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Reviewed by: Christine Bulsa-O'Meara - Buxton Center Elementary School, Buxton, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 28, 2015

Review

Books about teenagers with eating disorders are numerous (as are teens with eating disorders); Haston's contribution to the genre stands out for the complexity of its characters and for small, telling details that demonstrate just how difficult recovery can be. Seventeen-year-old Stevie has been restricting her eating since her mother deserted the family; Stevie's father is in no shape to challenge her, and though her brother, Josh, tries to reach out, Stevie ignores him. Then Josh dies in an accident that Stevie believes is her fault. When her father finally sends her to rehab, a furious Stevie takes comfort in the red bracelet that marks her non-compliance. Stevie does not intend to stay all 60 days in the rehab center, she is focused on dying on the day she believes she killed her brother. Will the center help her with her eating and self image in time to save her life?

Readers who liked the Knives Edge , Jersey Tomatoes are The Best, or Wintergirls will gravitate to this book. Its whispery, yet defiant language will engage readers as will the dreary setting Stevie has been set in. The path to healing is not straight and the tension in the plot and writing convey this journey with great accuracy.

Overall Book Score: very good