Initially, I had deemed this book as another self help one. 'Reasons to be Happy', it has to be aimed at people with depression and helping them see why their lives are so much better than they think; right? I was dead wrong. This novel, while very chick-flicky; follows the life of an eighth grader forced into a life she didn't choose. Due to her parents' acting careers, Hannah is placed in a private school filled with snobs. She is quite literally dragged in to the mean girls posse because of her father and she is forced to give up the things she loves. Ultimately she is consumed with trying to make herself 'beautiful' and she ruins her chances of enjoying her final moments with her mother who dies of cancer half way through the book. Even before her father becomes consumed with alcoholism, Hannah becomes overwhelmed with her bulimia. She can't admit it to anybody, she doesn't even admit it to herself by calling it what it is; but she knows it is killing her. Aunt Izzy who had experienced anorexia first hand can see the signs and tries to help Hannah. After a trip to Africa, Hannah reconnects with her true self and brings that with her when she comes home to LA. Through the struggles you can connect to the characters and their lives but you are also presented with plenty of reasons to hate them. That is what gives the book personality and a real aura that entraps you in the scenario.
Anyone who is having trouble admitting their problems might like to read this book because at least to yourself, or to a close friend; it may become easier to say what is going on and how you may be able to fix it.
-The Original NightDweller
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