Skinny: A Novel [Kindle Edition]

Laura L. Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

The 'need' to be thin continues to plague American girls, and Laura Smith tackles this tough topic in her debut teen novel with thoughtfulness and style. Girls are going to relate to Melissa and her struggle to 'look good.' --Melody Carlson - author of the TrueColors and Diary of a Teenage Girl series

A real story for real girls. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by schoolwork, relationships, your friends, or activities, you need to read this book. --Heather Gemmen Wilson - Best Selling Author

Melissa is a vibrant teen who teaches readers signs of an eating disorder and the value of spirituality in working through the treatment. Skinny is powerful because it heightens the awareness of eating disorders--the key to early diagnosis and treatment, which translates to improved adolescent wellness. Thank you, Ms. Smith, for empowering young women! --Dr. Michelle Naegele - Christian doctor; former chief of staff, McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital; mother

Adolescent readers will appreciate this true-to-life account of the ambivalence, pain, and emotional struggle of living with an eating disorder. The seemingly 'normal' drive to achieve, win the favor of a young man, and please one's parents is captured in a readable text that does not underplay the real consequences and health risks that accompany eating disorders. The importance of spiritual connection, not always portrayed in similar stories, is an added bonus. --Julie Campbell-Ruggaard - PhD, LPCC, RN

Product Description

Teenager Melissa Rollins has got the eye of the cute new guy in school. The one thing Melissa doesn’t have is a perfect body. Strict dieting and throwing up can’t be all bad, can they?

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 905 KB
• Publisher: NavPress (September 30, 2008)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B002TOJHDG
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,593 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #48 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > People & Places > Social Situations > Peer Pressure

More About the Author

I believe in God. I believe in true love. I believe in fairies. I believe if I bang hard enough on the back of my wardrobe I'll get to Narnia someday. I believe eating chocolate is good for you. I believe part of my soul lives in France, part at the beach and the other part here in Oxford, Ohio, because when I go to those places I feel at home, as if I've always belonged. I believe heaven will feel much the same. I believe God created me to be the mother of my 4 kids, and to write stories He wanted to tell. Skinny is the first of these stories. Skinny's sequels, Hot and Angry come out in May and September of 2010.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars There's a reason this book is free, November 13, 2009

By 

Rachel L. Gray - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skinny: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

Sure, its a serious topic, and everyone should commend the writer for her efforts to discuss the subject. That aside, the story was predictable from start to finish, and the characters were all too supportive and nonjudgemental. The addition of god to the mix just made the whole story that much more cutesy-sweet.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Glimpse into Obsessive-Compulsive Thoughts & Habits for Teen Girls & Mothers of Teen Girls, May 16, 2009

By 

Cheri Gregory "English Teacher, Christian Spe... (Monterey Bay, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Skinny: A Novel (Paperback)

Melissa has a lot on her plate: dance team (will she make captain?), schoolwork (how'd she get a C in Chemistry?), and a cute new guy (will he ask her to the Sugar Plum Stomp?)

She decides that putting less on her plate -- literally -- will help her achieve her goals. After all, losing a few pounds will help her compete against the other girls on the dance team and help her fit into that perfect new prom dress.

Through Melissa's story, author Laura Smith gives readers a glimpse at the thoughts and habits of a teenage girl developing an eating disorder. Girls who struggle with obsessive-compulsive ideologies will find Melissa's struggles authentic; those who have not will gain understanding and empathy for their friends who do.

As one who spent six weeks in an inpatient Eating Disorder Unit as a teenager, I found myself thinking, "Really?" a couple times while reading Skinny. Melissa's parents seem too good to be true: understanding, supportive, and flexible. This doesn't mesh with my experience; at group counseling sessions in the EDU, parents often demanded, "Why are you doing this to us?" Also, the ease - even relish - with which Melissa gains the doctor-ordered three pounds in one week did not ring true for me. The early stages of re-gaining weight were excruciatingly hard, at least for me and and my fellow EDU inmates. Of course, these are highly subjective reactions; each girl's struggle and story is unique.

Skinny is a great book for pre-teen and teen girls, especially for a "book club" type discussion. I also recommend that mothers of pre-teens and teen girls read Skinny, both to become familiar with the tell-tale signs of an eating disorder and to spend some time in the complex and emotion-ridden world in which our girls live.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book That All Teens Should Read, February 23, 2010

By 

Heather G. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Skinny: A Novel (Paperback)

I've seen reviews that this title was too simple and straightforward, but I would have to disagree. I feel this is a book that should be read by all teenagers. Having a 14 year old myself (and her having a friend that faced these issues at only 12), I feel this is an excellent introduction for teens to understand the severity of eating disorders, and allow them to see a glimpse of what someone with this illness goes through every day.

Granted, there was no in-depth resolution, but I don't feel that was the intent. The author skimmed the surface, leaving hints here & there and by the end of the book, I could no longer see where exactly the changes had originally begun. This was one of those titles that stayed with me, and opened up further communication on the subject for my daughter and I. It's a quick read, and something I would pass on and suggest to others.