Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton
Release Date: March 19, 2009
Publisher: Dutton
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 208
Jane’s big sister, Lizzie, has always been the center of attention. No one ever pays attention to boring, plain Jane. But when Jane’s twelfth birthday marks the beginning of Lizzie’s final descent into a fatal eating disorder, Jane discovers that the only thing harder than living in her big sister’s shadow is living without her.
In the wake of tragedy, Jane learns to look through her camera lens and frame life differently, embracing her broken family and understanding that every girl has her season to blossom. Spare and vulnerable prose marks this beautiful debut that is at once heartbreaking and uplifting.
I’ve often read stories of characters dealing with eating disorder, but I’ve never read a story from the view point of someone close to the person who is suffering. And it was not only refreshing but also interesting.
When reading it’s easy to overlook the effects that anorexia or bulimia may have on a family or other siblings, when you’re so engrossed in the character’s struggle. But after this story I’m not sure that will be the case for me in the future.
It was an absolutely beautifully told story. Heartbreaking on one end, but hopeful on the other. While the story is focused around the after effects of a family member with anorexia, there isn’t much depth within the novel. This is more of a story of healing and growing and less of a story of dealing with the pain. But I didn’t see that as a bad thing. Honestly I can only deal with so much sorrow and depression, I like novels that are filled with hope and healing in the face of a tragic event.
And I really loved the relationship with the roses! The cover fits perfectly!
Overall, an impressive debut novel!
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great review! i have read so many positive reviews and now I can’t wait to read it.
I’m glad there are books from the point of view of friends/family, now I want to read it!
Sounds great! It's not a book, but the tv show Intervention on A&E shows how the addiction or disorder is affecting everyone, not just the person with the disorder. I like that about the show which makes me think I'd like this book!
Good review. I didn’t know if reading this book or not, but I think I’ll give it a try since I’ve read so many good reviews of it.
I’ve noticed there has been a lot of books about girls with anorexia (from their POV) , so you’re right: it is refreshing and interesting. Plus it shows the damage that happens to other people, on a more personal level.
This looks like such a great book. And the cover is gorgeous.
If you're looking for another great book where the main characters are dealing with the after affects, there's My Sister's Bones by Cathi Hanauer, and Hunger Point by Jillian Medoff. They're both amazing.
If you're looking for another great book where the main characters are dealing with the after affects, there's My Sister's Bones by Cathi Hanauer, and Hunger Point by Jillian Medoff. They're both amazing.
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