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Pretty Bones
Raine has a family, good grades, best friends, and a boyfriend who loves her. But then anorexia takes over, and her life spirals out of control. Her efforts to hide her condition are finished when she collapses at a school dance. Although she's whisked away to treatment, Raine isn't ready to accept who she really is and get the help she desperately needs. For Raine, coming-of-age means coming closer to death.
- GenresYoung AdultFictionCanada
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2011
6 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Aya Tsintziras
1 book5 followersI write YA novels. My first, PRETTY BONES, will be published by James Lorimer on September 2nd, 2011. I love coffee and pop culture.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 5, 2019
Trigger warning for eating disorder
Rained thinks that she isn’t skinny and pretty enough. Even though her boyfriend and friends thinks she is beautiful, but they are so worried about. She didn’t seek help til she was out on her own for a while and a new friend said come with me to see a friend and just talk. Glad she finally seemed up and doing better.
Rained thinks that she isn’t skinny and pretty enough. Even though her boyfriend and friends thinks she is beautiful, but they are so worried about. She didn’t seek help til she was out on her own for a while and a new friend said come with me to see a friend and just talk. Glad she finally seemed up and doing better.
January 30, 2014
Pretty Bones is a really quick read. The story moves very fast, but at the same time, not much happens throughout the whole book. There's a lot of jumping over periods of time, not addressing things that would be nice to see addressed, and way too many metaphors and similes. But the narrative was okay, the dialogue was okay, the story was okay.
I feel like there's something missing from the story. There's an emotional depth that's just not there. The story makes you feel like you're coasting along. Mindless. In a daze. Not entirely invested in what is going on. That's great if you're trying to make a statement in a short story, but not so great when you're writing a novel-length piece. You want your readers to be invested, to feel something. This falls short on that.
I agree with others who have reviewed that Raine is remarkably in control of things for someone who has lost control of her eating disorder. Eating disorder aside, she seems more put together than most people I know. We actually get to see her thoughts and her feelings and it would be nice if the reader could be let into the emotional chaos she must be going through. I know she's probably stifling a lot of her emotions with her eating disorder (though the reason for her eating disorder is never actually made clear) but we should be able to feel the moments where her emotions bubble over. And her emotions were allegedly becoming a bit much because she turned to cutting to deal with them. I just didn't feel anything for her. And I wish I did because then this story would have been a hell of a lot better.
She's not selfish, and people who are claiming that in their reviews really don't understand this disorder. It's not about other people, it's not about the food, it's about something inside of you that's... not okay, broken, defective... and you don't know exactly what that thing is so you fix it the only way you know how. And people try to tell you that you're hurting yourself, that you're hurting them, that you should stop, and deep down, underneath the madness, you know they're right.
But you can't stop.
Because this is the only thing that works for you, and taking that away is terrifying. Who would you be without it? How would you feel without it? What would you do without it? What if you really can't live without it? What if you can't function in society unless you're destroying yourself? There's a level uncertainty that keeps you from wanting to quit, despite the fact that the answers to all your worries seem so simple on paper.
Nothing's ever that simple.
So no, she's not selfish. She has an eating disorder.
Of course, this book is lacking in the feeling that would allow you to understand that. I guess I can't really blame any of you for thinking she's selfish.
I wish this book had the passion it's missing. It has a lot of potentially, but it's not "there" yet.
I feel like there's something missing from the story. There's an emotional depth that's just not there. The story makes you feel like you're coasting along. Mindless. In a daze. Not entirely invested in what is going on. That's great if you're trying to make a statement in a short story, but not so great when you're writing a novel-length piece. You want your readers to be invested, to feel something. This falls short on that.
I agree with others who have reviewed that Raine is remarkably in control of things for someone who has lost control of her eating disorder. Eating disorder aside, she seems more put together than most people I know. We actually get to see her thoughts and her feelings and it would be nice if the reader could be let into the emotional chaos she must be going through. I know she's probably stifling a lot of her emotions with her eating disorder (though the reason for her eating disorder is never actually made clear) but we should be able to feel the moments where her emotions bubble over. And her emotions were allegedly becoming a bit much because she turned to cutting to deal with them. I just didn't feel anything for her. And I wish I did because then this story would have been a hell of a lot better.
She's not selfish, and people who are claiming that in their reviews really don't understand this disorder. It's not about other people, it's not about the food, it's about something inside of you that's... not okay, broken, defective... and you don't know exactly what that thing is so you fix it the only way you know how. And people try to tell you that you're hurting yourself, that you're hurting them, that you should stop, and deep down, underneath the madness, you know they're right.
But you can't stop.
Because this is the only thing that works for you, and taking that away is terrifying. Who would you be without it? How would you feel without it? What would you do without it? What if you really can't live without it? What if you can't function in society unless you're destroying yourself? There's a level uncertainty that keeps you from wanting to quit, despite the fact that the answers to all your worries seem so simple on paper.
Nothing's ever that simple.
So no, she's not selfish. She has an eating disorder.
Of course, this book is lacking in the feeling that would allow you to understand that. I guess I can't really blame any of you for thinking she's selfish.
I wish this book had the passion it's missing. It has a lot of potentially, but it's not "there" yet.
March 19, 2013
I think that eating disorders and distorted body image is a very important thing to talk about, and I think that Ava handled it well in Pretty Bones. We saw the start, especially where Raine, the main character thought that she was in control of it and could stop when she wanted. Next we have the concerned friends, then the crash that after she keeps on with the disorder, and then the final wake up call where she wants to get help.
What my problem was is I didn't see a new or unique twist, I felt like I have read this book before. Don't get me wrong, I am drawn to books like this, and I flew through this one, and the fact that it is pretty short helped that along. I just don't see where it brought something new.
I connected with Raine though, because I have been in her shoes, and I still have problems with my body image. It is always about those numbers on the scale, and no matter how thin, you always see fat. Though these days I am on the other end where I eat what I want when I want so that I don't fall into the anorexia or bulemia again. I am trying to just love myself the way that I am and see food as a tool, and not let it rule over me. Size twelve, fourteen, twenty, zero, five or seven should be okay, AS LONG as HEALTHY. I know, I am preaching to the choir, but I have let media, boys, and myself tell me that I am ugly for far to long.
Okay, off the soap box. I really do think that Pretty Bones is a good read, and the pacing is good. Nothing felt overly rushed, but I do think that some layers could have been added or expanded on in order to give something new and more fully tell Raine's story.
Bottom Line: Good message
What my problem was is I didn't see a new or unique twist, I felt like I have read this book before. Don't get me wrong, I am drawn to books like this, and I flew through this one, and the fact that it is pretty short helped that along. I just don't see where it brought something new.
I connected with Raine though, because I have been in her shoes, and I still have problems with my body image. It is always about those numbers on the scale, and no matter how thin, you always see fat. Though these days I am on the other end where I eat what I want when I want so that I don't fall into the anorexia or bulemia again. I am trying to just love myself the way that I am and see food as a tool, and not let it rule over me. Size twelve, fourteen, twenty, zero, five or seven should be okay, AS LONG as HEALTHY. I know, I am preaching to the choir, but I have let media, boys, and myself tell me that I am ugly for far to long.
Okay, off the soap box. I really do think that Pretty Bones is a good read, and the pacing is good. Nothing felt overly rushed, but I do think that some layers could have been added or expanded on in order to give something new and more fully tell Raine's story.
Bottom Line: Good message
October 25, 2016
The name of the book is pretty bones by Aya Tsintziras, this book is about a girl named Raine , she has everything going on for her , great friends , good grades, a caring and loving boyfriend who would do anything for her , but there's one thing she doesn't like about herself, her body... she wants to be "pretty" and for her being pretty means being thin , suddenly she's trapped in a world of coffee cups , scales , disapproving mirrors , and concerned looks.
I think this is a pretty interesting book, this would be great for teenagers who are obsessed with being skinny , it could help them see the positive and negative side(consequences) .
I think this is a pretty interesting book, this would be great for teenagers who are obsessed with being skinny , it could help them see the positive and negative side(consequences) .
October 17, 2018
This is a really good book if you struggle with personal health. It’s full of so much reality that people go through every day. I promise you that you will want to keep reading this book when you start reading it and continue wanting to. This book leaves you wondering what will happen next so I do recommend this great book.
February 11, 2024
Probably don’t read this if it’s a sensitive subject. Fast-paced so it got me out of a reading slump, it has poetic and decent writing. However, I hate the trope of girls developing AN and becoming complete assholes. The main character was kind of unlikeable but I thought the author did a good job of portraying the reality of AN.
September 27, 2017
This was a short read. I wish the author went more into detail about certain things. It's like she skips important parts that should have been written. It was a bit interesting, but I didn't like it that much. I did like how it is a Canadian book, though.
October 12, 2011
4 and a half.
Usually I stray away from books with this subject matter. Without being too vague, it's just something that I don't fancy reading about because it's pretty uncomfortable stuff. I had to give this book a chance though, especially after reading this blog post about how the idea of this story came to be.
Pretty Bones is a frightening look into the mind of a teenage victim of anorexia. Although people may be quick to judge or express their complete confusion as to what could lead someone to resort to starvation, this book pretty much sheds light on how this disorder isn't something that should be brushed away with the mere shake of the head. Through Raine, we see how it is something that can infiltrate your way of thinking and become a factor in every single minute of how you live your life.
I certainly didn't expect this novel to be so sad and dark, but I think that is why I liked it. There is no prettying up Raine's story and every thought of hers, however simple or complicated, is so damn honest. It's almost scary how much truth there is to Raine's 'logic'. Everything is so matter-of-fact. This book actually reminded me of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak (a favourite of mine). Similar to Anderson's novel, it is easy to be so frustrated with the protagonist and at times I just wanted to shake Raine out of her stubbornness. ...But then at the same time, I could fully understand why she thinks the way she does and why she feels so unpretty.
A character definitely worth noting is Dylan, Raine's boyfriend. I was surprised at how forgiving Dylan seemed to be over and over again, but I think his presence in Raine's life (even when he wasn't physically there) was one that was much needed. I think he (and Sascha, too) represented a fine line between what could make or break a person. Even though Raine's mother tries to put her into therapy, there was still something slightly disconnected about her actions. Dylan might be a little corny at times, but I never doubted his concern.
On a slightly lighter note, it was pretty cool to be able to visualize the setting and Toronto landmarks so surely. For me, at least, I think that's some of the reason why I felt so affected by Raine's story. I've totally walked down those same streets and I've probably bought drinks at the same Starbucks that she frequents. I don't want to say I can ~relate~ to her, but well, you know.
Despite the fact that my brain felt numb and quite unsettled after reading, I did enjoy this book and I would definitely recommend it. It's some seriously thought-provoking stuff.
originally posted here at my book blog: http://astormofwords.net/2011/10/11/r...
Usually I stray away from books with this subject matter. Without being too vague, it's just something that I don't fancy reading about because it's pretty uncomfortable stuff. I had to give this book a chance though, especially after reading this blog post about how the idea of this story came to be.
Pretty Bones is a frightening look into the mind of a teenage victim of anorexia. Although people may be quick to judge or express their complete confusion as to what could lead someone to resort to starvation, this book pretty much sheds light on how this disorder isn't something that should be brushed away with the mere shake of the head. Through Raine, we see how it is something that can infiltrate your way of thinking and become a factor in every single minute of how you live your life.
I certainly didn't expect this novel to be so sad and dark, but I think that is why I liked it. There is no prettying up Raine's story and every thought of hers, however simple or complicated, is so damn honest. It's almost scary how much truth there is to Raine's 'logic'. Everything is so matter-of-fact. This book actually reminded me of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak (a favourite of mine). Similar to Anderson's novel, it is easy to be so frustrated with the protagonist and at times I just wanted to shake Raine out of her stubbornness. ...But then at the same time, I could fully understand why she thinks the way she does and why she feels so unpretty.
A character definitely worth noting is Dylan, Raine's boyfriend. I was surprised at how forgiving Dylan seemed to be over and over again, but I think his presence in Raine's life (even when he wasn't physically there) was one that was much needed. I think he (and Sascha, too) represented a fine line between what could make or break a person. Even though Raine's mother tries to put her into therapy, there was still something slightly disconnected about her actions. Dylan might be a little corny at times, but I never doubted his concern.
On a slightly lighter note, it was pretty cool to be able to visualize the setting and Toronto landmarks so surely. For me, at least, I think that's some of the reason why I felt so affected by Raine's story. I've totally walked down those same streets and I've probably bought drinks at the same Starbucks that she frequents. I don't want to say I can ~relate~ to her, but well, you know.
Despite the fact that my brain felt numb and quite unsettled after reading, I did enjoy this book and I would definitely recommend it. It's some seriously thought-provoking stuff.
originally posted here at my book blog: http://astormofwords.net/2011/10/11/r...
January 20, 2012
For me, Pretty Bones was a bit tough to get through. On the one hand you have a character who gives the reader a glimpse into the mind of a normal girl who is battling anorexia. Raine is a person who has a fairly great life. She has a family who cares, she does well in school, and she has a support group of friends. In fact, Raine has it more together than most of the other characters I've read about lately. However, despite everything, Raine still feels out of control. So she turns to the one thing she can control, the numbers on the scale.
I know what I'm doing to myself. But I'm fine. I could stop if I wanted to. I just don't want to. Not yet. - pg. 22
At only 160 pages, Pretty Bones doesn't really allow the reader to probe that deeply into Raine's motivations. I felt like I was missing the reason as to why she chose this lifestyle. It made me feel like she just didn't care about anyone but herself, and that selfishness drove me completely crazy while I was reading. I'll admit that there were small mentions of things going on in her family life, but none of those seemed to me like enough reason to turn to anorexia. Perhaps it's just me, but did take away from my enjoyment of this book.
The one character that I really did fall in love with was Dylan. I won't spoil, but he was a character who made me smile. The message that comes through, under everything Raine related, is that it only takes a few people who really care to make a difference. Pretty Bones also shows the reader that giving up is not an option. It was this part of the story line that was a saving grace for me. All of the side characters actually made more of an impact on me than Raine did.
Overall Pretty Bones wasn't my favorite read of the year so far, but it does have its good points. If you are looking for a fairly quick read with tougher subject matter, this is one for you.
I know what I'm doing to myself. But I'm fine. I could stop if I wanted to. I just don't want to. Not yet. - pg. 22
At only 160 pages, Pretty Bones doesn't really allow the reader to probe that deeply into Raine's motivations. I felt like I was missing the reason as to why she chose this lifestyle. It made me feel like she just didn't care about anyone but herself, and that selfishness drove me completely crazy while I was reading. I'll admit that there were small mentions of things going on in her family life, but none of those seemed to me like enough reason to turn to anorexia. Perhaps it's just me, but did take away from my enjoyment of this book.
The one character that I really did fall in love with was Dylan. I won't spoil, but he was a character who made me smile. The message that comes through, under everything Raine related, is that it only takes a few people who really care to make a difference. Pretty Bones also shows the reader that giving up is not an option. It was this part of the story line that was a saving grace for me. All of the side characters actually made more of an impact on me than Raine did.
Overall Pretty Bones wasn't my favorite read of the year so far, but it does have its good points. If you are looking for a fairly quick read with tougher subject matter, this is one for you.
February 7, 2012
My take: Really, the synopsis was probably one of the shortest I’ve ever seen, however it grabbed me in the 2.5 seconds it took me to read it and I just knew I needed to read this book.
All in all, there are a lot of aspects in this book that make you think of the typical teen world. Raine’s just this lost girl looking for her way, and in that, she ends up becoming anorexic. The worst thing possible for her happened when her father passed away, which led to her being more lost because her mother is kind of non-existent.
It’s really the tale of how she deals with life, and learning how to control the only thing she thinks she can control – her weight. She’s always been told she’s pretty by her doting boyfriend…but that’s just not enough when she loses control. You bring in another male character that she starts depending on, and things are only bound to get worse for her – and they do.
Honestly, I have nothing but good praise for this book because it made me look at the world from the perspective of a teenage anorexic. It’s quite possibly the saddest book I could have started 2012 off with, but it was definitely an eye opener!
All in all, there are a lot of aspects in this book that make you think of the typical teen world. Raine’s just this lost girl looking for her way, and in that, she ends up becoming anorexic. The worst thing possible for her happened when her father passed away, which led to her being more lost because her mother is kind of non-existent.
It’s really the tale of how she deals with life, and learning how to control the only thing she thinks she can control – her weight. She’s always been told she’s pretty by her doting boyfriend…but that’s just not enough when she loses control. You bring in another male character that she starts depending on, and things are only bound to get worse for her – and they do.
Honestly, I have nothing but good praise for this book because it made me look at the world from the perspective of a teenage anorexic. It’s quite possibly the saddest book I could have started 2012 off with, but it was definitely an eye opener!
July 13, 2012
Raine is 113 pounds. Her father passed away two years ago when she was 15, and she still has not figured out how to deal with the pain. Her mother has ignored her ever since, turning into the very definition of a “workaholic”. She has the best boyfriend and the two best friends in the whole world, but their lives seem so normal that there is no way they could ever understand what Raine deals with everyday.
This short story is perfect for reluctant girl readers in grades 8-12 who enjoy realistic fiction about less than ideal situations. Raine battles her anorexia along with severe depression, cutting, body image issues, suicidal thoughts, and dependency. While she believes her boyfriend is the one good thing in her life, perhaps she ought to see the world and herself more clearly. This is a brutally honest story that doesn’t have a happy ending; it is left open with the reader hoping that things turn out for our protagonist.
This short story is perfect for reluctant girl readers in grades 8-12 who enjoy realistic fiction about less than ideal situations. Raine battles her anorexia along with severe depression, cutting, body image issues, suicidal thoughts, and dependency. While she believes her boyfriend is the one good thing in her life, perhaps she ought to see the world and herself more clearly. This is a brutally honest story that doesn’t have a happy ending; it is left open with the reader hoping that things turn out for our protagonist.
December 16, 2013
Raine is anorexic, but she won't admit it. Her father died 2 years ago, and her mother is more absent than home, so she strives to control her life by dieting. As she grows thinner, it's never enough, and she alienates her friends, boyfriend and family. When a new boy enters her life, things feel easier with him, so she grabs a chance to find some freedom and more control of her life.
Most of the secondary characters are caricatures at best, and only there to help drive the tiny plot. Fairly accurate and realistic portrayal of the denial and repetitive pattern of anorexia, but superficial in all other respects.
Most of the secondary characters are caricatures at best, and only there to help drive the tiny plot. Fairly accurate and realistic portrayal of the denial and repetitive pattern of anorexia, but superficial in all other respects.
March 4, 2013
This is a truly depressing book throughout. All I'm going to say is that the ending nearly brought me to tears. Maybe that's just me but the message was so strong and it gives you a look at what can happen if you worry too much and take even one day for granted. This book was a super quick read but I definitely loved its perspective.
March 22, 2013
Interesting portrayal of a teen with anorexia. I think the plot was a little predictable and I would have liked a little more of the parent's story or even why a teacher or counselor never intervened. It would have rounded out the story. But I am sure my teen readers will like the short easy story and the tragedy.
May 30, 2013
The first half of the book read like an after-school special, but the second half was slightly more interesting. There are so many good books about anorexia out there; read one of those (like Wintergirls) and skip this one.
August 20, 2012
YA -- Lorimer
Set in Toronto, this is an interesting look at anorexia and other teen issues. The female protagonist is stubborn and her inner monologue rings true.
RL is 4.5 but this doesn't read so. I think many girls can relate to this short novel.
Set in Toronto, this is an interesting look at anorexia and other teen issues. The female protagonist is stubborn and her inner monologue rings true.
RL is 4.5 but this doesn't read so. I think many girls can relate to this short novel.
November 7, 2012
Received this book at the OLA SuperConference. I was skeptical at first but I liked it. Having done research on anorexia, I would say it's a good account on how they think.
Read
November 6, 2017The book had me in tears.Raine's issues was something most teenagers deal with today.The story explored the problems,the way to help yourself when your in denial and hurting yourself from the inner hurt.This is a great book!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews