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False Reflections #1
Skinny
Originally published in 2008
You can never be too thin...can you?
Melissa seems to have it all--grades, friends, dance team and the eye of the new guy in school. The one thing Melissa doesn't have is a perfect body. But there are ways to fix that. Strict dieting and throwing up can't be all bad, can they? Melissa soon finds the consequences are devastating, but turning back isn't so easy. Will she hear God's voice before it's too late?
You can never be too thin...can you?
Melissa seems to have it all--grades, friends, dance team and the eye of the new guy in school. The one thing Melissa doesn't have is a perfect body. But there are ways to fix that. Strict dieting and throwing up can't be all bad, can they? Melissa soon finds the consequences are devastating, but turning back isn't so easy. Will she hear God's voice before it's too late?
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
332 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Laura L. Smith
14 books83 followersLaura L. Smith lis a best-selling author and speaker. She loves Jesus, her husband, her four kiddos, music,books, coffee, France, and chocolate. Smith lives in the college town of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
February 23, 2010
I've seen reviews that this title was too simple and straightforward, but I would have to disagree. I feel this is a book that should be read by all teenagers. Having a 14 year old myself (and her having a friend that faced these issues at only 12), I feel this is an excellent introduction for teens to understand the severity of eating disorders, and allow them to see a glimpse of what someone with this illness goes through every day.
Granted, there was no in-depth resolution, but I don't feel that was the intent. The author skimmed the surface, leaving hints here & there and by the end of the book, I could no longer see where exactly the changes had originally begun. This was one of those titles that stayed with me, and opened up further communication on the subject for my daughter and I. It's a quick read, and something I would pass on and suggest to others.
Granted, there was no in-depth resolution, but I don't feel that was the intent. The author skimmed the surface, leaving hints here & there and by the end of the book, I could no longer see where exactly the changes had originally begun. This was one of those titles that stayed with me, and opened up further communication on the subject for my daughter and I. It's a quick read, and something I would pass on and suggest to others.
November 14, 2009
I got this book for free on my Kindle, and all I can say is to stay away from it.
It's basically about a high school girl who develops an eating disorder because she is "way too busy in high school" and has boy problems. The stress leads to her (sort of) developing an eating disorder and fainting at dance practice.
Her dance instructor forces her to go to a doctor, and she is magically cured of her eating disorder by talking to God and having her parents watch what she ate. Yeah, lame.
It's basically about a high school girl who develops an eating disorder because she is "way too busy in high school" and has boy problems. The stress leads to her (sort of) developing an eating disorder and fainting at dance practice.
Her dance instructor forces her to go to a doctor, and she is magically cured of her eating disorder by talking to God and having her parents watch what she ate. Yeah, lame.
December 24, 2009
This was a free selection on the Kindle. I would never have paid for this. I wouldn't suggest anyone else, either.
The writing in this book was juvenile, falling somewhere between Sweet Valley Twins and Fear Street. Melissa, the main character, was a freshman in high school, but this book read like it was for preteens. I also could not find anything about Melissa or her friends that seemed real. The conversations and language did not sound like a real teen. They also didn't sound like they were from 2008. There was also no fleshing out of characters. I didn't care about Melissa because she had no personality.
As far as Melissa's eating disorder... other than the fainting, all the symptoms of an eating disorder seemed to be glossed over. Only briefly did the author mention hair falling out in passing. There were no physical repercussions for what she had done to herself. She also seemed to get over it in a week or two. She was able to go back to dance in two weeks and be perfectly physically healthy. If you're interested in reading about eating disorders, there have to be better, more informative books out there.
The added Christian aspect to the story didn't add anything for me, but may for some readers. At least the whole story wasn't focused on some specific message.
The writing in this book was juvenile, falling somewhere between Sweet Valley Twins and Fear Street. Melissa, the main character, was a freshman in high school, but this book read like it was for preteens. I also could not find anything about Melissa or her friends that seemed real. The conversations and language did not sound like a real teen. They also didn't sound like they were from 2008. There was also no fleshing out of characters. I didn't care about Melissa because she had no personality.
As far as Melissa's eating disorder... other than the fainting, all the symptoms of an eating disorder seemed to be glossed over. Only briefly did the author mention hair falling out in passing. There were no physical repercussions for what she had done to herself. She also seemed to get over it in a week or two. She was able to go back to dance in two weeks and be perfectly physically healthy. If you're interested in reading about eating disorders, there have to be better, more informative books out there.
The added Christian aspect to the story didn't add anything for me, but may for some readers. At least the whole story wasn't focused on some specific message.
June 20, 2016
I'm kind of glad that the next books are companions. I've never read a book like this, and I'm glad that I did!
October 13, 2008
I read Skinny from start to finish while on the plane to New York. It's an easy read and geared toward young teens, which the "voice" definitely fits. It's a bit young for me, but I can see young teens loving it. The stress young teens face is very well reflected in the theme and emotion of the story. I had a cousin and several friends with eating disorders and the author portrays a realistic scenario with this story. However, the character in the book actually recovered fairly quickly and usually that is not the case. But God can do amazing things when people are willing. I was surprised that main characters had such a warped perspective regarding food, dieting, and the Bible, but then again it made sense that she would see things through that twisted lens. Sometimes young people learn bad behavior from reading these types of books, but I don't see this book as promoting unhealthy eating, but doing just the opposite. I applaud the author for communicating that well.
September 28, 2015
If I could I would give it 3 and a half stars.
It was a quick read. I read it in a day. I really enjoyed all the little prayers thrown in the book, and all the scripture references. It was good to see a 14 year old girl who spent time reading the Bible and talking to God. She read out of the Bible every night, and we got to see how that helped her. And it inspired me to do the same.
Overall I liked Melissa. She was a sweet girl. And she really set a good example(besides the whole eating disorder thing). She did well in school, she was a go9d Christian, and overall a nice person. But with all the stress she develops an eating disorder.
I did not like how quickly the romance developed between Melissa and Beau. It was like one second Melissa is crushing on him and the next they are going on dates. It was to fast.
It was neat to see the dancing aspect, but I'm not big on dancing/cheerleading.
Overall it was a good read. I think Christian teen girls would enjoy it. And dancers/cheerleaders.
It was a quick read. I read it in a day. I really enjoyed all the little prayers thrown in the book, and all the scripture references. It was good to see a 14 year old girl who spent time reading the Bible and talking to God. She read out of the Bible every night, and we got to see how that helped her. And it inspired me to do the same.
Overall I liked Melissa. She was a sweet girl. And she really set a good example(besides the whole eating disorder thing). She did well in school, she was a go9d Christian, and overall a nice person. But with all the stress she develops an eating disorder.
I did not like how quickly the romance developed between Melissa and Beau. It was like one second Melissa is crushing on him and the next they are going on dates. It was to fast.
It was neat to see the dancing aspect, but I'm not big on dancing/cheerleading.
Overall it was a good read. I think Christian teen girls would enjoy it. And dancers/cheerleaders.
March 1, 2017
I think that this was a very good book because it showed one of our societies biggest problems. The main character in this book begins to see herself how she imagines others see her: fat, annoying, unwanted, and an overall loser. She starves herself because she thinks people will like her more if she's skinny. She becomes a shell of herself. And that is what hundreds of people do because they think it will help them fit in. I think this book has a powerful message and that everyone should read it, if only to gain a new perspective. Melissa battles with herself, how she thinks people see her, and the seemingly absence of God in her life. Everyone can relate to part of what she 's going through. I really liked this book.
September 24, 2012
This was a pretty good book. It's written from a high school level but still a good read and it touched my heart.
April 8, 2019
SO have you noticed that when you read one book on Kindle Unlimited a million books of the same type get recommended to you???? Which is why I read a million anorexic fiction books last month... in fact my fiance was like uh Jen what is going on???
Sometimes Kindle Unlimited can make you look like an obsessive freak that reads the same types of books over and over.
This book was well written. There are books in the eating disorder world that are written and you are like dude this person knows jack shit about eating disorders... then there are books like this one that the authors knows the raw loss of control an eating disorder causes. This book was good. So good. The author did such a great job writing this book that I think if you, someone you love or someone you know is suffering with an eating disorder you should read this book.
Very well written. Very well done.
Sometimes Kindle Unlimited can make you look like an obsessive freak that reads the same types of books over and over.
This book was well written. There are books in the eating disorder world that are written and you are like dude this person knows jack shit about eating disorders... then there are books like this one that the authors knows the raw loss of control an eating disorder causes. This book was good. So good. The author did such a great job writing this book that I think if you, someone you love or someone you know is suffering with an eating disorder you should read this book.
Very well written. Very well done.
November 8, 2017
This wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't the best book I've read on this subject.
I'm glad it was only short.
I'm glad it was only short.
January 25, 2013
(Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk)
Melissa is a dancer in high school. All she wants is to compete to be one of the captains of the dance team, and to be skinny. No matter what she eats, or doesn’t eat, she’s still fat.
When try-outs start for captain of the dance team, Melissa tries even harder to limit what she eats, but dancing as well as keeping up with her homework begins to take its toll, and when her boyfriend breaks up with her, she takes the next step and binges and purges.
How long can Melissa hide her food problems from her family and friends? How long can she go on for without eating properly? And how will not eating affect her dancing?
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read how Melissa’s mind worked, and how she stopped herself from eating. It also made me check my own eating habits, although I am nowhere near as bad as Melissa.
Melissa really did become overly obsessed with what she was eating, and counting calories meticulously, as well as just avoiding some foods altogether. It even got to the point where she was reducing the amount of toothpaste she used, and not using her body lotion because it contained cocoa butter and she didn’t want the calories from that!
What I wasn’t expecting in this book was the ‘Christian’ thing. I had no idea that this author wrote Christian books when I started reading this, and it was unexpected when the main character started praying to god to stop her from eating and stuff!
The praying I could look past, but when her mother started lecturing her and telling her that Jesus was her friend and would listen to her, it got old fast.
This book isn’t bad, it’s okay (for free), but there are some religious bits in it that a lot of people won’t appreciate.
5.5 out of 10.
Melissa is a dancer in high school. All she wants is to compete to be one of the captains of the dance team, and to be skinny. No matter what she eats, or doesn’t eat, she’s still fat.
When try-outs start for captain of the dance team, Melissa tries even harder to limit what she eats, but dancing as well as keeping up with her homework begins to take its toll, and when her boyfriend breaks up with her, she takes the next step and binges and purges.
How long can Melissa hide her food problems from her family and friends? How long can she go on for without eating properly? And how will not eating affect her dancing?
I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read how Melissa’s mind worked, and how she stopped herself from eating. It also made me check my own eating habits, although I am nowhere near as bad as Melissa.
Melissa really did become overly obsessed with what she was eating, and counting calories meticulously, as well as just avoiding some foods altogether. It even got to the point where she was reducing the amount of toothpaste she used, and not using her body lotion because it contained cocoa butter and she didn’t want the calories from that!
What I wasn’t expecting in this book was the ‘Christian’ thing. I had no idea that this author wrote Christian books when I started reading this, and it was unexpected when the main character started praying to god to stop her from eating and stuff!
The praying I could look past, but when her mother started lecturing her and telling her that Jesus was her friend and would listen to her, it got old fast.
This book isn’t bad, it’s okay (for free), but there are some religious bits in it that a lot of people won’t appreciate.
5.5 out of 10.
March 16, 2015
This book really touched me. It was very beautiful and so well done. Knowing a couple people with anorexia and struggling with eating and such has really made this book hit home for me. This book was really well done and shone a light on eating disorders and a struggle in many teenagers these days. *cue sadness*
Anyways. This book was absolutely fantastic and a well written, thought provoking, novella. Once again, Laura Smith’s writing is amazing and really draws me in instantly!
Melissa was such a sweet, adorable character who struggled with her weight. She constantly compared herself to her friends and those around her and that didn’t help with her insecurities. As Melissa went through everything and started (eventually) on her road to recovery my heart just went out to her. At points it just screamed reminders of someone I know who was going through the same thing and at points I was afraid to admit that my line of thought and such were the same as the characters. Laura did a fantastic job of really making the characters relatable (Whether or not you struggle with an eating disorder or anything like that) This book was beautifully done and a great read that I finished very quickly indeed.
Anyways. This book was absolutely fantastic and a well written, thought provoking, novella. Once again, Laura Smith’s writing is amazing and really draws me in instantly!
Melissa was such a sweet, adorable character who struggled with her weight. She constantly compared herself to her friends and those around her and that didn’t help with her insecurities. As Melissa went through everything and started (eventually) on her road to recovery my heart just went out to her. At points it just screamed reminders of someone I know who was going through the same thing and at points I was afraid to admit that my line of thought and such were the same as the characters. Laura did a fantastic job of really making the characters relatable (Whether or not you struggle with an eating disorder or anything like that) This book was beautifully done and a great read that I finished very quickly indeed.
August 11, 2015
Overall, the book is alright. The writing is a little amatuer with sentences like, "Her heart jumped in her chest like a piece of popcorn in sizzling oil" and "sent her pulse racing like a food processor". There are way too many weird similes like that throughout the book. Besides that, the book is a fairly accurate portrayal of eating disorders up until the part where she is recovering. The recovery part of this book is very short and just seems like she knows she needs to get better and so her family and friends and God will now help her. In reality, it's not that simple. For a simplistic view of eating disorders, it's good.
July 8, 2012
This story is about a freshman in high school who struggles for control with her life: homework, classes, fitting in with her friends, boys, etc.
As I read this story, I pictured myself in high school and remembered some of the heartaches and changes that I personally went through. Once the main character realizes her relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in her life..things start getting back on track.
Overall, a very good story. There were a few grammatical errors but a good story line.
As I read this story, I pictured myself in high school and remembered some of the heartaches and changes that I personally went through. Once the main character realizes her relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in her life..things start getting back on track.
Overall, a very good story. There were a few grammatical errors but a good story line.
January 9, 2010
I didn't realize this was a teen book, but I read it anyway. Very well written story for young girls to see how eating disorders can start simply and spiral out of control. Faith based as well with a emphasis on family.
March 12, 2010
This book was good because i dance and it relates to me. I loved it.
February 3, 2012
I really liked this book. It did not take me long to read. It's been on my list for a long time.
Read
June 5, 2012This was a good read, mainly for a teen who is going through something like this.
July 17, 2012
A great Christian book with a good story line that makes you realize only what God thinks is what matters!!!!!!!!!
May 8, 2016
4.5 stars
This was a really good book.
This was a really good book.
January 6, 2018
As a mom of a teenager, I sometimes forget what it's like to experience the pressures kids face, and I appreciated the reminder as I read this book. It discusses body image, teen life, family relationships and eating disorders. Educational and entertaining, it's also a quick read with a faith element that's important to me. I do wish it had ended differently and that Melissa would have felt more optimistic about her future even if she didn't get her boyfriend back. Otherwise, I recommend this book to teens, parents and other adults who care for kids, and it's a great book to read as a family and then discuss.
January 16, 2018
Great Teen Read
Laura Smith's SKINNY addresses many of the stresses young girls face today. Melissa, Smith's main character, becomes overwhelmed with self-imposed demands as she enters high school. Wanting to be perfect in her appearance, in her school work, in her dance class, and in her relationships causes Melissa to misunderstand God's plan for her life. Laura Smith addresses Melissa's issues firmly, yet sensitively, and keeps the reader turning the pages for resolution. This book would be a great read for both male and female teens and would also serve as a good study project for church youth groups. (Study questions and scripture references are included.)
Laura Smith's SKINNY addresses many of the stresses young girls face today. Melissa, Smith's main character, becomes overwhelmed with self-imposed demands as she enters high school. Wanting to be perfect in her appearance, in her school work, in her dance class, and in her relationships causes Melissa to misunderstand God's plan for her life. Laura Smith addresses Melissa's issues firmly, yet sensitively, and keeps the reader turning the pages for resolution. This book would be a great read for both male and female teens and would also serve as a good study project for church youth groups. (Study questions and scripture references are included.)
July 22, 2017
Outstanding and Clean
I choose this rating because it is amazing, it tells you lessons, with drama and action and is not boring. I love this because a kid friendly book that is short but teaches you. Though the characters are highly religious in Christianity. I recommend this to teens, it tells lessons that a teen may go through.
I choose this rating because it is amazing, it tells you lessons, with drama and action and is not boring. I love this because a kid friendly book that is short but teaches you. Though the characters are highly religious in Christianity. I recommend this to teens, it tells lessons that a teen may go through.
December 29, 2017
I don't really know who this book is aimed at. It skims over the character's eating disorder and ends up a "happy ever after" tale. No details on how the disorder affects her-apart from a couple of fainting episodes-or how she overcomes it. This is the first fiction book I have read in years and to be honest I wish I hadn't bothered.
August 12, 2017
Great
It was a great book. I was expecting this to be a 3 star book, but was pleasantly surprised with the Christian theme. I am currently working to get my Sunday school teacher to read it.
It was a great book. I was expecting this to be a 3 star book, but was pleasantly surprised with the Christian theme. I am currently working to get my Sunday school teacher to read it.
January 1, 2018
This was an amazing book that I would definitely recommend reading
I give it give stars. This is a great book and it really made me think
I love this book
I can relate because I'm a dancer who has gotten hurt recently.
It's so awesome e
I give it give stars. This is a great book and it really made me think
I love this book
I can relate because I'm a dancer who has gotten hurt recently.
It's so awesome e
January 4, 2021
Ending of the book was kinda meh, mainly due to the unrealistic view it has to eating disorders. All she did was read the Bible and pray and all a sudden she could eat...sadly thats not how it works in most cases..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2024
This is a faith-based story about a teenage girl dealing with all that comes with being a teen. It has great talking points about relationships and eating disorders. It does, however, make it a bit too simplistic as far as recovery from said disorder. Still, it's a solid read.
June 21, 2017
Good
I love this book. The author really went into details about her eating disorder. I liked it. Really good book
I love this book. The author really went into details about her eating disorder. I liked it. Really good book
June 22, 2017
I genuinely loved this book. Laura Smith is possibly a new favorite author of mine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews