The Art of Starving

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Matt is a Jewish, white, gay teenager who harnesses starvation-induced powers in order to get revenge for his missing sister. Matt is writing a guidebook on the Art of Starving and is quick to note that he is honest - detailing that he has been diagnosed with suicidal ideation - yet he refuses to admit he has an eating disorder to the reader. Once he realizes that by restricting his food he can harness supernatural powers such as following scents and reading minds, he turns his newfound skills towards the three bullies who Matt thinks are behind his sister's disappearance. One of these boys is Tariq, whom Matt and his sister both had a crush on, though Matt hates himself for having this crush. As Matt begins to degenerate his powers seem to grow, but will he really find the answers he is looking for by being so blind to the other possibilities around him?

The witty and snarky tone of Matt's narration will keep readers rooting for him and his recovery. Though seemingly strange at first, Matt's supernatural abilities add an interesting aspect to Matt's eating disorder and his journey to seeing things as they really are. Recommended for readers in grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent