*review of an ARC copy. some information may be subject to change*
Movie Rating: PG-13 some scenes may not be appropriate for children younger than 13
Book Rating: @@@@
Swearing: None!
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 366 (paperback)
Genre: YA Contemporary/Medical Condition
Publisher: Blink
Back Blurb:
Running Lean [run·ning leen]
1: A term referring to a deficiency of fuel in the fuel-to-air ratio of an internal combustion engine.
2: A physical condition where not enough caloric fuel is present for optimal performance of the body.
3: A spiritual condition in which a believer relies on his own strengths.
1: A term referring to a deficiency of fuel in the fuel-to-air ratio of an internal combustion engine.
2: A physical condition where not enough caloric fuel is present for optimal performance of the body.
3: A spiritual condition in which a believer relies on his own strengths.
Equilibrium. That’s what Stacey and Calvin found in each other. He is as solid as his beloved vintage motorcycle and helps quiet the constant clamor in Stacey’s mind. She is a passionate, creative spirit—and a lifeline after Calvin’s soldier brother dies.
But lately the balance is off. Calvin’s grief is taking new and more dangerous forms. Voices of self-loathing are dominating Stacey’s life. When struggles with body image threaten her health, Calvin can’t bear to lose another person that he loves. Taking action may destroy their relationship, but the alternative could be much more costly.
But lately the balance is off. Calvin’s grief is taking new and more dangerous forms. Voices of self-loathing are dominating Stacey’s life. When struggles with body image threaten her health, Calvin can’t bear to lose another person that he loves. Taking action may destroy their relationship, but the alternative could be much more costly.
My Review:
Stacey is anorexic. Which is why Running Lean is such an appropriate title for Ms. Sharples book. However, getting Stacey to admit that she's 'Running Lean' is much harder than you would have thought.
Pros: Running Lean is an excellent, albeit emotional, novel that helps raise awareness for how truly devastating anorexia can be. It also shows that starving yourself skinny not only affects you, but the people you love and your relationships with those people. I also enjoyed how Ms. Sharples incorporated Biblical principles in her work without seeming like she was forcing them down your throat and making the two main characters to perfect to be real.
Cons: The only con I really found to be irritating was that the dialogue between Stacey and her boyfriend, Calvin, was repetitive at best. It always went something like this:
Calvin: Stacey, you're sick. Get help.
Stacey: I'm not sick! *starts to cry* I love you so much.
C: *caving to her crying* I love you too. I'm just worried about you.
S: Don't worry about me. Just trust me.
C: Okay.
Additional Notes: Running Lean is a book that I will gladly give to any teen (and some preteen) girl to read so they realize just how devastating anorexia can be. Ms. Sharples, you have created a wonderful book. Thank you for the great story!
Recommend to lovers of: Wintergirls
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