Lauren Seal’s Light Enough to Float is a beautifully written, deeply emotional novel that takes readers on a raw and intimate journey through recovery from an eating disorder. This story isn’t just about the struggle with food; it’s about confronting fears, reclaiming self-worth, and finding hope in the darkest of times. For those who have faced similar battles or know someone who has, this novel offers a powerful and relatable narrative that leaves a lasting impact.

The protagonist, Evie, is introduced at one of her lowest points—newly admitted to an inpatient treatment facility after barely coming to terms with her eating disorder. Seal doesn’t shy away from portraying the complexities and challenges of recovery. Evie’s days are filled with therapy, difficult conversations, and intense calorie loading. The descriptions of these daily struggles are heart-wrenching but never sensationalized. Instead, they are delivered with empathy, offering readers a genuine portrayal of the physical and emotional toll disordered eating takes on a person.

What makes Light Enough to Float so compelling is Evie’s internal journey. At first, she longs for home, for the sense of control she lost, and for a time when her life felt manageable. But as the story progresses, she begins to confront the underlying issues that have led her to this point. Through her interactions with caregivers and peers—each with their own unique stories and battles—Evie slowly learns that recovery is not just about food; it’s about learning to love and accept oneself again. These relationships, tenderly depicted, are the backbone of Evie’s healing process, showing how the support of others can be instrumental in finding hope.

The cast of secondary characters is equally well-drawn, each person facing their own version of Evie’s battle, and they add richness to the narrative. These characters serve as mirrors for Evie’s struggles, highlighting the universal aspects of disordered eating while also providing a range of perspectives on recovery. Seal writes with sensitivity and care, making each person’s experience feel personal and real, without falling into clichés or stereotypes.

Seal’s prose is both lyrical and insightful, capturing the weight of Evie’s emotions while also offering moments of quiet beauty. The winter setting of Evie’s treatment echoes her internal state, cold and uncertain at first, but gradually thawing as she begins to face her fears and find her way forward. Seal’s writing shines in these moments of vulnerability, allowing readers to feel Evie’s pain, resilience, and eventual sense of self-acceptance.

What makes Light Enough to Float so unforgettable is its honesty. It doesn’t offer a quick fix or a neat, tied-up resolution. Recovery, as Seal shows, is a long, often non-linear process. There are setbacks, moments of doubt, and constant reminders of how difficult it is to change deeply ingrained habits and thoughts. But within this honesty is an underlying message of hope. Evie’s story shows that while the road to recovery is tough, it’s also possible—and that every small victory counts.

Final Thoughts:
Light Enough to Float is a poignant and deeply moving exploration of recovery, self-acceptance, and healing. Lauren Seal has crafted a novel that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, with characters that stay with you long after the final page. Evie’s journey is a testament to the strength it takes to confront one’s demons and the power of love—both from oneself and others—in the process of healing. This is a novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced hardship and come out the other side, making it a must-read for those seeking a story of resilience and redemption.

I so enjoyed this book! I always enjoy novels in verse—it's amazing how they can convey so much meaning in so few words, and each word has to be chosen so carefully. LIGHT ENOUGH TO FLOAT is definitely a new favorite for me. Beautifully and authentically written and well-paced, the story takes readers through a fall/winter in 14-year-old Evie's life, as she goes through inpatient treatment for her eating disorder. While on the journey to recovery, Evie's also forced to navigate complicated relationships with her family, the best friend she left behind, the other people at the treatment facility, and, of course, herself. I thought her relationship with her dog was so sweet and added a touch of lightheartedness to an otherwise heavy read. I also thought the familial relationships were particularly well-done!

Additionally, I thought the author just did a fantastic job overall at conveying the pain eating disorders and mental illness in general can inflict upon someone's life, as well as the lives of their loved ones, and how recovery is not always linear, and mental health struggles don't just disappear overnight even once an individual has made great progress. I especially appreciated how she included and described skin-picking as a huge symptom of Evie's anxiety, because while mine manifests differently to Evie's, that's something I've struggled with too, and I hadn't seen it depicted in a book before. Overall, I'd highly recommend this one (but do check trigger warnings before reading)! While it is certainly not an easy read, you won't be able to put it down—I finished it in the span of a day. I look forward to seeing what Lauren Seal writes next! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book. This book has my whole heart. I absolutely adored this! From the incredible characters, to the plot, to falling in love with everything so quickly- I couldn’t put this down. I highly recommend this! It really just sucks you in and makes you never want to leave. In my opinion, those are the best books and I couldn't get enough.

This is a subject that is close to my heart. I have read A LOT on this subject and honestly, the writing is what did me in.

So boring and lyrical. The constant details and the almost mystical aspect of this disease completely went over my head.

The ultimate sin for a book - boredom.

This NIV is an emotional read that feels authentic as it describes eating disorders, specifically anorexia. The mental hoops Evie goes through to be a people pleaser, to be a "good" girl are heartbreaking alone at times. Although this novel was difficult at times to read because of the anguish Evie went through, I think it will open minds to eating disorders and how they are more than wanting to be thin. Some readers, like me, will finally be able to see themselves in this book and maybe be able to finally put a voice to their inner struggles with eating disorders.

I love novels in verse so much because they’re quick reads but they never fail to deliver incredible depth. This one is no different. It’s surprising to me that this is a debut novel because it is so well written and the story flows so nicely. Also look at that cover! It’s so beautiful.

I appreciated that the author included a teenage boy as well as adult women as patients because anorexia and eating disorders don’t just affect white teen girls.

The subject matter is obviously very heavy so I caution you: if you have ever struggled with disordered eating or orthorexia or have ever been institutionalized for any reason, this book may not be for you.

Light Enough to Float by Lauren Seal is a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of hope and self-discovery through its evocative prose. Seal's lyrical storytelling and well-crafted characters create a moving and uplifting reading experience.

Lauren Seal’s debut, Light Enough to Float, is a deeply moving and essential read for anyone grappling with mental health and eating disorders. Written in verse, the book follows Evie as she begins to confront her eating disorder upon entering an inpatient treatment facility. Seal’s choice of format enhances the raw, emotional journey Evie undergoes, making her struggles and triumphs feel incredibly intimate and impactful.

What makes this book stand out is its timely and honest portrayal of issues that are often romanticized or misrepresented in popular culture. In an era where unrealistic standards of beauty and success are glorified, Seal offers a much-needed counter-narrative that emphasizes the reality of recovery and self-acceptance. The portrayal of the team of professionals who support Evie adds a layer of authenticity and underscores the importance of a comprehensive support system.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is the introduction, which prepares readers for the challenging content ahead. It’s a thoughtful touch that sets the stage for the emotional depth of the story. Additionally, the resources provided at the end are a valuable tool for readers who might be seeking help or understanding.

Anna, Evie’s therapist, emerged as my favorite character. Her compassionate and realistic approach provides a beacon of hope and guidance throughout Evie’s recovery. Seal’s own vulnerability in sharing that this book is inspired by her real-life experiences with anorexia, depression, and anxiety adds another layer of significance to the story. Seal’s hope that readers who feel alone will find solace in Evie’s journey resonates deeply.

I believe Light Enough to Float will be a comforting and validating read for many, offering a narrative that mirrors the complex, serpentine path of recovery that many face. Seal’s work is a heartfelt and significant contribution to the literature on mental health and eating disorders. Please keep in mind, it is YA.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lauren Seal, and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

For the record, this is one of the best depictions of mental health and ED I've ever read. That naturally comes with so many TWs but WOW this was amazing.

I've worked hard to pull my own mental health out of a hole similar to that depicted in this book and man oh man is the accuracy of Lauren's writing haunting, from the inner monologue to the pleading with doctors to help you just feel better.

I quite literally BEG anyone who loves someone with mental illness and/or an ED to read this book if you'd like to better understand the torment that is just surviving the day when your illness is at its worst. You'll read how the pain family feels their loved one is putting them through is often nothing compared to the hell that same patient is putting themselves through.

At first I was concerned this was just another glamorization of an ED. That was far from the case. HOWEVER, I will say that considering your own mental health and your current capacity to separate yourself from the author's words is very important. If you aren't feeling your best (or at least close to your best) and these topics hit home for you, I'd highly suggest putting the book down for another time. Am I saying give up on it? No way! Again, this book was phenomenal.

OH - I didn't even realize I hadn't mentioned it being in verse, either. I hadn't read a novel in verse since my Ellen Hopkins days and had forgotten how much I love them!

All of this to say, I highly highly recommend this book - I've literally already recommended it IRL.

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Lauren Seal, and publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}

*Please check content warnings prior to reading as this book handles many heavy topics.*

This novel in verse follows Evie, a teenager confronting her eating disorder while in inpatient treatment, as she navigates therapy, calorie loading, and her longing for control. Through her struggles and connections with peers and caregivers, she gradually learns to face her fears and love herself, offering a moving portrayal of recovery and hope.

*I was provided a digital copy of this book to review by the publisher, all thoughts are my own.*

I cannot get enough of novels in verse, especially right now. I have read quite a few incredible ones lately and add this one to that list. Evie’s battle with herself, her family, her recovery, and the people at the hospital is so well done. I felt every inch of her pain, her fear, and her self-loathing. I loved the peeks inside her mind, and her POV for everything from being dropped off to her therapy sessions was so well done.

I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I loved that she was able to find bits of joy and let herself feel her emotions. Loved her relationship with her dog and the growth with her parents and sister.

I am in awe of this book and how brilliant it is. I’d love to read more from this author.

“Trying is a test of how much someone can take before they break.”

“But you need to stop letting who you think you should be get in the way of the multi-faceted person you are.”

“No more holding in your emotions. You’re not a plate, Evie. You can’t keep breaking.”

This was the perfect book for me when I was looking for something in-verse to read, and I really enjoyed my time reading, despite the heavy focus on eating disorders and mental illness. Lauren Seal uses her writing style to create the world and narrative of the main character, Evie, telling a story that’s relatively simple but still incredibly impactful as it navigates inpatient treatment for a young teenage girl. Even though the story is told through Evie’s eyes, I thought Seal did a great job of showcasing both her perspective while also managing to highlight the ways in which her thoughts were the results of mental illness, and not a depiction of reality. I read this book super quickly and found it pretty hard to put down, but I greatly appreciated how the author made it clear that this is a book you can put down, and I think that the power of the narrative would still hold whether you read this book in one day or one year. It’s a little hard to talk about specific things with this book because it feels more like one you experience, and because I don’t have specific experience with what the main character goes through. I did really enjoy the way that Seal created nuanced characters, and in my opinion, allowed the teens to be teens. We get to grow with Evie, and I liked that even though the book and her story that we’re reading ends, it’s clear that mental illness and eating disorders aren’t something that just end. I think there’s an important story here, and while it might not be for everyone, it was definitely worth the read for me.

I really enjoyed this book, I thought that it formatted speaking on a really difficult topic, disordered eating, in a beautiful way. Lauren Seal writes this book in verse making it easier to weave in and out of the story, it makes the heaviness of this topic a little less heavy and burdening. But still explores the topic at hand beautifully. I hope to read more by this author in the future. I rated it 4 stars. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

trigger warnings: eating disorders, scalp picking (trichotillimania and dermatillimania), self harm, inpatient treatment, mental health issues such as panic attacks and anxiety disorders

Thank you to both Lauren Seal and Netgalley for the gifted ARC of “Light Enough to Float” in exchange on an honest review by me. Any quotes I use for this review may be subject to change by the time of release.

Oooookaaaay. Let’s all take a deep breath.

I read “Light Enough to Float” last month, but have been holding off on writing a proper review. This hesitation was because of how deeply personal and emotional this story is. This book is a fast read in theory, but the material is raw and downright gritty around its edges. I related to Evie a lot. I have struggled with OSFED my whole life. The type of eating disorder I have changes every so often; it is debilitating. I was surprised to see scalp picking representation. I have never felt so seen and heard. Depending on the professional, my scalp picking would be described as either a) a nervous tic, b) picking scabs to feel perfect, or the most extreme explanation, c) self harm. I think it’s a combination. This quote stood out to me, and made me sob:

“on the drive home
i scratch my scalp until
it bleeds. until fingernails
and dirty blond roots are coated
red with relief
and half-healed scabs.

mom taps my knee
with her pale hand.
evie,
no picking.” (pg. 26)

My mom used to say this, too. Scalp picking has always been a shameful act for me, but the relief always overshadowed the pain. I do it in public, because I cannot control it. I’m working on it, though.

So many other important, need-to-discuss topics are explored throughout “Light Enough to Float.” The author, Lauren Seal, includes a line where Evie realizes that boys can have eating disorders, too. When people imagine an eating disorder, too many often think of young girls, but fail to understand that any gender can experience an unhealthy, debilitating relationship with food. Panic attacks and anxiety disorders are also introduced during Evie’s stay at the Inpatient Treatment facility. This inclusion is particularly important to showcase in a book about recovery and food-related issues because they often coexist.

“Light Enough to Float” is a masterpiece in showcasing how difficult recovery can be for so many people. Every person’s story is completely unique. Learning how to continue to live with so many outward triggers is horrifying. Evie realizes that her journey has not ended by specifying what her exact triggers are:

“trigger—
still:
fatty food, sugary food,
models, instagram, fat bodies,
slim bodies, medium bodies,
any body, the number on the scale,
the number of steps taken,
the number on a food label,
the number on my clothes.
maybe always. hopefully not.” (pg. 244)

Evie recognizes that there may always be numbers and bodies and foods that will affect her mental health, but she also recognizes that there is still hope in the dark. This is the first step on the road to healing and recovery.

I’d 100% recommend this book, especially to people who want to learn about the process that comes with recovery and how exhausting it truly is. I also recommend this story to individuals with mental health disorders and eating disorders, but proceed with caution. You all should read this book, but take your time with it and don’t begin until you feel ready. Lauren Seal has such a raw and powerful voice.

This book immediately stole my heart with its deep, emotional themes. As the sister of someone who has struggled with anorexia since she was a teenager, I can vouch for its authenticity and honest depiction of an eating disorder. I wish this book had been available thirty years ago! I strongly believe this book will be an inspiration to others and provide hope for those who are "light enough to float."

Eating disorder representation in young adult novels is so needed, and quite lacking in the genre. This is written in verse, and it does not pull any punches. It's a difficult read at times because the main character's mindset feels so toxic yet also extremely realistic. Many don't realize how bad it can get or just how people think when struggling with this. I really liked how this book had characters with different eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia and also ARFID. It also showed that boys struggle with eating disorders too. Lastly I really liked the main characters dog and the positive effect he had on her recovery.

Evile is sick but she doesn't think she is. Her parents and the hospital feel otherwise. Now she has to overcome her sickness to get out of the hospital

I didn't like the style of the book. It was written in a poem format and it was just really annoying to me. I understand the author struggled with an eating disorder as well so the thoughts of the patients in the hospital are spot on. I think I would have liked it more if the format was different. I also didn't care for Evie's mom.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy of this book. “Light Enough to Float” is a perfect reflection of how I felt when I was younger. Evie and the writing really hit home for me- it is raw and real and doesn’t shy away from the darkness. I am very appreciative for how hope shines through in this story. I think this book is going to be paramount in letting young humans that are struggling know that they are not alone.

Evie has just barely acknowledged that she has an eating disorder when she’s admitted to an inpatient treatment facility. Now, her days are filled with calorie loading, therapy sessions, and longing—for home, for control, and for the time before her troubles began. This insightful, beautiful novel will touch every reader and offer hope and understanding to those who need it most.

This novel is written in verse, which I really enjoyed. It follows Evie at the start of her diagnoses and inpatient facility to the end of her stay. At this point in her story, she has been struggling with an eating disorder for a while, and her mom checks her into a facility that can help her. Evie is angry, sad, and complient, as she pushes down her feelings and continues to be the "good girl." As she meets new people, begins to trust and opens up to her therapist, and learns how to coping skills, she becomes healthier.

This was a great read about mental health and eating disorders without the shock factor of some of the hard to handle details. The author did put in a trigger warning in the beginning of the book to warn readers of what was to come. The author also suffered from her own eating disorder, so some of the details may come from her own experience. I liked how short the chapters were, and the novel was easy to read. One of my biggest pet peeves with the book was the lack of capitalization. I understand verses don't follow the same rules as writing, but there was nothing capitalized, and it drove me crazy!

I rate this 3.5 🌟!

I'd like to say a huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was beautiful and heartbreaking. I loved the unusual format of this book, it really added to the feeling. I loved the characters. There was a satisfying resolution in some of them, and not in others. It just all made sense for the story. I was thoroughly enchanted with this story and the main character was carefully crafted. The history of the author definitely showed in how deliberately the story was made. This was a stunning book!

I could really appreciate the rawness of this book. Mental illness has been so glamorized in today's day and age that we need books like this to bring us back to reality about how ugly mental illness is.