Amazing, heart wrenching book about two girls who meet at a rehabilitation center for teens with eating disorders. The deeper narrative focuses on the reasons behind Rowan and Shoshanna's EDs as well as their relationship, which at times seems extremely co-dependent. Beautifully written, this book stayed with me for quite awhile after I finished it. The author includes a diverse cast with from a myriad of backgrounds and does an excellent job showing the ups and downs of recovery.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Brilliant protrayal of eating disorders, does not glamorize it in any way. Had heartbreaking moments but seeing the girls being able to stay strong and at times overcome battles was great to see! The writing style was interesting, I can't believe this is the authors debut! Will definitely pick up Schwartz's next novel.

***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of BEFORE WE WERE BLUE by E J Schwartz in exchange for my honest review.***

2.5 STARS

Soshana, a cast member on a cheerleading reality show and Rowan, reeling from sexual trauma meet at an eating disorder treatment center, both invested in remaining thin (sick). In order to recover, each must choose to embrace treatment, even if it means leaving the other behind.

I identified more with Soshana, the “good” patient, who was nice, more likable and initially braver. Her mom pressuring her to cheer and disregard treatment advice felt realistic. Rowan’s defense mechanisms and desire to escape also felt authentic. The multidimensional characters were the strongest part of BEFORE WE WERE BLUE.

Debut writer E J Schwartz’s powerful word-building was consistent throughout the book, though at times the pacing was uneven and the story became bogged down with detail not central to character or plot. I loved the backdrop of competitive cheerleading.

The treatment center bears no resemblance to anything in the United States, without insurances companies limiting treatment and unlimited months of inpatient treatment.

I was uncomfortable with Schwartz’s use of several phrases that readers could interpret as antisemetic, though Schwartz is Jewish and her intent obviously wasn’t anti Jewish. In one case the Christian atheist Rowan referee to Shoshana’s “Jew curls” and a Christian adult nicknamed her Bagel and Lox. I would have been devastated if either happened to me and I’m concerned about a non Jewish reader thinking the cute phrases would be appropriate to use with Jewish friends. Again, I’m 100% positive Schwartz meant no harm and that she and I approach Judaism from opposite ends of the spectrum. I checked with another Jewish atheist friend who had the same cringeworthy response as me. I respect Schwartz’s #OwnVoices different experience and also prefer to err on the side of not using phrases that could be fine between two like-minded Jewish people yet otherwise cringeworthy.

I would have rated BEFORE WE WERE BLUE another star if not for the two phrases or if those phrases had been addressed as anti Semitic or at least inappropriate. The phrases are enough to make me unsure about whether I’d recommend this otherwise above average book.

Before We Were Blue touches on some very difficult stupids, i.e. eating disorders. The journey the characters go on is quite realistic, and relatable for some. The plot flowed well and kept me glued to the pages. The title, cover, and words hold a powerful message about "feeling blue" and mental health.