Ashley and Jen

by Jack Weyland

A growing friendship between two unlikely teenagers helps each to deal with such personal problems as bulimia and rebelliousness.

Genres: Lds, Lds Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Christian Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Jack Weyland is the best-selling author of young-adult fiction for the Latter-day Saint market. In fact, the modern genre of Latter-day Saint-themed popular fiction is one he is largely responsible for creating with his overwhelmingly popular novel Charly. His interest in fiction began with a correspondence course in creative writing taken during a summer at BYU where he was doing research work. Since then he has published more than two dozen books, and over fifty of his short stories have been published by the LDS Church magazine The New Era.

Born in Butte, Montana, Jack received a B.S. degree in physics from Montana State University and a Ph.D. in physics from BYU. Currently he teaches physics at BYU-Idaho. He formerly taught physics at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Jack and his wife, Sheryl, are the parents of five children and have four grandchildren. His hobbies include racquetball and singing.

Reviews

[Kristen McDougal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me go tell someone that i had a problem with not eating, because it told how this girl ashley wich is a lot like me and how she didn't eat and how it messed up her body! But I really enjoyed this book! It shows friendship and love and so much more!

[Rachel Woodbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Jack Weyland's novels because they're light, fun and easy to read. I don't usually take them too seriously because let's face it, a lot of them are pretty cheesy!

This book, however, was very well written and it really made me think. Weyland tactfully handles the subject of eating disorders in such a raw and honest way. I cried through parts of it because I could really feel what Ashley was going through. It reminded me of some struggles I've faced and made me realize that everyone has problems. I was reminded that through Christ, we can overcome any challenge.

Some of the characters really bugged me, especially the parents! I seriously wanted to slap the mom at times. Some of the dialogue was a little cheesy but on the whole, I was really touched by this story. I wish it didn't end so abruptly though. I wanted more insight into Ashley's spiritual development and how that helped her overcome her disorder. But all in all, this was a good read!

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read about eating disorders.
I did feel the girls' camp chapters were over the top and added nothing to the book, but overall a solid tale from Mr Weyland. I appreciated the fact section about eating disorders at the end as well.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I couldn't stop reading. A very interesting book on accepting yourself

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. It showed me what a person with eating disorders might be thinking. It teaches that no matter how far you've strayed Christ will always accept you back with loving hands. It is an LDS book. I love this author he's written a lot of good LDS books. One thing that confused was how Ashley was all perky and nice as a teenager... but suddenly when she's in college she has this attitude change. At first it was a little disorienting although it made sense with the plot. All in all I liked it and probably would read it again.

[Myranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A lot more than I thought I would too! Ashely and Jen (as the title hints) become unlikely friends after a Girl's Camp together. After girls camp, they decide to help each other get past their addictions, faults, and flaws. It was so much fun to read! I have intense emotion and feelings towards each character, even the minor ones. I could relate so much to some of the feelings that the girls were going through. Plus, it's an LDS novel, so of course I relate to that. :) I recommend this to anyone who wants a good read. :)

[Sidney Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley and Jen are in the same ward growing up. They are so opposite though, but they both have things that they struggle with. Jen has a problem when it comes to smoking and partying, while Ashley's struggles are more hidden. Ashley struggles with bulimia and it get's to a point where that's all that she can think about, and nothing else matters as much as being skinny does.

Such a good book. Makes you realize how we all have our struggles in life, but that if we have support from our loved ones and we rely on the Lord, we can get through anything.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me out. It talked about two girls growing up with difficult times. Part of this book was dealing with an eating disorder. The tips that they gave were very helpful to me, even though I do not have a disorder. It showed me ways to deal with my stomach problems better. I really enjoyed this book.

[Danay Orton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you should pick up and read if you're having a girl day where you just feel fat and ugly or whatever else haha. This book gave me more confidence. (Its an LDS book but very entertaining. I dont read many because they are all so cheesy and boring lol. But I loved this one!)

[Kelsey Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo good! This book really shows how people can really change if they really want to, for both Jen and Ashley! This book is an amazing book that has touched my life. Jack weyland is one of the most talented authors I have ever known about. He has an amazing ability to weave such inspirational stories such as this.

[Samc · Rating 5 out of 5]

this one is my favoritest book of jack weyland's ever! it's really kinda sadish but it again ends up happy! it's about these two girls who meet at gils camp and they absolutely hate each other and then they become best friends and you will just have to read it to find out what happens!

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helped me to understand eating disorders a little better. As one who likes food too much to have an eating disorder, it was interesting to see that perspective as well as the damages eating disorders do to your physical and mental abilities.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Weyland gets in the mind of a bulimic girl so well that at some points in the book I feel physically ill. He does an excellent job helping you feel as if you are the one who is struggling and eventually you can find your way back like Ashley does

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the one that came out when I was at Ricks and I was still obsessed with Jack Weyland books. I waited in line and had him sign my copy. I thought I was so cool. I always thought he should write a book about me! "Janice" :)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deals with eating disorders. It is a good book, but it also can be helpful to those trying to understand eating disorders.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this during my Jack Weyland phase (I was in jr. high)

[Erin Mehler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I have to explain myself on this one... I did read it years ago, and it was enjoyable light reading. I read it because my friend Is the model they used for the cover!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. It really seemed to get in the mind of a girl struggling with an eating disorder.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all these jack Weyland books when I was a teenager, and I loves them!

[Tara]

I still love Jack Weyland books, pretty much they are all the same with different names but I still love to read them.

[Siera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it was so sad. It just goes to show how much you need support and friendship in your life, most importantly from Heavenly Father. Fantastic book.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book soooooo much! i have to say that it is one of my favorites! i have reaed it like 4 times in the last year!

[Maren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a re-read for me from when I was in HS. Plot line is serious, but of course cheesy in the book. Probably would love if I was 14 again!

[Tracee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's another Jack Weyland book, so same type of story, but it's still good.

[Shelleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not too memorable.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for a nutrition class and it was an eye opener to me. I haven't ever had the desire or issue of disordered eating but I have had many friends that did.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good Sunday read.

[Alissa Burford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about how opposites can become best friends.

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not loving this book. I have read others by the same author that I enjoyed, but this really focuses on eating disorders. But I am going to finish it out.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good but not my favorite Weyland book.