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Starvation
John Green meets Laurie Halse Anderson in this award-winning, "haunting," and "incredibly real" book that "holds you there until the very last sentence".
16-year-old Wes McCoy is not the favorite child.
He does not have a wrestling scholarship to Stanford nor does he live up to the family legacy as an athlete, unlike his brother, Jason. But when Jason dies in a car accident on the way to the state high school wrestling championship, Wes turns to food to give him the control over his life he didn’t have before-- the kind of success he never tasted.
Wes must take back control from his eating disorder as he learns more about himself and the mystery surrounding Jason’s accident, before he loses his life and those closest to him.
16-year-old Wes McCoy is not the favorite child.
He does not have a wrestling scholarship to Stanford nor does he live up to the family legacy as an athlete, unlike his brother, Jason. But when Jason dies in a car accident on the way to the state high school wrestling championship, Wes turns to food to give him the control over his life he didn’t have before-- the kind of success he never tasted.
Wes must take back control from his eating disorder as he learns more about himself and the mystery surrounding Jason’s accident, before he loses his life and those closest to him.
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Published November 1, 2020
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About the author
Molly Fennig
2 books38 followersMolly Fennig is a Minnesota native who has published in The Blue Route Literary Magazine, The Blue Nib, other literary presses, two short story anthologies, and multiple scientific journals.
Molly is pursuing her PhD in clinical psychology at Washington University in St. Louis with a specialization in eating disorders. Her YA novel on the subject, Starvation, won a 2021 Independent Press Award.
Outside of her passion for writing and mental health, Molly enjoys eating large quantities of chocolate and spending time with her mini goldendoodle, Peach. Find out more about Molly at her website (mollyfennig.com), on Twitter (@mollyfennig) or on Facebook (mollyfennigauthor).
Molly is pursuing her PhD in clinical psychology at Washington University in St. Louis with a specialization in eating disorders. Her YA novel on the subject, Starvation, won a 2021 Independent Press Award.
Outside of her passion for writing and mental health, Molly enjoys eating large quantities of chocolate and spending time with her mini goldendoodle, Peach. Find out more about Molly at her website (mollyfennig.com), on Twitter (@mollyfennig) or on Facebook (mollyfennigauthor).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 8, 2021
Rounded down from 4.5 stars ⭐️
Starvation follows Wes, a teenage boy struggling with an eating disorder after the loss of his brother.
The topic of this book is one that is incredibly close to my heart, both through personal experience, that of my loved ones and through my studying and career choices. By the end of the novel I had tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. There’s both a sense of hope and reality that definitely leaves the reader wanting more. It highlights the uncertainties of battling mental illness. I think this is such an important novel to help battle the stigma, especially for young men with eating disorders. It is brutally honest, even when the truth may be difficult to hear.
I loved the way Molly Fennig writes. The story moved quickly and easily and kept me gripped. I also loved how the narrative switched between the present day and historic events. It gave an insight into Wes’ thoughts whilst battling an eating disorder, and during the events that led to it.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in mental health. However, I would also say it should be read with caution, as it may be extremely triggering to some. I want to say a big thank you to Voracious Readers Only, the author and publishers for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts. I really hope Molly Fennig writes more books in this area.
Starvation follows Wes, a teenage boy struggling with an eating disorder after the loss of his brother.
The topic of this book is one that is incredibly close to my heart, both through personal experience, that of my loved ones and through my studying and career choices. By the end of the novel I had tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. There’s both a sense of hope and reality that definitely leaves the reader wanting more. It highlights the uncertainties of battling mental illness. I think this is such an important novel to help battle the stigma, especially for young men with eating disorders. It is brutally honest, even when the truth may be difficult to hear.
I loved the way Molly Fennig writes. The story moved quickly and easily and kept me gripped. I also loved how the narrative switched between the present day and historic events. It gave an insight into Wes’ thoughts whilst battling an eating disorder, and during the events that led to it.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in mental health. However, I would also say it should be read with caution, as it may be extremely triggering to some. I want to say a big thank you to Voracious Readers Only, the author and publishers for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts. I really hope Molly Fennig writes more books in this area.
January 21, 2021
I received a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Molly Fennig!
First off, I don't know why more people don't know about this book! I found that this book in particular pulled me in more than some books I've read about the topics of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. It was also interesting as it's in the POV of a teen boy instead of a teen girl. I think that people often just associate these disorders with only girls without really thinking about it and I appreciated how the author brought this up about how anyone can deal with it.
While an incredibly sad story with the main character, Wes, struggling with his disorder and tragic death in the family, I felt like it ended with hope. Wes was an interesting character, too. I found the way the writing was done to be more down-to-earth, if you'd say, and more like a piece of Wes himself, like the way the writing flowed when he panicked or thought about the girl he wanted desperately to help, or his jumbled thoughts of wishing he could have saved his sibling.
Collin was really fun and I quickly liked his personality with how he quoted Shakespeare or tried his hardest to be there for Wes even when things got hard...and Wes felt like he was losing grip. But he was still there like a true friend, and he was encouraging and I loved him.
Sometimes I found a few grammatical errors or came across a sentence that was worded awkwardly. One sentence definitely left me confused but maybe I just have read it wrong:
"It was 8:00 am, a year ago, when I was a sophomore, and if Jason had remarked one more time about how beautiful the sunset was or how excited he was for this tournament..." Sunsets don't occur in the morning, oops.
Thank you for this beautiful book, Molly Fennig.
Content:
Language-sh*tty (~3 times), a few dam*s, h*lls, and some oh my g*shes. Some people say "eff you" about three times.
Sexy Stuff-a few kisses, non descriptive, and a sort of crush
Trigger warnings-
First off, I don't know why more people don't know about this book! I found that this book in particular pulled me in more than some books I've read about the topics of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa. It was also interesting as it's in the POV of a teen boy instead of a teen girl. I think that people often just associate these disorders with only girls without really thinking about it and I appreciated how the author brought this up about how anyone can deal with it.
While an incredibly sad story with the main character, Wes, struggling with his disorder and tragic death in the family, I felt like it ended with hope. Wes was an interesting character, too. I found the way the writing was done to be more down-to-earth, if you'd say, and more like a piece of Wes himself, like the way the writing flowed when he panicked or thought about the girl he wanted desperately to help, or his jumbled thoughts of wishing he could have saved his sibling.
Collin was really fun and I quickly liked his personality with how he quoted Shakespeare or tried his hardest to be there for Wes even when things got hard...and Wes felt like he was losing grip. But he was still there like a true friend, and he was encouraging and I loved him.
Sometimes I found a few grammatical errors or came across a sentence that was worded awkwardly. One sentence definitely left me confused but maybe I just have read it wrong:
"It was 8:00 am, a year ago, when I was a sophomore, and if Jason had remarked one more time about how beautiful the sunset was or how excited he was for this tournament..." Sunsets don't occur in the morning, oops.
Thank you for this beautiful book, Molly Fennig.
Content:
Language-sh*tty (~3 times), a few dam*s, h*lls, and some oh my g*shes. Some people say "eff you" about three times.
Sexy Stuff-a few kisses, non descriptive, and a sort of crush
Trigger warnings-
January 8, 2022
Wow! I'm blown away by how Molly weaved this story together. I'll admit I'm usually not a fiction reader, but this was incredible and so realistic. As a male battling an eating disorder, I could totally relate to the main character's battle. Molly shows off his knowledge of the topic and her talent for writing in this tremendous piece!
January 1, 2021
4.5 ⭐️ this really hit a spot
January 10, 2021
Firstly, thank you to Molly Fennig for sending me a copy of her fantastically emotive debut novel about eating disorders and other mental health issues within contemporary teenage society.
As a teacher of sixteen to nineteen year olds, I hold a genuine interest of looking at the world and the difficulties surrounding it through the eyes of people within and around this age group. Fennig captured the voice, feelings and actions of teenagers fantastically well, whilst also inputting her knowledge about eating disorders into the text and creating interest through an intriguing plotline and strong characterisation. Therefore, the story is simultaneously readable, informative and believable; as such, i really enjoyed it and learnt a lot along the way.
This YA story empathetically constructs a story surrounding the protagonist Wes McCoy and his family and friends. Wes has an eating disorder and his beloved 'perfect' brother Jason has recently died in a car accident. The story has a dual narrative which has alternating chapters from the past and after, meaning that the reader is able to see the development of his mental health issues whilst also be swept into a fast paced plo. As a result of this, readers quickly become emotionally attached to all of the characters created by Fennig and inextricably feel involved with the emotions and shocking things that are happening to Wes and those around him. It is also written as a first person narrative, which makes the story incredibly personal to the reader.
It is refreshing to read about eating disorders impacting a male protagonist and the story looks into the pressures created by toxic masculinity brilliantly. Wes is portrayed as feeling like second best to his brother Jason, who is a fantastic wrestler and has won a scholarship at a top college because of this ability. As such, Wes wants to lose weight to fight at a lower weight level and from there his dieting really spirals out of control. In part, because of his brothers death and also through meeting Caila who has an eating disorder and other mental health issues of her own. In some ways, they become toxic to each other and one of the main intrigues of the plot is the mystery as to why they have fallen out. The plot is filled with twists and turns, meaning that the story keeps you on the edge of your seat as well as evoking emotions on every page.
Gender is also a strong theme within this debut and it is expertly explored, with Fennig really breaking down the assumption that eating disorders are a female issue. On top of this, the pressures faced by Jason to be masculine are also important and add a fresh perspective to the family dynamic represented in the novel. Their brotherly relationship and contrasting personalities hold a similarity to Markus Zusak's novel "Fighting Reuben', and if you enjoyed that book, then I think you would also enjoy this one. Wes is an observant protagonist and through his eyes you also get a strong feel for the people within his life. Personally, I felt a strong connection to his friend Collin (who speaks in Shakespearen language throughout) and Wes's artistic mom who just wants him to get better.
This book really educated me on eating disorders; both what they entail for the person suffering from it and those around them, as well as the treatments for them. It was a fascinating read and I really recommend it. It is a gritty novel that deals with heavy issues but is also filled with hope! It is a book that can both open the door to living a life that you haven't yourself experienced, or create a solace for readers that have had lived through similar events.
As a teacher of sixteen to nineteen year olds, I hold a genuine interest of looking at the world and the difficulties surrounding it through the eyes of people within and around this age group. Fennig captured the voice, feelings and actions of teenagers fantastically well, whilst also inputting her knowledge about eating disorders into the text and creating interest through an intriguing plotline and strong characterisation. Therefore, the story is simultaneously readable, informative and believable; as such, i really enjoyed it and learnt a lot along the way.
This YA story empathetically constructs a story surrounding the protagonist Wes McCoy and his family and friends. Wes has an eating disorder and his beloved 'perfect' brother Jason has recently died in a car accident. The story has a dual narrative which has alternating chapters from the past and after, meaning that the reader is able to see the development of his mental health issues whilst also be swept into a fast paced plo. As a result of this, readers quickly become emotionally attached to all of the characters created by Fennig and inextricably feel involved with the emotions and shocking things that are happening to Wes and those around him. It is also written as a first person narrative, which makes the story incredibly personal to the reader.
It is refreshing to read about eating disorders impacting a male protagonist and the story looks into the pressures created by toxic masculinity brilliantly. Wes is portrayed as feeling like second best to his brother Jason, who is a fantastic wrestler and has won a scholarship at a top college because of this ability. As such, Wes wants to lose weight to fight at a lower weight level and from there his dieting really spirals out of control. In part, because of his brothers death and also through meeting Caila who has an eating disorder and other mental health issues of her own. In some ways, they become toxic to each other and one of the main intrigues of the plot is the mystery as to why they have fallen out. The plot is filled with twists and turns, meaning that the story keeps you on the edge of your seat as well as evoking emotions on every page.
Gender is also a strong theme within this debut and it is expertly explored, with Fennig really breaking down the assumption that eating disorders are a female issue. On top of this, the pressures faced by Jason to be masculine are also important and add a fresh perspective to the family dynamic represented in the novel. Their brotherly relationship and contrasting personalities hold a similarity to Markus Zusak's novel "Fighting Reuben', and if you enjoyed that book, then I think you would also enjoy this one. Wes is an observant protagonist and through his eyes you also get a strong feel for the people within his life. Personally, I felt a strong connection to his friend Collin (who speaks in Shakespearen language throughout) and Wes's artistic mom who just wants him to get better.
This book really educated me on eating disorders; both what they entail for the person suffering from it and those around them, as well as the treatments for them. It was a fascinating read and I really recommend it. It is a gritty novel that deals with heavy issues but is also filled with hope! It is a book that can both open the door to living a life that you haven't yourself experienced, or create a solace for readers that have had lived through similar events.
November 22, 2020
Wes, a wrestler, develops anorexia after her brother’s death and his girlfriend’s struggle with the eating disorder.
STARVATION is a heavy-handed story about eating disorders and mental illness that doesn’t try to be anything else. Molly Fennig filled her book with Messages (with a capital M) often in stilted dialogue that didn’t sound like any teenage boy I’ve ever met.
I am glad Fennig tried to tell a story about a boy with an eating disorder. I wish she had teen boy beta readers to make the voice more authentic and the story more organic.
I struggled to find a reason to give more than one star. I like that Fennig tried to do with the book, but I wouldn’t recommend STARVATION.
December 6, 2020
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a raw YA story where the main character, a male has an eating disorder and mental illness. It is a pretty heavy handed topic and tale that many will find confronting. The story is told in dual timelines, the before and the after, the past and the present which shows why Wes became how he is. I found the writing style very descriptive. It is a powerful and very emotional read and certainly sends a message.
January 17, 2022
YA Fiction Highlight Male Mental Health and Eating Disorders
Really appreciated the opportunity to read a young adult novel with a male protagonist facing mental health issues and an eating disorder. It’s great to see more representation of this in media.
Really appreciated the opportunity to read a young adult novel with a male protagonist facing mental health issues and an eating disorder. It’s great to see more representation of this in media.
November 18, 2020
His therapist asks, “What do you know about eating disorders?” Wes answers, “I don’t have one. I’m not a girl.”
It’s like autism but the other way round. With autism we immediately think about boys, but girls have it too. They only can adapt better, making it less noticeable. With anorexia we all think about girls but more and more boys have it too. Anorexic boys only can hide their eating behavior better, making it less noticeable.
This book is about Wes who meets Caila, an anorexic girl. Caila only eats 200 calories a day. At first Wes doesn’t notice her eating disorder and eats just fruit for a while to support Caila to lose some weight. He discovers he loses weight easily and therefore can wrestle in another weight category. He likes it but knows at the same time he shouldn’t do this, seeing Caila’s hollow cheeks, feeling her bones when he touches her. So he starts to eat regularly again. Until his brother Jason dies in a car accident.
The story is told in dual timelines, before and after. I liked those befores and afters, they gave an inside to what happened to Wes, why he stopped eating and how he struggled to get better. It’s important to have more stories about boys having eating disorders, to know that boys use lesser eating too, to get in control, to deal with major events like Wes had to when Jason died or whatever reason they have to starve themselves. I liked the title of the book which has a double meaning, you need to find out yourself. Sometimes I had tears in my eyes, the way Wes destroyed himself, the moment he found out Jason was dead. I connected more to the second part of the story more than the first part.
I liked a few things less. I had to get used to the writing style, sometimes long sentences, a lot of commas and countless descriptions. To my opinion the story could be far more powerful with shorter, blunter sentences and lesser descriptions. The after chapters were told in present tense and the before in past tense. Maybe the author used it to make a difference between then and now but I’d immediately recognize a before chapter if it had been written in present tense too. I think the story would have been stronger if they were both in the same (present) tense. But I could be wrong :).
Somehow I missed one important part in the story, Wes lost 55 pounds, 55! A fifteen/sixteen year old losing that much weight and nobody mentioning it? Nobody? His parents were grieving so maybe they didn’t notice but what about his friends, his wrestling coach? He fainted during wrestling. His coach, his teammates should have known. At the beginning of the story Wes mentioned his weight loss and I kept wondering why no one noticed. Regrettably,I didn’t get an answer.
I know the critical part of my review is quite long and it’s not because I think this book is bad. It’s because I think it could have been even better. Overall it’s an important story, we need more stories like this. I doubted about rating it 3 or 4 stars. Because of the writing and the things that could be better, I tended to 3 stars. But because of the premise I round it up to 4.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s like autism but the other way round. With autism we immediately think about boys, but girls have it too. They only can adapt better, making it less noticeable. With anorexia we all think about girls but more and more boys have it too. Anorexic boys only can hide their eating behavior better, making it less noticeable.
This book is about Wes who meets Caila, an anorexic girl. Caila only eats 200 calories a day. At first Wes doesn’t notice her eating disorder and eats just fruit for a while to support Caila to lose some weight. He discovers he loses weight easily and therefore can wrestle in another weight category. He likes it but knows at the same time he shouldn’t do this, seeing Caila’s hollow cheeks, feeling her bones when he touches her. So he starts to eat regularly again. Until his brother Jason dies in a car accident.
The story is told in dual timelines, before and after. I liked those befores and afters, they gave an inside to what happened to Wes, why he stopped eating and how he struggled to get better. It’s important to have more stories about boys having eating disorders, to know that boys use lesser eating too, to get in control, to deal with major events like Wes had to when Jason died or whatever reason they have to starve themselves. I liked the title of the book which has a double meaning, you need to find out yourself. Sometimes I had tears in my eyes, the way Wes destroyed himself, the moment he found out Jason was dead. I connected more to the second part of the story more than the first part.
I liked a few things less. I had to get used to the writing style, sometimes long sentences, a lot of commas and countless descriptions. To my opinion the story could be far more powerful with shorter, blunter sentences and lesser descriptions. The after chapters were told in present tense and the before in past tense. Maybe the author used it to make a difference between then and now but I’d immediately recognize a before chapter if it had been written in present tense too. I think the story would have been stronger if they were both in the same (present) tense. But I could be wrong :).
Somehow I missed one important part in the story, Wes lost 55 pounds, 55! A fifteen/sixteen year old losing that much weight and nobody mentioning it? Nobody? His parents were grieving so maybe they didn’t notice but what about his friends, his wrestling coach? He fainted during wrestling. His coach, his teammates should have known. At the beginning of the story Wes mentioned his weight loss and I kept wondering why no one noticed. Regrettably,I didn’t get an answer.
I know the critical part of my review is quite long and it’s not because I think this book is bad. It’s because I think it could have been even better. Overall it’s an important story, we need more stories like this. I doubted about rating it 3 or 4 stars. Because of the writing and the things that could be better, I tended to 3 stars. But because of the premise I round it up to 4.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2020
I screamed at my computer screen "No! That's it???" There has to be more. I want more! Do they both get better? Do they get married? Get to go to college? However, I suppose the emphasis on uncertainty matches with the unpredictability of eating disorders and other mental illness. Relapse is extremely common in anorexia patients.
Starvation portrays the most accurate and realistic view of the development of eating disorders that I have ever read, and I definitely learned more about the motivations behind anorexia. The counter-argument against why a person cannot just put food in their mouth and swallow was powerful and the utter fear was astonishing and eye-opening.
I love that Starvation is told from a male perspective, as there is an issue of eating disorders being viewed as victims to mostly girls, as well as other mental illnesses. Its incorporation of suicide was also very accurate and did tackle frequent misunderstandings of why someone would end their life, as well as teach some of the warning signs of suicide and other mental conditions.
Starvation portrays the most accurate and realistic view of the development of eating disorders that I have ever read, and I definitely learned more about the motivations behind anorexia. The counter-argument against why a person cannot just put food in their mouth and swallow was powerful and the utter fear was astonishing and eye-opening.
I love that Starvation is told from a male perspective, as there is an issue of eating disorders being viewed as victims to mostly girls, as well as other mental illnesses. Its incorporation of suicide was also very accurate and did tackle frequent misunderstandings of why someone would end their life, as well as teach some of the warning signs of suicide and other mental conditions.
December 2, 2020
So I knew going into this story it was going to be a tense read that would really make me think and play with my emotions. I was probably a little underprepared though lol. I have to say this book is very well written and engaging but be prepared to want to scream and cry all at once more often than not while reading. I have had very dear friends of my struggle with eating disorders and this book really captures what it is like to not only live with one yourself but the way this impacts family and friends and others too. I was very much wrapped up in Matt, our main character’s story. He brings a fresh new light to the concept because this doesn't get addressed nearly as much with males who can just as much be impacted with eating disorders as a female. Matt has to take quite the journey and will deal with loss in ways that will tear your heart out. I won’t really give much more details but this is one you really must read. I do look forward to seeing what else will come from Molly Fennig, I have not before read her work and this definitely sucked me in and made me want to see more.
May 13, 2021
Editorial Reviews (5, all 5 stars):
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a YA novel that addresses realistic issues and presents elaborately developed and compelling characters. Sixteen-year-old Wes McCoy has never been the favorite of the family. His brother, Jason, who is the apple of everyone’s eye, dies in a car accident on his way to the State wrestling championship. Wes’s life gets upended in ways he can’t understand. In his struggle to cope with the tragedy, he turns to food for solace. But food can’t give him the solution to his aching problems and his troubled heart. In fact, he might lose a dear friend forever, and Caila Brennan is a girl whose standards put food out of the equation. As he navigates his painful emotions and learns more about himself and his brother’s tragedy, he will have to make hard choices or see his life winding down an irreversible path.
This is the first book I have read in which an author explores a young character struggling with grief and finding himself plunged into a world where eating disorders become the norm. Themes of depression and suicide are diligently written and in a realistic manner. Molly Fennig has written the young characters intelligently and I enjoyed the way the relationship between Caila and Wes is developed from the moment they first meet each other at the fountain; their text messaging conversations add to the realism of the story and capture an aspect of life that young readers will definitely relate to. The family dynamics at the McCoys and how this affects the young protagonist are also well-written. Starvation is suspenseful, and I found myself mulling over the death of Jason, wondering — like the mother — if he had actually committed suicide. Starvation is emotionally rich, at times disturbing, but it plumbs the psyche of a young protagonist and explores realities that young people experience, especially when faced with a crisis. It is a fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster.
Reviewed By Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a great story that features real issues that teenagers are confronted with, one of the best books I have read on facing a crisis as a teenager. Even if Wes McCoy was not the apple of the family’s eye, he is devastated by the sudden death of his brother, Jason. Jason is an athlete who dies in a car accident on his way to the state high school wrestling championship. The story is carried by the media. But life is upended for sixteen-year-old Wes, who suddenly becomes withdrawn, giving in to food addiction as he struggles to come to terms with the devastating reality of death. Did his brother really die or could it have been murder or suicide? The answers are in this twisty tale that is never lacking in surprises.
This is a cleverly written story that feels real. The young protagonist is a character that instantly wins the sympathy of readers, and I enjoyed the role that Caila plays in the story, engaging Wes on a path that might lead to inner freedom. This is a character-driven story with plot twists that readers won’t see coming and an ending that is equally satisfying. Molly Fennig writes realistic scenes and uses a tragedy to explore a reaction that is common to people who are depressed. The story is psychologically strong and Wes's psyche is brilliantly explored, allowing readers to follow his thoughts, feel his struggles, and root for him in his fight to control his eating disorder. Starvation has excellence in writing that readers look for and a storytelling skill that is exceptional, combining the fine art of plotting with realistic characters to deliver entertainment that hits home. It is loaded with sobering life lessons. This is a sweeping story of loss, tragedy, and addiction; it is also a coming-of-age story with shades of love.
Reviewed By Lesley Jones for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Wes McCoy has grown up in his older brother Jason's shadow. Jason seems to have everything; his parents' admiration, a wrestling scholarship to Stanford, and plenty of adoring friends. But when Jason is killed in a car accident, Wes and his parents must begin their own personal grieving process. However, Wes is not only coping with the loss of his brother but also trying to help his girlfriend Caila with her unhealthy fixation on losing weight. When Wes wakes up in hospital after collapsing at a wrestling tournament, he beings to look back on the events before and after his brother's death. He uncovers some painful truths about himself and how his unhealthy obsession with food gave him a sense of control over his life. Have Wes's life choices been for himself or to gain the respect of others? As Wes begins the long process to rebuild his life and the relationships with his parents and best friend Collin, will he be able to prevent the illness from taking away everything he holds dear? Will Wes not only find the strength to save himself but Caila too before it is too late?
Starvation by Molly Fennig is an extremely hard-hitting account of one young boy's experience with eating disorders and suicide. The entire story is written from the point of view of a teenage boy before and after the death of his brother and how it affected his relationships with others. I found every character's behavior and actions very realistic and the dialogue represented their personalities perfectly. Wes was a deeply sensitive teenager with low self-esteem and a longing to feel accepted. I loved how the chapters alternated from past to present as it really gave an insightful look inside the mind of Wes and how his relationship with food became so unhealthy. I thought the strength of this novel was the relationship development between Wes, his friends, and his family, especially his parents. The scene between Wes and his father and the spider analogy was fantastic and I also thought Wes's reaction to the new house rules and his mother was very powerful. Collin was extremely funny and brought some fantastic humor to the story. The scene between Wes and Jason after the accident was heartbreaking. I also thought the relationship between Caila and Wes was endearing and deeply moving throughout. Starvation by Molly Fennig is such a well-written story and highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of eating disorders, depression, and suicide. The story also uncovers the dangers of allowing others' opinions of you to become your version of reality.
Reviewed By Tiffany Ferrell for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars
Wes Mccoy is a wrestler at his high school, living in his older brother's shadow. Coming from a family of athletes, he struggles while his older brother Jason is ranked at the top of their team, also receiving a scholarship to his dream college. Wes then meets Caila, a beautiful ballerina who looks too fragile for this world. The two become friends and she suggests that he diet with her for a week with only eating fruit. Desperately wanting to go down a weight class, he thinks it’s a good idea and agrees. Losing the weight and moving down a class, Wes sees the diet as a success, but at the same time, he realizes that there is something seriously wrong with Caila. Finding out that she is anorexic, he tries to help the girl that he finds himself falling for, all the while getting sucked into the vicious cycle of an eating disorder himself. What triggers Wes’s downfall is the sudden death of his brother. Wes’s parents are trying everything to keep their last living son with them, but he’s trapped in the obsession and addiction of depriving himself of the food and nutrients that he needs to survive. Will Wes beat anorexia or will anorexia beat him?
I thought Starvation by Molly Fennig was a great and emotional read that not only kept the reader interested but brought to light a very important issue that many people struggle with. So many people think that anorexia and bulimia is an illness and addiction that only women suffer from, which is untrue. So many men suffer in silence and go untreated because of this stereotype. With that said, I am very happy that the main character of this book is a male because it makes it unique. This is the first book I’ve read that centers around a boy who has this illness. Each character is well thought out and you can tell that Molly Fennig has done her research. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
Reviewed By Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Wes McCoy is a high school sophomore devastated by the death of his older brother Jason, a wrestling prodigy who was set to take the world by storm. Always being overshadowed by his brother, Wes struggles to cope with his unexpected loss, going into a depressive spiral that sees him lashing out at his loved ones. His relationship with his girlfriend Caila -- a ballerina with anorexia and suicidal tendencies -- becomes strained. Moreover, he instigates a fallout with his best friend Collin, a witty teenager with a penchant for video games. As Wes battles with a serious eating disorder, shocking truths about his brother come to light that knocks the wind out of his sails. Starvation by Molly Fennig is an introspective coming-of-age tale that deals with issues of anorexia, loss, and depression.
Molly Fennig's thoughtful exploration of topics such as teenage depression and body dysmorphia is as absorbing as it's informative. I found the characters extremely compelling to read. Wes is a complex character with layers of depth that other teenagers going through the same issues will find easy to relate to. Even the non-POV characters such as Collin and Caila feel well-realized, and they create a fascinating relationship dynamic with Wes. Author Molly Fennig uses a non-linear narrative, and the plot moves deliberately slowly. Some heavy topics are explored in the book, and I found them handled thoughtfully in a sensitive manner. I feel glad that I read Starvation. I would recommend it to readers interested in coming-of-age stories involving topics of loss and recovery.
Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a YA novel that addresses realistic issues and presents elaborately developed and compelling characters. Sixteen-year-old Wes McCoy has never been the favorite of the family. His brother, Jason, who is the apple of everyone’s eye, dies in a car accident on his way to the State wrestling championship. Wes’s life gets upended in ways he can’t understand. In his struggle to cope with the tragedy, he turns to food for solace. But food can’t give him the solution to his aching problems and his troubled heart. In fact, he might lose a dear friend forever, and Caila Brennan is a girl whose standards put food out of the equation. As he navigates his painful emotions and learns more about himself and his brother’s tragedy, he will have to make hard choices or see his life winding down an irreversible path.
This is the first book I have read in which an author explores a young character struggling with grief and finding himself plunged into a world where eating disorders become the norm. Themes of depression and suicide are diligently written and in a realistic manner. Molly Fennig has written the young characters intelligently and I enjoyed the way the relationship between Caila and Wes is developed from the moment they first meet each other at the fountain; their text messaging conversations add to the realism of the story and capture an aspect of life that young readers will definitely relate to. The family dynamics at the McCoys and how this affects the young protagonist are also well-written. Starvation is suspenseful, and I found myself mulling over the death of Jason, wondering — like the mother — if he had actually committed suicide. Starvation is emotionally rich, at times disturbing, but it plumbs the psyche of a young protagonist and explores realities that young people experience, especially when faced with a crisis. It is a fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster.
Reviewed By Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a great story that features real issues that teenagers are confronted with, one of the best books I have read on facing a crisis as a teenager. Even if Wes McCoy was not the apple of the family’s eye, he is devastated by the sudden death of his brother, Jason. Jason is an athlete who dies in a car accident on his way to the state high school wrestling championship. The story is carried by the media. But life is upended for sixteen-year-old Wes, who suddenly becomes withdrawn, giving in to food addiction as he struggles to come to terms with the devastating reality of death. Did his brother really die or could it have been murder or suicide? The answers are in this twisty tale that is never lacking in surprises.
This is a cleverly written story that feels real. The young protagonist is a character that instantly wins the sympathy of readers, and I enjoyed the role that Caila plays in the story, engaging Wes on a path that might lead to inner freedom. This is a character-driven story with plot twists that readers won’t see coming and an ending that is equally satisfying. Molly Fennig writes realistic scenes and uses a tragedy to explore a reaction that is common to people who are depressed. The story is psychologically strong and Wes's psyche is brilliantly explored, allowing readers to follow his thoughts, feel his struggles, and root for him in his fight to control his eating disorder. Starvation has excellence in writing that readers look for and a storytelling skill that is exceptional, combining the fine art of plotting with realistic characters to deliver entertainment that hits home. It is loaded with sobering life lessons. This is a sweeping story of loss, tragedy, and addiction; it is also a coming-of-age story with shades of love.
Reviewed By Lesley Jones for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Wes McCoy has grown up in his older brother Jason's shadow. Jason seems to have everything; his parents' admiration, a wrestling scholarship to Stanford, and plenty of adoring friends. But when Jason is killed in a car accident, Wes and his parents must begin their own personal grieving process. However, Wes is not only coping with the loss of his brother but also trying to help his girlfriend Caila with her unhealthy fixation on losing weight. When Wes wakes up in hospital after collapsing at a wrestling tournament, he beings to look back on the events before and after his brother's death. He uncovers some painful truths about himself and how his unhealthy obsession with food gave him a sense of control over his life. Have Wes's life choices been for himself or to gain the respect of others? As Wes begins the long process to rebuild his life and the relationships with his parents and best friend Collin, will he be able to prevent the illness from taking away everything he holds dear? Will Wes not only find the strength to save himself but Caila too before it is too late?
Starvation by Molly Fennig is an extremely hard-hitting account of one young boy's experience with eating disorders and suicide. The entire story is written from the point of view of a teenage boy before and after the death of his brother and how it affected his relationships with others. I found every character's behavior and actions very realistic and the dialogue represented their personalities perfectly. Wes was a deeply sensitive teenager with low self-esteem and a longing to feel accepted. I loved how the chapters alternated from past to present as it really gave an insightful look inside the mind of Wes and how his relationship with food became so unhealthy. I thought the strength of this novel was the relationship development between Wes, his friends, and his family, especially his parents. The scene between Wes and his father and the spider analogy was fantastic and I also thought Wes's reaction to the new house rules and his mother was very powerful. Collin was extremely funny and brought some fantastic humor to the story. The scene between Wes and Jason after the accident was heartbreaking. I also thought the relationship between Caila and Wes was endearing and deeply moving throughout. Starvation by Molly Fennig is such a well-written story and highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of eating disorders, depression, and suicide. The story also uncovers the dangers of allowing others' opinions of you to become your version of reality.
Reviewed By Tiffany Ferrell for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars
Wes Mccoy is a wrestler at his high school, living in his older brother's shadow. Coming from a family of athletes, he struggles while his older brother Jason is ranked at the top of their team, also receiving a scholarship to his dream college. Wes then meets Caila, a beautiful ballerina who looks too fragile for this world. The two become friends and she suggests that he diet with her for a week with only eating fruit. Desperately wanting to go down a weight class, he thinks it’s a good idea and agrees. Losing the weight and moving down a class, Wes sees the diet as a success, but at the same time, he realizes that there is something seriously wrong with Caila. Finding out that she is anorexic, he tries to help the girl that he finds himself falling for, all the while getting sucked into the vicious cycle of an eating disorder himself. What triggers Wes’s downfall is the sudden death of his brother. Wes’s parents are trying everything to keep their last living son with them, but he’s trapped in the obsession and addiction of depriving himself of the food and nutrients that he needs to survive. Will Wes beat anorexia or will anorexia beat him?
I thought Starvation by Molly Fennig was a great and emotional read that not only kept the reader interested but brought to light a very important issue that many people struggle with. So many people think that anorexia and bulimia is an illness and addiction that only women suffer from, which is untrue. So many men suffer in silence and go untreated because of this stereotype. With that said, I am very happy that the main character of this book is a male because it makes it unique. This is the first book I’ve read that centers around a boy who has this illness. Each character is well thought out and you can tell that Molly Fennig has done her research. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
Reviewed By Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite - 5 stars
Wes McCoy is a high school sophomore devastated by the death of his older brother Jason, a wrestling prodigy who was set to take the world by storm. Always being overshadowed by his brother, Wes struggles to cope with his unexpected loss, going into a depressive spiral that sees him lashing out at his loved ones. His relationship with his girlfriend Caila -- a ballerina with anorexia and suicidal tendencies -- becomes strained. Moreover, he instigates a fallout with his best friend Collin, a witty teenager with a penchant for video games. As Wes battles with a serious eating disorder, shocking truths about his brother come to light that knocks the wind out of his sails. Starvation by Molly Fennig is an introspective coming-of-age tale that deals with issues of anorexia, loss, and depression.
Molly Fennig's thoughtful exploration of topics such as teenage depression and body dysmorphia is as absorbing as it's informative. I found the characters extremely compelling to read. Wes is a complex character with layers of depth that other teenagers going through the same issues will find easy to relate to. Even the non-POV characters such as Collin and Caila feel well-realized, and they create a fascinating relationship dynamic with Wes. Author Molly Fennig uses a non-linear narrative, and the plot moves deliberately slowly. Some heavy topics are explored in the book, and I found them handled thoughtfully in a sensitive manner. I feel glad that I read Starvation. I would recommend it to readers interested in coming-of-age stories involving topics of loss and recovery.
December 20, 2020
Sixteen-year-old Wes McCoy passes out during wrestling practice. He is sent to the hospital and begins to reflect. Before and after, before and after. The story is told in alternating timelines, answering the questions of how we got here and what happens next. The development of Wes's eating disorder is devastating, and all the more so because no one seemed to notice, despite his losing 55 pounds in less than a year. Sadly, this unbelievable plot is not so hard to believe. Just as Wes himself acknowledges, we don't look for eating disorders in boys and men, and we do a tremendous disservice to everyone by assuming eating disorders only happen to girls.
This book is incredibly powerful and addresses so many issues that affect teens and are too often swept under the rug in an intense, gripping format. Wes is a strong, somewhat unreliable narrator, and his sometimes contradictory thought processes feel very honest to a teen experience.
As the book progresses, it is revealed that Wes was introduced to anorexia by a ballet dancer he incidentally meets at a wrestling tournament while avoiding the torrent of praise raining down on his impressive, popular, athletic older brother, Jason. Caila intrigues Wes, who has never had a girl express interest in him before. She convinces him to join her on a two-week fruit diet, which he does with a generous degree of skepticism. Sure, Wes acknowledges, the first day of the fruit diet was refreshing, and he felt more focused in wrestling than he ever had, but it's not tenable for the long-term. Wes begins to further doubt the efficacy of the fruit diet as his relationship with Caila continues to develop. Her face is so sallow, he observes, and she avoids eating with intention and pride. Powerfully, Wes is able to identify Caila's anorexia, its unhealthy and potentially fatal consequences, and his desire to help her before his own anorexia and bulimia develops as an attempt to gain control over something after Jason's horrific death. He knows the horrors of this disease, and yet it still takes over his life, which is perhaps the most significant message of the entire story for teens.
