Sad Perfect

November 1, 2016
Elliot's novel helps to fill a gap within teen narratives about disordered eating.Sixteen-year-old Pea (so nicknamed by her father) has good days and bad days. She has avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, which makes consuming foods difficult and horrifyingly unpleasant. She feels as if she has a monster inside her, one that makes it difficult to be "normal": it gives her social anxiety, causes depression, and makes eating in social situations a nightmare. But when she falls fast and hard for high school junior Ben, she feels different--happy--for the first time in forever. Although she starts therapy for her ARFID, she secretly stops taking her antidepressants, trying to privately keep the monster at bay. But soon the unmedicated Pea spirals with uncontrollable mood swings, disordered eating, and urges to self-harm. Despite endless support from Ben and others, it's up to Pea to realize that true change can only start from within. The entirely second-person narration works, for the most part, to create a personal stake for readers in Pea's journey as well as real empathy for Pea: "You want to appreciate food. You do. You just don't know how. And you so badly want to learn." With no specific cultural markers, both Pea and Ben read as white. A pat and somewhat cliched conclusion luckily does not tarnish the rest of the narrative, which treats Pea's mental health struggles with care, nuance, and respect. (Fiction. 14-18)

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January 1, 2017

Gr 10 Up-When food is your enemy, life can be complicated. Sixteen-year-old Pea desperately wants to be an average teenager. Her aversion to food, however, makes that impossible. Diagnosed with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), Pea copes with an invisible monster within her, who she imagines rules every decision she makes. After she meets Ben-attractive, kind, and interested in her-she begins to experience more moments of happiness. As their relationship evolves, Pea's efforts to restrain her threatening internal force are hampered by the conflicting emotions that overwhelm her. Alienated from her parents and brother, she confides in her best friend, Jae, whose loyalty boosts her confidence and helps her navigate her daily struggles. Finally feeling like things are improving, Pea suffers an unexpected setback that drags her away from those close to her. Drawing readers in with a second-person perspective, Elliot delivers prose that is both engaging and appropriately unnerving. Delving into the minute details of Pea's eating disorder, the author does not sugarcoat the world of ARFID, highlighting its unique characteristics and giving teens a thorough look into Pea's challenges. VERDICT A well-written page-turner whose sensitive topic is covered with finesse and grace. This novel would be a worthy addition to a high school library collection.-Karin Greenberg, Queens College, NY

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