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Light Enough to Float

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Deeply moving and authentic, this debut novel-in-verse follows teenage Evie through her eating disorder treatment and recovery―a Wintergirls for a new generation.

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. As the winter of her treatment goes on, she gradually begins to face her fears and to love herself again, with the help of caregivers and of peers who are fighting their own disordered-eating battles. This insightful, beautiful novel will touch every reader and offer hope and understanding to those who need it most.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 8, 2024

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5671 people want to read

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Lauren Seal

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5 stars
244 (38%)
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261 (41%)
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102 (16%)
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14 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
Profile Image for lulu ☆.
80 reviews712 followers
October 6, 2024
— 4.75 stars 🌟

”evening snack consists of oatmeal cookies and rice pudding, both as lumpy and white as the cellulite on my butt. afterward, i brush my teeth until my mouth burns.

this book made me ugly cry 😭😭

- Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Ashley.
501 reviews88 followers
October 24, 2024
HAPPY LATE PUB DAY, 10/8/24!

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.

Expected publication 10/8/24
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Lauren Seal, and publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}
Profile Image for Allison.
207 reviews30 followers
September 18, 2024
This book in verse put words to some of the same thoughts and feelings I had when I was in inpatient ED treatment myself. This book was raw, but incredibly revealing. Lauren was able to put these verses on a page and explain things that I never thought I'd be able to articulate to anyone else. I still don't think that anyone who hasn't experienced an ED will ever truly understand it, but this will give them a glimpse. There were some small things the narrator, Evie, mentioned throughout that took me right back to my weeks in treatment--for better or worse.

This book was hard to get through, but so rewarding. I could have probably gone through the whole thing in one day, but I needed to give myself time to absorb it. Reading through Evie's narrative of events, I found myself so proud of her for performing the actions and behaviors she needed to to get better. It forced me to take a step back and look at my own situation and stop condemning myself and my "healthy" body that doesn't always feel so healthy; to remember that "food becomes glucose becomes energy becomes ___________" just like Evie said. Everyone in recovery needs reminders of their "why" and if they tell you otherwise, it's because they're trying to hold on to their ED; being sick feels safer than being healthy. This short book brought me back to my "why" and I am so excited to see my treatment team later this week and talk to them about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for providing an ARC for me to read and Lauren Seal for writing this beautiful piece of work. Thank you, thank you, thank you. So much.
Profile Image for Bethany Hall.
987 reviews33 followers
August 3, 2024
*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.”
Profile Image for emma.bookss.
208 reviews110 followers
Read
August 20, 2024
thank you penguin teen for an e-arc of this book in exchange for my review!

this a beautifully written novel in verse about recovering from an eating disorder. it deals with the topic in such a raw, real, and powerful way. i truly felt like i was rooting for the main character, and all of the issues she was facing.

MAJOR trigger warnings, but such an impactful and emotional read!
Profile Image for PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps .
2,663 reviews250 followers
October 9, 2024
2.5 STARS rounded down

If a book blurb is going to compare itself to a classic like Laurie Halse Anderson’s WINTERGIRLS “for a new generation”, it better come close to the blurb or readers like me will feel let down.

Lauren Seal says in the preface that she’s taken her experience with anorexia as a teenager to help form Evie and the plot. She takes so much liberty for the treatment program it’s laughable.

Adults and minors aren’t housed in the same ward, let alone as roommates by law in my state and I’d bet most every other state too due to liability issues for the minor. Only the wealthiest patients can afford four months in a treatment facility in the USA. Inpatient psych treatment is basically triage until the patient is no longer a threat to self or others. If anyone can get a hospital to pay for a week, that’s a long stay. When I got into the field in the early 1990s, psychologists complained how insurances were *only* paying for twenty-eight days. Had we known then what we now, we highly have been grateful.

I don’t think verse was the best method of telling the story LIGHT ENOUGH TO FLOAT, which reads like every other book involving a treatment center:
Patient is resistant
Something Very Bad Happens
Patient embraces recovery.

LIGHT ENOUGH TO FLOAR MIGHT APPEAL to MG readers, but not teens.
Profile Image for tiff.
8 reviews
June 9, 2025
Note: If you are about to start treatment, recently out of treatment or struggling with a relapse this story may bring up some very big feelings.

As someone who has done both in and outpatient programs, who has struggle with EDNOS/anorexia-nervosa/bulimia-nervosa/binge eating since I was 10, I have to say that this is the epitome of the experience you have in treatment. While each persons experience is quite different, the battle between mind and body can be very very similar. The description of the shame and disgust and absolute horror of regaining your period (I don't think I could have ever summarized this experience to someone) Lauren explained perfectly.

If you have a loved one who is currently experiencing an ED or who is in treatment, this book is an excellent resource into how they may be feeling and what they are experiencing.
Profile Image for Read by Curtis.
571 reviews21 followers
January 31, 2025
A decent novel-in-verse about a girl in an eating disorder clinic. I think I might have liked this more if I hadn't read the phenomenal Louder Than Hunger.
Profile Image for Kelly McGillis.
45 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2024
It has been a long time since I’ve sat down and devoured a book in one sitting, but this one deserved it. I haven’t felt this emotionally entrenched in a book since John Green. I will absolutely be re-reading this. 💕
Profile Image for Emily.
247 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2025
I am honoured to call Lauren my dear friend, and even more delighted with how moving this book is. 15 year old me needed this and I think many many teens will benefit from reading about eating disorders in such a raw and realistic way. 5 stars.
Profile Image for rue  mortensen.
202 reviews23 followers
January 13, 2025
anyone who knows me knows i’m a sucker for recovery stories 😭
Profile Image for Shannon.
7,798 reviews407 followers
October 15, 2024
An emotionally heavy story about a young girl struggling with anorexia, skin picking, body image and depression who is institutionalized against her will. While this is a quick read it tackles some truly important topics that is sure to be relatable for many and possibly difficult to read for others. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Louder than hunger by John Schu. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Kayley ⋆.ೃ࿔*:・.
13 reviews
July 22, 2024
“Remind yourself that your emotions are valid. You’re allowed to feel”
“I know. I just wish I felt more than hurt.”
(This quotation is from an advance readers copy and is based on the uncorrected text.)

I am very glad I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley! This does not affect my review in any way. :)
I really enjoyed the poetry style this book was written in. This book is everything I hoped it’d be. It is hopeful; but at the same time raw, honest, and unfiltered. It shows the pain eating disorders can cause the one suffering, their family, and their friends. I loved Evie’s journey, and at many parts it felt like I was reading my own. I especially loved the fact that specific weights were never mentioned, a big bonus in my opinion when reading a book about eating disorders. This was beautiful and well written!
Profile Image for Laura.
2,133 reviews76 followers
June 28, 2024
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.

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.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
91 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2024
CWs: anorexia, eating disorder, anxiety, suicidal ideation, depression, fatphobia, inpatient therapy, diet culture, skin-picking, overdose

Thanks to @penguinteen and @netgalley for the eARC of Light Enough to Float. Seal’s debut novel-in-verse offers a compelling and heartfelt portrayal of her fictional character Evie’s time in inpatient therapy while getting support for her eating disorder, anxiety, and depression. Her powerful and descriptive imagery pulls a punch and can be hard to read at times, but this is a testament to the author's raw honesty and vulnerability and her lifelike characters. I found the development of Evie’s relationship with herself, her family, her therapist, Anna, and her fellow patient and friend, Marianne, over the course of the four months the novel takes place during heartwarming and healing.

I appreciated Seal’s inclusion of content warnings at the beginning of the book, which shows her concern for the well-being of her readers. It’s important for anyone dealing with similar challenges to approach Light Enough to Float gently and with self-compassion, as it can be triggering. I think it’s essential to read this powerful narrative at your own pace and ensure you’re in a good place emotionally.
Profile Image for Faith Schofield.
166 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This book was just absolutely beautiful. I have discovered that I love novels in verse and the way that the writing flows. It delivers some much depth and power and that could be seen in this book for sure. This was such an honest and raw depiction of mental illness and eating disorders, and did such a good job of capturing the struggle that Evie has to go through in order to heal. This story really touched me, and I am so grateful to the author for sharing this story with the world but most importantly with young people, as I know that would have been so impactful for me and the way that I thought as a teen. Overall just a great read and cannot recommend enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Rachel.
451 reviews12 followers
August 25, 2024
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.

Content warning: disordered eating, medical content, medical trauma, forced institutionalization, specific weights and calorie counts, orthorexia, self harm, suicide attempt, anxiety, depression, compulsions

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the eARC!
Profile Image for Cherlynn | cherreading.
2,101 reviews1,001 followers
February 21, 2025
Insightful and highly readable, with none of that choppiness that tends to accompany novels-in-verse.

However, I feel like the book over-simplifies complex and difficult topics such as eating disorders, mental illness and family dynamics. While everyone's healing journey is different and it's not my place to comment, I found Evie's to be too linear and she never truly confronts her issues.

The treatment facility also sounds like a horrendous place with the characters, both patients and medical staff, lacking depth.

Overall, a good read but I'm not sure it's the best book for the subject.
Profile Image for Coralie.
160 reviews39 followers
Read
July 7, 2025
A beautiful novel-in-verse that I would highly recommend to teenagers or adults that want to read about this topic. I say that because it is not overly graphic while also being realistic (to my limited knowledge). I find that this book doesn’t glorify eating disorders which is why I wouldn’t fear to recommend it to teenagers.
18 reviews
April 2, 2025
This book touched my heart and made me really attached to Evie. Basically it’s about her dealing with being an anorexic and her anxiety. I love how she is able to eventually overcome that at the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for kbreads.
219 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Angela.
29 reviews
November 30, 2024
Beautiful and moving. Every community library or school library needs this book for its young readers.
Profile Image for gay_chaos_gremlin.
87 reviews
December 11, 2024
really good. I found it interesting that while reading this I never learned how Evie looks because she was so distracted by her body.
Profile Image for norah melden (death by tbr).
314 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2025
i couldn't put this book down!!! outstanding, would recommend.

content warnings: self harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, hospitalization
Profile Image for Becky.
235 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2025
A powerful novel in verse about a young teen struggling with anorexia, skin picking, and debilitating anxiety. The author’s note at the beginning had me tearing up before I even began.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews

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