This was a rough book in the best way. I love stories that tackle difficult topics like disordered eating and anxiety, and the way Light Enough to Float handled those topics was so caring and also pulled no punches. I really enjoyed this novel in verse and look forward to more from Lauren Seal.

Light Enough to Float, about a teen's experience with anorexia and residential treatment for eating disorders, was very well written (in verse type style, I think it is called?) interesting and informative without being preachy or dry.

It is a very quick read- easily read in a day.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

**Thank you to Penguin Teen/Rocky Pond Books and NetGalley for the eARC. This in no way changed my rating**

I really enjoyed this book and the poetry that Seal wrote. The prose had a lot of emotion, which is great for learning about a difficult topic, but also meant that I had to put the book down multiple times. I'm glad YA is getting some more books about body image and disordered eating. I do wish the book had had more than a mention of patients who binge ate, which may have rounded the experience out more. But overall, I think Evie's experience with anorexia was moving and told with great care. The family has to learn and grow as she changes, but the therapist character, Anna, really shines here. She reminds me a lot of my therapist, who I've seen since I was a little older than Evie. Anna was a great support and there to help Evie realize that only she can make the changes she needs and that she's only in control of her. People can hurt you or let you down, but you can choose what you do with that. I like that she suggested multiple different ways to cope with difficult emotions, as well.

Overall, it's a book I would recommend for a YA library collection, a school, or anywhere where there is a community need or interest in a book about eating disorders or anorexia specifically. Seal did a nice job of not sugarcoating the topic, but not leaning in too far where it's for shock value, as well. It's got a nice balance.

4/5 stars

Excellent book about anorexia. Evie is told her heart rate is so slow she could die, and she thinks her heart will burst. One day Evie’s mom leaves her at a facility where the doctor tells her she needs to gain 20 pounds before she will be released. Evie says I don’t want to eat, and he tells her that’s why you’re here. Slowly Evie makes friends and reluctantly eats. She has panic attacks, and the therapist tells you’re suppressing the anxiety, sadness, and anger. Evie is given grounding exercises to help with the panic. When Evie meets her weight gain, she is released even though she doesn’t feel ready, and the therapist tells her no one ever feels ready.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

okay, i have extremely mixed views on this book. i loved it for the representation and how it was written; it gave me ellen hopkins vibes. but there were parts that really upset me.

ie: "I didn't know boys could have eating disorders." and how she treated her mom at times. the "if you loved me, you wouldn't have left me here" really upset me.

but I also am recovered from my own eating disorder so I know how the brain works then, so I do understand it at the same time; which leaves me so conflicted.

i rated: 3.5 stars.

This is heart wrenching. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to live in a hospital ward, specifically for eating disorders, you need to read this. If you or someone you love suffers from body dysmorphia and/or an eating disorder, you also need to read this. You can slide right into Evie’s shoes. Her words paint such a vivid picture that you feel like you are actually in the same room with her. I can’t get over this book. My heart aches for the 14-year-old protagonist. Oof. Right in the feels.

This should be required reading. Full stop.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rocky Pond Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I am writing this review voluntarily.

Quick read, told in verse, about a young girl named Evie who is entering inpatient eating disorder treatment. She has a hard time accepting that she needs help, and resists treatment at first. Other characters include other patients, including one boy, and the treatment center staff, along with Evie's family.

Perfect for fans of Wintergirls or Ellen Hopkins' books. This has the obvious trigger warning of eating disorders, reading with caution if that's something that might trigger you.

I liked the verse used to tell the story in Light Enough to Float. It certainly showed the problematic side of in-patient treatment, from harsh staff, inappropriate approach to food and weight, and the difficulty of being trapped. It could have avoided using calorie numbers, as that can be triggering for some. I did appreciate the internal thoughts of the protagonist and the dysfunction of a family an ED can bring to light.

this was so beautiful. at first i thought the formatting was a little weird, but it ended up working out well, i loved this