Favorite Quote

“There’s only so much you can do to help someone. After that they need to help themselves”

Thoughts

Oh my goodness… This book was utterly fantastic. I’m very thankful that I was approved this book on Netgalley. At first I was a little skeptical to read this because I’ve never been good with ARC’s but this book blew me away. In the beginning of the story, the reader gets to know both Clara and her mother. Through this, the reader can really begin to understand where Clara’s eating disorder comes from. She doesn’t have the typical anorexia or bulimia. She has orthorexia, a term used to describe someone that has an obsession with healthy eating as well as exercise. Obsession with healthy eating meaning Clara know’s what ingredients comes in what foods, and what that ingredient does to the body, etc.

I loved this book right from the beginning. I thought the writing was very captivating. I also think Jennifer did a good job with all of the characters. Everyone in the story was so realistic and seemed “real”. I don’t know how to explain it. I hate when characters don’t seem to have a personality in a story, they’re just dull and boring. But my gosh, did I love these characters. I could really relate to Clara on some level. I still eat loads and loads of unhealthy food but there are times when I’d think like Clara when it came to eating something unhealthy. For example, sometime’s it makes me nauseous thinking about eating Chinese food because it’s so unhealthy… I’d get nauseous thinking about what it does to the body.

Alastair was also a fantastic character. I love how Jennifer explained his Autism.  Autism is different for everything. I think when some people think of Autism, they imagine someone that needs a lot of extra help. However, Alastair is described as being a little autistic where he likes certain topics, is super smart, but can have some trouble talking to people and connecting with them. I loved his relationship with Clara and how they both help each other.

One thing I disliked about the story was that I felt like it needed page breaks. I don’t know if it’s because it’s an ARC or if it’s how the book will be published but some spots got confusing. For example, in one paragraph Clara was talking about eating yogurt with her friend Bree then the next paragraph she was talking about packing with her mother. I don’t like that one paragraph was a topic then it switched to a different topic in the very next paragraph.

I also wish Bree was in the story a little more (Clara’s best friend). I felt like as soon as Clara left, her and Bree stopped talking to each other all together which made me sad. I love Bree. Lastly, I wasn’t too fond of the relationship in this book. I felt like it escalated too quickly for my liking. I love a slow-burning romance and this one felt rushed.

Overall, I did really enjoy the story. Plus this cover? GORGEOUS. I’d love to buy a copy for my shelves. I highly recommend this story. It gave me hope. I learned a few new things which I always appreciate. If you want to read a book that has a strong brother-sister relationship, this is your story!