On that note, while I would recommend this to teen readers, I think it should be read with supervision, either in a classroom, as a buddy read with an adult, or just as part of an ongoing conversation. The book is powerful, tragic, and by no means glorifies eating disorders. Indeed, the vast majority of the book focuses on the extreme worst-case scenarios (Caila goes into liver failure and nearly dies; Wes is hospitalized at least twice; the descriptions of bodies as hollow, stretched skin over bones are gruesome and unattractive). Nevertheless, for teens (or adults) who may tend towards disordered eating habits, it is important to know that this book also contains descriptions of strategies that may be used to reduce consumption without being discovered. This is not a book to be read in isolation, but it is a certainly a book that should be read and discussed widely.
Read from NetGalley in partnership with BooksGoSocial. Opinions stated in this review are honest and my own.
Release Date: 17 November 2020
This book is incredibly powerful and addresses so many issues that affect teens and are too often swept under the rug in an intense, gripping format. Wes is a strong, somewhat unreliable narrator, and his sometimes contradictory thought processes feel very honest to a teen experience.
As the book progresses, it is revealed that Wes was introduced to anorexia by a ballet dancer he incidentally meets at a wrestling tournament while avoiding the torrent of praise raining down on his impressive, popular, athletic older brother, Jason. Caila intrigues Wes, who has never had a girl express interest in him before. She convinces him to join her on a two-week fruit diet, which he does with a generous degree of skepticism. Sure, Wes acknowledges, the first day of the fruit diet was refreshing, and he felt more focused in wrestling than he ever had, but it's not tenable for the long-term. Wes begins to further doubt the efficacy of the fruit diet as his relationship with Caila continues to develop. Her face is so sallow, he observes, and she avoids eating with intention and pride. Powerfully, Wes is able to identify Caila's anorexia, its unhealthy and potentially fatal consequences, and his desire to help her before his own anorexia and bulimia develops as an attempt to gain control over something after Jason's horrific death. He knows the horrors of this disease, and yet it still takes over his life, which is perhaps the most significant message of the entire story for teens.
On that note, while I would recommend this to teen readers, I think it should be read with supervision, either in a classroom, as a buddy read with an adult, or just as part of an ongoing conversation. The book is powerful, tragic, and by no means glorifies eating disorders. Indeed, the vast majority of the book focuses on the extreme worst-case scenarios (Caila goes into liver failure and nearly dies; Wes is hospitalized at least twice; the descriptions of bodies as hollow, stretched skin over bones are gruesome and unattractive). Nevertheless, for teens (or adults) who may tend towards disordered eating habits, it is important to know that this book also contains descriptions of strategies that may be used to reduce consumption without being discovered. This is not a book to be read in isolation, but it is a certainly a book that should be read and discussed widely.
Read from NetGalley in partnership with BooksGoSocial. Opinions stated in this review are honest and my own.
Release Date: 17 November 2020
November 18, 2020
Sixteen year old Wes can’t believe that his brother Jason is dead. Wes meets Caila sitting in the high school hall on a windowsill crying. She is dressed as a ballerina. She thanks Wes after they talk a little but Wes doesn’t understand. Caila decides to go on a fruit diet and asks Wes to do it too. It’s for a report on changing eating habits. Wes doesn’t know if it’s a good thing to do. Caila wants to lose weight to be able to dance ballet better. She does lose weight and doesn’t stop. Wes can’t believe how skinny Caila is. Wes starts eating less food and at first is happy in his results at wrestling. Wes continues to eat less until he is so thin, he faints. He is taken to the hospital where it is discovered that has lost more weight than anyone including his parents knew. He goes home after a few days in the hospital. Does Wes go back to normal eating? He decides to go to Caila’s home to see how she is. She is skinnier. Will Wes be able to help Caila or himself? What caused them to continue eating less?
The author has written about a subject that is known. It is considered more likely to happen girls but it does happen to boys. The book shows us a teenager that gets caught from a diet to continue to eating less and throwing up. It mentions briefly the results that can happen to a person having an eating disorder. It’s written very realistically. The author used two time period throughout. First it said “before” and then alternates with “after.”
This style of writing is perfect for the novel. It’s a great book to read and discuss the situation with others. It is an illness that should not be judged. It ought to be talked about with others.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has written about a subject that is known. It is considered more likely to happen girls but it does happen to boys. The book shows us a teenager that gets caught from a diet to continue to eating less and throwing up. It mentions briefly the results that can happen to a person having an eating disorder. It’s written very realistically. The author used two time period throughout. First it said “before” and then alternates with “after.”
This style of writing is perfect for the novel. It’s a great book to read and discuss the situation with others. It is an illness that should not be judged. It ought to be talked about with others.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 6, 2021
Wow, this was a powerful, emotional, gut-wrenching novel. Dealing with several serious issues including anorexia and bulimia, suicide, depression and mental illness, I thought the author did a great job being respectful to those who suffer from the disease and wrote in an honest and well-presented way.
I very much appreciated that the main character was male and challenged the stereotype that ‘eating disorders are for girls’ and I actually really liked how it was laid out in alternating ‘before’ and ‘after’ timelines. This style can be easily confusing, but Fennig kept portions well balanced and actually, added to the depth of the novel. I also quite appreciated Collin’s character and I often looked for him when things started to get too heavy.
Although the novel is really supposed to be about Wes, I do wish there was a little more follow through with some of the characters. Does Wes and his family ever really talk about the reason behind his eating disorder? Why aren’t his parents also in therapy, considering the major trauma their family has had? What about the falling out between Collin and Wes? I got a glimpse, but it seems there is much more to it than what I read (or maybe I missed something?).
Starvation is a well-written, powerful novel that explores issues that should be explored. There are definitely some trigger warnings to this book, but it is definitely worth a read.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Molly Fennig for my copy!
I very much appreciated that the main character was male and challenged the stereotype that ‘eating disorders are for girls’ and I actually really liked how it was laid out in alternating ‘before’ and ‘after’ timelines. This style can be easily confusing, but Fennig kept portions well balanced and actually, added to the depth of the novel. I also quite appreciated Collin’s character and I often looked for him when things started to get too heavy.
Although the novel is really supposed to be about Wes, I do wish there was a little more follow through with some of the characters. Does Wes and his family ever really talk about the reason behind his eating disorder? Why aren’t his parents also in therapy, considering the major trauma their family has had? What about the falling out between Collin and Wes? I got a glimpse, but it seems there is much more to it than what I read (or maybe I missed something?).
Starvation is a well-written, powerful novel that explores issues that should be explored. There are definitely some trigger warnings to this book, but it is definitely worth a read.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Molly Fennig for my copy!
November 29, 2020
Starvation by Molly Fennig
5 Stars
WOW!! I finished this book a day or so ago and it has stayed with me every minute since. This story was so sad and dark and felt so so real. It had a few surprise moments that I didn't see coming and I normally could read this book in a day but there was so much emotion that went with reading this story that I literally had to put it down more often than normal to let what I read sink in.
This was a beautifully written story and I became completely invested in Wes’s journey, I've never understood the inner workings of this disease but after this I feel like I might actually understand it at least a little bit. This author made it make more sense for me and my emotions were literally all over the place.
The Before and Afters were absolutely crucial for how well this book worked and they were placed in a skillful way that kept me looking forward to each. I especially loved the ending..I normally would be looking for a prologue with this kind of end but not this one..I was ok with the unknown and the keeping it real, which followed the whole of this story.
I have already recommended this book to friends and family and this being my first book by this author I am beyond impressed at the writing style and the flow of her writing and will absolutely read more.
Awesome book!!
5 Stars
WOW!! I finished this book a day or so ago and it has stayed with me every minute since. This story was so sad and dark and felt so so real. It had a few surprise moments that I didn't see coming and I normally could read this book in a day but there was so much emotion that went with reading this story that I literally had to put it down more often than normal to let what I read sink in.
This was a beautifully written story and I became completely invested in Wes’s journey, I've never understood the inner workings of this disease but after this I feel like I might actually understand it at least a little bit. This author made it make more sense for me and my emotions were literally all over the place.
The Before and Afters were absolutely crucial for how well this book worked and they were placed in a skillful way that kept me looking forward to each. I especially loved the ending..I normally would be looking for a prologue with this kind of end but not this one..I was ok with the unknown and the keeping it real, which followed the whole of this story.
I have already recommended this book to friends and family and this being my first book by this author I am beyond impressed at the writing style and the flow of her writing and will absolutely read more.
Awesome book!!
January 15, 2025
2.5 I received an ebook copy of this from the author a couple of years ago (maybe more) and I finally was in the mood for it. It took me no time at all to read it and I appreciated that it had a boy character struggling with a disorder.
First, I was surprised by the writing style, it is actually well-written and I even underlined some quotes. Also, I think that the 'before ' and 'after' format worked. The problem was that we had no idea how distant they were and everything seemed to happen too close in time. It should have been more gradual imo.
My main problem with it though was its 'realness'. Too many things felt rushed and unrealistic, from the bond that Wes feels with Caila right away (not even knowing her and already investing energies in wanting to make her eat and help -they are teenagers- and the influence she had over him), to the way Wes struggles with food after seeing what happens to her (I would think that that would be something to wake you up completely), to the brother's behavior which was kinda out of the blue (?). This said, I read that the author actually works with eating disorders so probably the 'scientific' parts about starvation and all are legit. I was asking myself sometimes, though.
First, I was surprised by the writing style, it is actually well-written and I even underlined some quotes. Also, I think that the 'before ' and 'after' format worked. The problem was that we had no idea how distant they were and everything seemed to happen too close in time. It should have been more gradual imo.
My main problem with it though was its 'realness'. Too many things felt rushed and unrealistic, from the bond that Wes feels with Caila right away (not even knowing her and already investing energies in wanting to make her eat and help -they are teenagers- and the influence she had over him), to the way Wes struggles with food after seeing what happens to her (I would think that that would be something to wake you up completely), to the brother's behavior which was kinda out of the blue (?). This said, I read that the author actually works with eating disorders so probably the 'scientific' parts about starvation and all are legit. I was asking myself sometimes, though.
December 7, 2020
Starvation is the first book I have read by Molly Fennig, but I would absolutely read more. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, it will leave a lasting impression. I caution the reader, as it is a very emotional book. It is very well written, where we can see and feel what the characters are going through. There is a lot of struggle and heartbreak, but also a lot of true feelings teens go through in their lives. It is very real. I never really thought about how one develops eating disorders, or what they may think and feel. But this book gets right down into the nitty gritty. I love that it shows it from both male and female perspectives, to eliminate the gender divide. It alternates time perspective, which was so unique. We see the before and after Wes hits his break, until the end when the two timelines meet and transform into the now. It was not confusing at all, and I loved seeing the transition of how things ended up the way they did. Highly recommend this book!
November 24, 2020
Starvation
By Molly Fennig
5 out of 5 stars
This is a book that had me hooked from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until the final page. It is the story of a young man named Wes McCoy. He is going through his life feeling that he is judged and always compared to his older brother. He tries to take control of the one thing he can, how much he eats. When tragedy strikes this only makes his situation harder to deal with as well as his relationships with others suffer. Wes is a character that I felt empathy for, and I cared about what happens to him. The book has heartbreaking moments that I found myself with tears in my eyes. The author does a wonderful job in bringing attention to how both the person with the eating disorder feels as well as those around them trying to understand. The story is a powerful one, and I found myself thinking about it even after I had finished it. This is a book that I would encourage others to read.
By Molly Fennig
5 out of 5 stars
This is a book that had me hooked from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until the final page. It is the story of a young man named Wes McCoy. He is going through his life feeling that he is judged and always compared to his older brother. He tries to take control of the one thing he can, how much he eats. When tragedy strikes this only makes his situation harder to deal with as well as his relationships with others suffer. Wes is a character that I felt empathy for, and I cared about what happens to him. The book has heartbreaking moments that I found myself with tears in my eyes. The author does a wonderful job in bringing attention to how both the person with the eating disorder feels as well as those around them trying to understand. The story is a powerful one, and I found myself thinking about it even after I had finished it. This is a book that I would encourage others to read.
December 9, 2020
A very powerful emotional roller-coaster read about a very rare topic, eating disorder in men.
The story runs in two timelines, present, and past.
The past tells a story of a young Wes, who has always lived in the shadow of his older brother, a wrestling champion.
He meets a girl Caila, who wants to diet for her ballet dancing. He gets into this dieting habit with her and falls deeper and deeper to extreme diet. As his brother dies, he somehow lets this diet take control over his life.
And as time progresses, in the present timeline, he is very sick and refuses to get out of it.
It is a very intense book, and communicates a message that one is responsible for their own actions. If one gets into the trouble, it is one’s one responsibility to get out of it.
A very unique tale, told beautifully. It is heart wrenching.
The story runs in two timelines, present, and past.
The past tells a story of a young Wes, who has always lived in the shadow of his older brother, a wrestling champion.
He meets a girl Caila, who wants to diet for her ballet dancing. He gets into this dieting habit with her and falls deeper and deeper to extreme diet. As his brother dies, he somehow lets this diet take control over his life.
And as time progresses, in the present timeline, he is very sick and refuses to get out of it.
It is a very intense book, and communicates a message that one is responsible for their own actions. If one gets into the trouble, it is one’s one responsibility to get out of it.
A very unique tale, told beautifully. It is heart wrenching.
August 10, 2020
I started and finished this book in two days! It’s compelling, thoughtfully and well-written, and accurately portrays an individual’s life with an eating disorder. As someone who has been in and out of treatment for anorexia numerous times, I’m often hesitant to read such things (and certainly wouldn’t consider it for “pleasure”!). Fennig’s writing is done in a way that doesn’t at all “mock” the struggles that individuals facing mental illness experience, and I genuinely appreciated the story.
It definitely contains content that could likely be triggering for those struggling with mental health, so keep that in mind before you decide to read it or recommend it to another individual. Aside from that, however, I would absolutely encourage everyone to read this book.
It definitely contains content that could likely be triggering for those struggling with mental health, so keep that in mind before you decide to read it or recommend it to another individual. Aside from that, however, I would absolutely encourage everyone to read this book.
November 23, 2020
This is my first book by this author, I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I enjoyed this young adult story. This was an emotional story that I could relate to being an emotional eater for many, many years. The characters brought this story to life for me. They are connectable and made the story an emotional roller coaster ride. This is a story about Wes who is nothing like his brother but when his brother dies in an accident, his life changes. This is where things really change for Wes and he turns to food for comfort. Will he take control over his life and problem before it is too late? Will he be able to repair the damage done to family and friends? Will he find himself in the process? This really is a great story that was easy to read and engaging. I highly recommend this book.
November 26, 2020
Starvation by Molly Fenning was an excellent, realistic story told from the point of view of main character Wes. The story is told in alternating chapters from Before and After a tragic accident takes a loved one from Wes until we find Wes in the present. I found story telling from this perspective as powerful. The reader really gains insight into Wes' life and witnesses the development of an eating disorder and the toll it takes on his life and interpersonal relationships.
I was struck by how realistic this book was; though the subject matter is challenging, the reader really gains insight to his life and the emotional turmoil that leads to his eating disorder. The book is gripping and I kept turning the page all the way until the end. I highly recommend this book. It was very interesting and very well done and, again although challenging, I really enjoyed this story and learning more on this subject matter as well.
I was struck by how realistic this book was; though the subject matter is challenging, the reader really gains insight to his life and the emotional turmoil that leads to his eating disorder. The book is gripping and I kept turning the page all the way until the end. I highly recommend this book. It was very interesting and very well done and, again although challenging, I really enjoyed this story and learning more on this subject matter as well.
December 1, 2020
4 Stars
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a young adult story that tackles the sensitive topic of eating disorders- from a male perspective.
It is raw, honest, and at times very confronting. Molly Fennig doesn’t shy away from this difficult topic, giving a warts-and-all account that really made me sit up and take notice.
The story alternated from past to present and back again- theses transitions were seamlessly choreographed into a seamless and powerfully realistic story. We follow Wes as he grapples with his emotional turmoil, leading to an eating disorder- we witness as he is held in its grip- and look on as it takes over his life. Will he find a way through this experience and come out the other side. Or will it completely consume him. This is well worth the read to find out.
Thank you, Molly Fennig!
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a young adult story that tackles the sensitive topic of eating disorders- from a male perspective.
It is raw, honest, and at times very confronting. Molly Fennig doesn’t shy away from this difficult topic, giving a warts-and-all account that really made me sit up and take notice.
The story alternated from past to present and back again- theses transitions were seamlessly choreographed into a seamless and powerfully realistic story. We follow Wes as he grapples with his emotional turmoil, leading to an eating disorder- we witness as he is held in its grip- and look on as it takes over his life. Will he find a way through this experience and come out the other side. Or will it completely consume him. This is well worth the read to find out.
Thank you, Molly Fennig!
December 5, 2020
Starvation by Molly Fennig was an incredible book, one that will resonate with you for awhile. While the author tries to take a stab at some dark humor sprinkled throughout, this a serious novel, one that deals with many things. It deals with depression, suicide, anxiety, and eating disorders. It could definitely be triggering for the right person, but I also think that if the right person reads this novel, it can help more than harm them. This book was so well written, I felt like I was right there, struggling along with Wes, the main character. In all honesty I felt like I was reading a John Greene novel with this one. This was absolutely an incredible read, one I think everyone needs to read to try and understand people just a little bit better. Kudos to Fennig for this novel.
December 7, 2020
Starvation by Molly Fennig. This book is one of those that will make you think about it long after you have finished. It covers some very sensitive issues so beware before you start. Its the story of Wes McCoy who is always the underdog. He has a older brother Jason who is the star student, star athlete, star all around kid and Wes can never live up to him. When Jason dies in a tragic accident the only way Wes knows how to deal with it is to control the one thing he can, what he eats. He becomes swept away in a very serious eating disorder that if he doesn't get control of will kill him too. This book will grab you by the heart and won't let go til the very end. Once you start this book you will not want to put it down. This was my first read by this author but it will not be my last!
December 8, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Molly Fennig. This is a great YA book. It deals with a subject matter that is sensitive in nature. It is about eating disorders.It is an emotional read. The characters are well developed and are complicated. This book is a roller coaster ride for emotions. This story is about Wes, a not so popular teen. His brother on the other hand was very popular. This all changes in a minute. Wes is thrown into the spotlight and that is when the eating disorder takes over. Will Wes come to terms with what is happening to him or will he make matters worse? Can Wes step out from his brother’s shadow and start changing other’s idea about him? I highly recommend reading this book as it takes on tough situations. I would not be afraid to recommend this book to a young adult as they may see something that could help them from a situation they are going through.
December 8, 2020
Starvation by Molly Fennig is a book that will completely take over your senses and leave you reeling page after page after page. It is dark and emotional and feels so real it is genuinely frightening at times. Why? Because it speaks about subject that is so emotional and yet happens every day without people realising. The author delves into a world that is foreign to a lot of us and yet so true so many more. The fact that it is told from the POV of a teenage boy just creates a bigger impact and a more lasting impression.
For me this book stayed with me long after I had finished reading it. I felt so connected to Wes and his journey. This book is so emotional and really pushes you as the readers to think beyond what you would normally see. This was a well written book that was crafted perfectly. I would highly recommend this book to absolutely everyone!
For me this book stayed with me long after I had finished reading it. I felt so connected to Wes and his journey. This book is so emotional and really pushes you as the readers to think beyond what you would normally see. This was a well written book that was crafted perfectly. I would highly recommend this book to absolutely everyone!
December 9, 2020
4 Star
Starvation by Molly Fennig
Starvation by Molly Fennig is wonderfully written story that at times I had a hard time reading. The subject of Starvation strikes very close to home. I had a very close friend who battled with this and looking back now all the signs were there just nobody realized this person had a problem until it was to late. But my friend got the help they needed .Wes looses his brother due to a accident and after that things start to change. He meets Caila and she introduces him to fruit diet .nut it doesn’t stop there. Will he get help before its to late? Will she get help? Find out what happens next in this must read. Be prepared to go through the emotions of happy, sad and being angry. This is my first read by this author but definitely not my last. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Starvation by Molly Fennig
Starvation by Molly Fennig is wonderfully written story that at times I had a hard time reading. The subject of Starvation strikes very close to home. I had a very close friend who battled with this and looking back now all the signs were there just nobody realized this person had a problem until it was to late. But my friend got the help they needed .Wes looses his brother due to a accident and after that things start to change. He meets Caila and she introduces him to fruit diet .nut it doesn’t stop there. Will he get help before its to late? Will she get help? Find out what happens next in this must read. Be prepared to go through the emotions of happy, sad and being angry. This is my first read by this author but definitely not my last. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
October 7, 2020
After I finished the book I was left with a jumble of emotions, I can't help but feel for the lead character.
The story of Wes is told through two timelines, present, and past. The storytelling is brilliant. It gives the story a unique depth and contrast between before and after. Of how is it to live with anorexia, how hard to even want to get better, and on another side how easily is to slip from good to a bad place.
The past tells a story of Wes, before. He was always living in a shadow of his older brother, who was champion wrestles, and who seem to have it all. He cares more about drawing buildings than wrestling.
And then he meets Caila, who slowly intrudes him to extreme dieting. He worries about her, tries to help her, but it somehow backfires. On top of that, his brother dies. He falls deeper and deeper into anorexia.
His is a gut-wrenching and heartbreaking journey.
And then there is the present time, where we see Wes already very, very sick and not ready to get better.
The contrast between the two timelines, especially at the beginning of the story, offered a unique perspective into the mind of Wes. You see how he got to that place, and how hard is to come back out.
I love to read books that deal with mental health issues, because nothing can give you more empathy, or understanding, than being in the head of someone who lives it.
received from author
The story of Wes is told through two timelines, present, and past. The storytelling is brilliant. It gives the story a unique depth and contrast between before and after. Of how is it to live with anorexia, how hard to even want to get better, and on another side how easily is to slip from good to a bad place.
The past tells a story of Wes, before. He was always living in a shadow of his older brother, who was champion wrestles, and who seem to have it all. He cares more about drawing buildings than wrestling.
And then he meets Caila, who slowly intrudes him to extreme dieting. He worries about her, tries to help her, but it somehow backfires. On top of that, his brother dies. He falls deeper and deeper into anorexia.
His is a gut-wrenching and heartbreaking journey.
And then there is the present time, where we see Wes already very, very sick and not ready to get better.
The contrast between the two timelines, especially at the beginning of the story, offered a unique perspective into the mind of Wes. You see how he got to that place, and how hard is to come back out.
I love to read books that deal with mental health issues, because nothing can give you more empathy, or understanding, than being in the head of someone who lives it.
received from author
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