy and that is the overall message from Claire Hennessy.
First we have Annabel, who I loved for her sarcastic and bitchy personality, but unfortunately died from the effects of anorexia. Then we have Julia who is binge eating as a way to deal with things in her life and feel control. The writing style is brilliant because it is from Annabel's perspective as a guardian angel to Julia.
I thought this book defined healthy and really makes you think about pressure and how much we need to alleviate that.
lauraelizah's review against another edition
5.0
Woah. Listen, I have not cried at a book since TFIOS, yes I was one of those teens, okay?
If I'm totally honest, it takes a lot to make me cry at a book. I've only ever cried at TFIOS actually. But this goddamn book got me good. The concept of Annabel's character is so overwhelmingly heart warming. I actually loved Maria and Julia's friendship a lot, maybe even a little jealous. I also got so frustrated with Gavin throughout the majority of this novel, but I kind of like him now. I actually worried that this was going to turn out like a typical 'teen-suffers-mental-health-and-gets-saved-by-a-guy' thing, but it's really not. It's so lovely, and yet so 'slap in the face' with the different turns of events. I just can't manage words about how much I appreciate this book. I also really appreciated, as someone who lives in Ireland, reading such a beautiful novel that was set in a city near me. I'm not used to reading books based in Ireland, rather England or USA, so it was a new and actually very familiar to read. New favourite? I think so.
If I'm totally honest, it takes a lot to make me cry at a book. I've only ever cried at TFIOS actually. But this goddamn book got me good. The concept of Annabel's character is so overwhelmingly heart warming. I actually loved Maria and Julia's friendship a lot, maybe even a little jealous. I also got so frustrated with Gavin throughout the majority of this novel, but I kind of like him now. I actually worried that this was going to turn out like a typical 'teen-suffers-mental-health-and-gets-saved-by-a-guy' thing, but it's really not. It's so lovely, and yet so 'slap in the face' with the different turns of events. I just can't manage words about how much I appreciate this book. I also really appreciated, as someone who lives in Ireland, reading such a beautiful novel that was set in a city near me. I'm not used to reading books based in Ireland, rather England or USA, so it was a new and actually very familiar to read. New favourite? I think so.
patchworkbunny's review against another edition
4.0
Annabel doesn’t begin by explicitly stating she died from anorexia but it’s quite obvious to the reader that’s what happened. She’s in denial that she was ever sick and really, that’s why the Boss has sent her to help Julia. Don’t expect to warm to her immediately, I was sympathetic but her thoughts are pretty mean to start with. She’s just thinking of herself and the message she wants to send.
Annabel pushes her own feelings about food onto Julia, she projects her disgust at her own body onto other people. Annabel’s will gives permission for Julia’s behaviour to not follow a normal path. Julia didn’t come across as someone concerned with her body image at the start, maybe she wouldn’t have become so negative about it without that voice in her head. But then, what are we but the voice in our head? Even if it’s not normally from beyond the grave.
At the beginning, it’s possible to read this book and feel it is fat shaming. It is told through the eyes of a sick girl, who believes that food is the enemy and fat is abhorrent. She can’t see straight and is not a reliable narrator. Her words made me feel uncomfortable, but at the story progresses, and Annabel is influenced by Julia in return, it is made clear that Annabel is in the wrong.
It also shows both sides of an unhealthy relationship with food. Whilst Julia being overweight is not necessarily a problem, the fact that she comforts herself with binge eating is. That she’s put a lot of weight on in a short amount of time points to something else going on. It also highlights how often eating disorders are a mechanism for control when the sufferer feels they are lacking it elsewhere in their lives.
Nothing Tastes as Good does an excellent job of showing how people don’t see us as we see ourselves. When we see another person’s perception of Annabel, she is nothing like the narrator projects herself as. And we are constantly seeing a mix of Julia’s own perceptions and Annabel’s, as being her “spirit guide” Annabel can hear other’s thoughts.
I’ve seen this compared to Asking For It quite a lot, I suspect due to both writers being Irish more than anything else. It shares some of that unease, however it is much more positive than Louise’s book. It didn’t leave me feeling hopeless.
Review copy provided by publisher.
Annabel pushes her own feelings about food onto Julia, she projects her disgust at her own body onto other people. Annabel’s will gives permission for Julia’s behaviour to not follow a normal path. Julia didn’t come across as someone concerned with her body image at the start, maybe she wouldn’t have become so negative about it without that voice in her head. But then, what are we but the voice in our head? Even if it’s not normally from beyond the grave.
At the beginning, it’s possible to read this book and feel it is fat shaming. It is told through the eyes of a sick girl, who believes that food is the enemy and fat is abhorrent. She can’t see straight and is not a reliable narrator. Her words made me feel uncomfortable, but at the story progresses, and Annabel is influenced by Julia in return, it is made clear that Annabel is in the wrong.
It also shows both sides of an unhealthy relationship with food. Whilst Julia being overweight is not necessarily a problem, the fact that she comforts herself with binge eating is. That she’s put a lot of weight on in a short amount of time points to something else going on. It also highlights how often eating disorders are a mechanism for control when the sufferer feels they are lacking it elsewhere in their lives.
Nothing Tastes as Good does an excellent job of showing how people don’t see us as we see ourselves. When we see another person’s perception of Annabel, she is nothing like the narrator projects herself as. And we are constantly seeing a mix of Julia’s own perceptions and Annabel’s, as being her “spirit guide” Annabel can hear other’s thoughts.
I’ve seen this compared to Asking For It quite a lot, I suspect due to both writers being Irish more than anything else. It shares some of that unease, however it is much more positive than Louise’s book. It didn’t leave me feeling hopeless.
Review copy provided by publisher.
caffeineaddict980's review against another edition
5.0
Annabel is dead, but takes the form of guardian angel.
Slowly, she begins to enter Julia's mind to guide her and help her achieve her goals.
But in an instant, Annabel begins to notice that Julia's thoughts are influencing her personally.
Annabel has died from anorexia and Julia is going through the same processes.
Some things that Annabel mentions and the way she phrases them makes her seem unlikeable, but we can also see how damaged both of the characters are.
Slowly, she begins to enter Julia's mind to guide her and help her achieve her goals.
But in an instant, Annabel begins to notice that Julia's thoughts are influencing her personally.
Annabel has died from anorexia and Julia is going through the same processes.
Some things that Annabel mentions and the way she phrases them makes her seem unlikeable, but we can also see how damaged both of the characters are.
katiebookqueen's review against another edition
3.0
We follow this story from the POV of Annabel, a seventeen-year-old who recently lost her life to anorexia. In order to be granted a chance to pass on a message, she has to guide a soul in need of help. This is where Julia comes in. Julia is a student at the same school Annabel used to attend, before she was too ill. She’s passionate about journalism and involved with the school paper. She’s bubbly, has a great family, and a group of friends around her. Julia’s life seems ideal from the outside, but there’s so much more going on under the surface. Annabel has to work out what it is that Julia needs help with, and since Julia isn’t what society would class as ‘slim’, Annabel see this as the problem, especially given her own relationship with food.
Annabel isn’t a pleasant narrator at times. The words she says are sometimes harsh and cruel, and it’s impossible not to get frustrated at her ways of thinking. But it’s also insightful and important to read this story from the perspective of someone who doesn’t believe they had a problem. The reason why this book worked as well as it did was because it was told by Annabel instead of Julia. At times, her thoughts were quite chilling but also desperately sad. This book is brutally honest about eating disorders and I found the way it demonstrated what it’s like to have anorexia super important. Hennessy has researched perfectly and the writing is powerful, not shying away from how it not only affects the mind of the person suffering, but also what it does to the people around that person, those who want to help. It also shows just how quickly something like this can consume a person’s life.
Despite Annabel’s harsh narration most of the time, she’s also incredibly witty and I loved some of her commentary on the more mundane aspects of Julia’s life. I like a book that while dealing with difficult and gritty subjects, can also make you laugh a little. This story really took me through a lot of different emotions before I reached the end.
Also explored in this story are the topics of friendship and romance, changing and going wrong. Julia’s world turns upside-down throughout the course of this book as we see her start to grow apart from her best friend Deb, and we also discover what has been happening in her life that has pushed her towards food as a source of comfort. The element of mystery and waiting to see things unfold kept me hooked, and the chapters were often short, sharp, and fast-paced, keeping me tuning the pages.
Whilst this isn’t the type of book I would usually choose to pick up and read for myself, I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from this story. Whilst these characters are completely fictional, the situations they found themselves in are all too real. The ending made some very valid point about anorexia not being something we’re encouraged to talk and learn about, especially in schools, and it’s so important that we do. Eating disorders ruin lives every day, and the more we can learn to open our minds and understand them, the more we can do to raise awareness and help those suffering.
Annabel isn’t a pleasant narrator at times. The words she says are sometimes harsh and cruel, and it’s impossible not to get frustrated at her ways of thinking. But it’s also insightful and important to read this story from the perspective of someone who doesn’t believe they had a problem. The reason why this book worked as well as it did was because it was told by Annabel instead of Julia. At times, her thoughts were quite chilling but also desperately sad. This book is brutally honest about eating disorders and I found the way it demonstrated what it’s like to have anorexia super important. Hennessy has researched perfectly and the writing is powerful, not shying away from how it not only affects the mind of the person suffering, but also what it does to the people around that person, those who want to help. It also shows just how quickly something like this can consume a person’s life.
Despite Annabel’s harsh narration most of the time, she’s also incredibly witty and I loved some of her commentary on the more mundane aspects of Julia’s life. I like a book that while dealing with difficult and gritty subjects, can also make you laugh a little. This story really took me through a lot of different emotions before I reached the end.
Also explored in this story are the topics of friendship and romance, changing and going wrong. Julia’s world turns upside-down throughout the course of this book as we see her start to grow apart from her best friend Deb, and we also discover what has been happening in her life that has pushed her towards food as a source of comfort. The element of mystery and waiting to see things unfold kept me hooked, and the chapters were often short, sharp, and fast-paced, keeping me tuning the pages.
Whilst this isn’t the type of book I would usually choose to pick up and read for myself, I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from this story. Whilst these characters are completely fictional, the situations they found themselves in are all too real. The ending made some very valid point about anorexia not being something we’re encouraged to talk and learn about, especially in schools, and it’s so important that we do. Eating disorders ruin lives every day, and the more we can learn to open our minds and understand them, the more we can do to raise awareness and help those suffering.
owls_rainbow's review against another edition
2.0
So this book did not start off in the best light. The author - from the perspective of dead anorexic teenager Annabel - writes in a very fatphobic way and I almost gave up on it but there was something about Annabel's voice that drew me, she's stubborn, snarky and reluctant. About what?
Annabel has been assigned the job of being a spirit guide for overworked, stressed, overweight Julie a former classmate before Annabel's illness forced her to leave school. At first Annabel thinks that Julie's weight is her only problem and that if she loses weight she'll only be happy, like she herself was, or thought she was. It soon becomes clear that Julie's weight isn't the problem but a symptom of a larger problem in her life.
This book ends up being a really interesting look at the psychology behind eating disorders and the effect it can have on friends and family and how they can support the sick individual. It's also not a how-to book by any stretch and there's no mention of numbers at all. Julie, with the help of her friends (it's implied her parents don't notice or she doesn't tell them), manages to pull herself out before things get too serious and actually has a happy ending. As for Annabel I think she manages to resolve some of her lasting issues as well.
2/5 stars
For more reviews see https://owls-rainbow.blogspot.co.uk/
Annabel has been assigned the job of being a spirit guide for overworked, stressed, overweight Julie a former classmate before Annabel's illness forced her to leave school. At first Annabel thinks that Julie's weight is her only problem and that if she loses weight she'll only be happy, like she herself was, or thought she was. It soon becomes clear that Julie's weight isn't the problem but a symptom of a larger problem in her life.
This book ends up being a really interesting look at the psychology behind eating disorders and the effect it can have on friends and family and how they can support the sick individual. It's also not a how-to book by any stretch and there's no mention of numbers at all. Julie, with the help of her friends (it's implied her parents don't notice or she doesn't tell them), manages to pull herself out before things get too serious and actually has a happy ending. As for Annabel I think she manages to resolve some of her lasting issues as well.
2/5 stars
For more reviews see https://owls-rainbow.blogspot.co.uk/
sakisreads's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I saw this being displayed at the Irish Museum of Literature and was intrigued 😳
The content warnings are necessary and will be included below. There is no avoiding the hard topic in this book.
Claire Hennessy’s writing was quite jumbled at times, but that is only to be expected from a teenager’s perspective 😳
I’m giving this 3 out of 5 stars, thank you ✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, and Eating disorder
franceswilde95's review against another edition
5.0
This book is literally stunning- a stand out dialogue of Irish mental health, the education system and coming of age. The very existence of 'Annabel''s narrative makes us question if she is the 'ana' of 'pro-ana' blog posts or if she is the innocent child she should have been.
I do wish the book had acknowledged the difficulty of recovering from an eating disorder mind set, because even slight tendencies related to a phobia of food or body image can take time and effort to shift.
But, ending aside, I have to give this book 5 stars because of the detailed development of vulnerable and genuine characters, especially female characters.
I do wish the book had acknowledged the difficulty of recovering from an eating disorder mind set, because even slight tendencies related to a phobia of food or body image can take time and effort to shift.
But, ending aside, I have to give this book 5 stars because of the detailed development of vulnerable and genuine characters, especially female characters.
stephanimichelle's review against another edition
5.0
I heard about this book on Marian Keyes’ vlog, and I knew I had to read it; it’s the story of an anorexic called Annabel who died and is now a sort-of kind-of guardian angel in training.
Annabel wants to pass a message on to her family, but to do that, she must help someone who is suffering.
“The Boss” (this is what Annabel calls the mysterious being who she reports to) pairs Annabel with Julia, who has her own issues.
Julia is in her final year at school, has a loving, albeit busy, family and a full life. She is preparing to go to university, writes for the school newspaper and is really interested in history, feminism and hopes to be a journalist.
Annabel at first can’t see what problems Julia has, and decides that the thing she needs to help Julia deal with is her weight. Annabel is disgusted by Julia’s size, and is determined to make her better, make her thinner. After all, nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels. Right?
Annabel starts to put her thoughts in Julia’s head. She is weak, she is disgusting, she needs to eat less, exercise more. She doesn’t deserve to eat.
Julia starts to become obsessed with her weight, with counting calories and punishing herself if she slips. As Annabel starts to see Julia copying her behaviour, resulting in her life falling apart, she realises that maybe her loved ones were right, maybe she did “have a problem with food”. However once the seeds of self-hatred have been planted they are not easy to get rid of.
I loved this book. It gives an honest, blunt, downright horrifying portrayal of a person with an eating disorder. I’m sure people will be up in arms about this book, saying that it provides triggers, but really how can you write about this subject without describing the things an anorexic does. As someone who has had “a bit of a problem with food” in the past, I am really impressed by the way the author handled the subject matter.
It’s frightening the way Julia goes from being a confident, friendly, intelligent girl to being hostile, grumpy and completely obsessed with calories. Granted, she is dealing with some hidden issues right from the start, but it’s scary the way that Annabel’s thoughts take hold of her.
Annabel is one of those characters you hate at the beginning of the novel, but then grow to love. She has some really bitchy things to say, but underneath it all (deep underneath) she means well. I think it’s fair to say as well, Annabel doesn’t mean to mess with Julia’s head. She honestly believes that she is helping; that being thin will solve all of Julia’s problems.
There is a lot of adult content and swearing in this book, so it is not suitable for younger readers. This is an honest, funny, heartwarming, and incredibly sad story. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Annabel wants to pass a message on to her family, but to do that, she must help someone who is suffering.
“The Boss” (this is what Annabel calls the mysterious being who she reports to) pairs Annabel with Julia, who has her own issues.
Julia is in her final year at school, has a loving, albeit busy, family and a full life. She is preparing to go to university, writes for the school newspaper and is really interested in history, feminism and hopes to be a journalist.
Annabel at first can’t see what problems Julia has, and decides that the thing she needs to help Julia deal with is her weight. Annabel is disgusted by Julia’s size, and is determined to make her better, make her thinner. After all, nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels. Right?
Annabel starts to put her thoughts in Julia’s head. She is weak, she is disgusting, she needs to eat less, exercise more. She doesn’t deserve to eat.
Julia starts to become obsessed with her weight, with counting calories and punishing herself if she slips. As Annabel starts to see Julia copying her behaviour, resulting in her life falling apart, she realises that maybe her loved ones were right, maybe she did “have a problem with food”. However once the seeds of self-hatred have been planted they are not easy to get rid of.
I loved this book. It gives an honest, blunt, downright horrifying portrayal of a person with an eating disorder. I’m sure people will be up in arms about this book, saying that it provides triggers, but really how can you write about this subject without describing the things an anorexic does. As someone who has had “a bit of a problem with food” in the past, I am really impressed by the way the author handled the subject matter.
It’s frightening the way Julia goes from being a confident, friendly, intelligent girl to being hostile, grumpy and completely obsessed with calories. Granted, she is dealing with some hidden issues right from the start, but it’s scary the way that Annabel’s thoughts take hold of her.
Annabel is one of those characters you hate at the beginning of the novel, but then grow to love. She has some really bitchy things to say, but underneath it all (deep underneath) she means well. I think it’s fair to say as well, Annabel doesn’t mean to mess with Julia’s head. She honestly believes that she is helping; that being thin will solve all of Julia’s problems.
There is a lot of adult content and swearing in this book, so it is not suitable for younger readers. This is an honest, funny, heartwarming, and incredibly sad story. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
foggy_rosamund's review against another edition
4.0
Claire Hennessy pulls off a really interesting narrative trick in this book. It's told in first person from the perspective of a ghost, Annabelle, who is haunting her former classmate, Julia. The really interesting part is that Annabelle, being a ghost, has the ability to read the thoughts of those around her: so not only does she know what Julia is thinking, but also her classmates and parents. This sounds needlessly complex, but Hennessy makes it work. The narration feels effortless and authentic, in its depiction not only of Annabelle and Julia, but the other students, parents, and teachers around her.
This is not a comfortable book. It is not a spoiler to say that Annabelle has died of complications due to her anorexia: that is the centre of the story. But it's not just the depiction of a serious mental illness that's uncomfortable: the writing about body image, young women's sexuality, and predatory men, are all very genuinely and honestly recounted, and this creates a powerful story, but one that is at times brutal. I have admired Hennessy's work for a long time, and this is an important addition to YA novels. Not only does it delve into important issues and is unapologetically feminist, it is also clever, funny and has an excellent and original conceit. I recommend it highly.
This is not a comfortable book. It is not a spoiler to say that Annabelle has died of complications due to her anorexia: that is the centre of the story. But it's not just the depiction of a serious mental illness that's uncomfortable: the writing about body image, young women's sexuality, and predatory men, are all very genuinely and honestly recounted, and this creates a powerful story, but one that is at times brutal. I have admired Hennessy's work for a long time, and this is an important addition to YA novels. Not only does it delve into important issues and is unapologetically feminist, it is also clever, funny and has an excellent and original conceit. I recommend it highly.