Always June

Hungry #2

by Kate Karyus Quinn

June's secret eating disorder has been exposed to her whole school, and she knows there's no going back to the way things were. Plus, her mom has started dating again--and it's serious. What's worse, her big sister Mae leaves for college early after a big fight. While taking refuge at the local bowling alley, June gets roped into joining the girls' bowling team. As she improves her bowling game, June finds a newfound appreciation of all her body can do, a surprising group of outcast friends, and even a new love interest. But June must find a way to deal with her eating disorder--or risk losing everything else.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

190 pages, Paperback

Published February 16, 2023

About the author

Kate Karyus Quinn is an avid reader and menthol chapstick addict. She has a BFA in theater and an MFA in film and television production. She lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband, three children, and one giant dog.

Find her online at katekaryusquinn.com

Sign up for her newsletter for exclusive content and giveaways! https://tinyurl.com/y9zz4hp6

Reviews

[Sivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's not really anything likeable about June's character
The format of these books feels like it's built for people who don't like reading (since the books end up being pretty short)

Edit: The description says this is written in HI/LO verse, which is apparently "high interest, low reading level, and refers to books designed for older readers who may have difficulty with reading but still want engaging stories." Nonetheless I still did not find this book to be "high interest." There's just not a lot there

[Melissa De Cunto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read but I like how the series came together.

[Alysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 loved this conclusion, but it seemed to wrap up a little too quickly. I wish there was a little bit more.

[Eram Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going back to June's story was definitely more intense with the aftermath of her video.
The story not only picked up right where the first book left off, but it continued to tackle eating disorder recovery in an honest and realistic way. She doesn't really have any friends to connect with until she stumbles into the girls on the bowling team.
This time we see more of June's family story, her mother also deals with something similar to eating disorder.
Towards the end she begins to form friendship with her bowling team and also goes on a date with someone who actually cares for her.

[Carly Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars (I received an e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review)

I read the first book/collection in this series a couple years ago as an ARC from Net Galley, which I remembered little bits of. Going back to June's story was definitely more intense with the aftermath of the video of June. She is dealing with a lot of bullying, having to see the guy she was involved with but didn't want known that he was with her, dealing with her mom's problematic look on weight loss and sister issues. She doesn't really have any friends to connect with until she stumbles into the girls on the bowling team. Her mother also starts dating yet another boyfriend and her sister is going away to college. But the last little bit of the book was amazing and so emotional, I was crying, so proud of June's journey. We even get to her start dating someone who actually cares about her. I will always continue to pick this author's work.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The YA novel-in-verse sequel to Not Hungry by @katekaryusquinn
🎳
June is having to live with the fallout of her vomit video going viral after the dance. Everyone knows who she is now and the bullying is relentless. With her sister headed off to college, her mom marrying her new boyfriend and her best friend leaving her to spend time with her new boyfriend, June feels more alone than ever. A walk to the local bowling alley has June meeting a five girls from school who need a sixth for the high school bowling team. Joining gives June a sense of belonging she’s never felt before.
🎳
This was such a great follow up to Not Hungry and I think I may have even liked it a bit better because of the growth I saw in June. She was able to take control of her life, her eating, her friendships and relationships in a way that wasn’t present in book 1. I wish for more books about June please @west44books!

CW: eating disorders, vomit, binging/purging, bullying, fat shaming

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you #NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

After the mostly positive ending of "Not Hungry", I wasn't sure where this story would go. I was pleasantly surprised that the story not only picked up right where the first book left off, but it continued to tackle eating disorder recovery in an honest and realistic way. June isn't living her best life or the hero but she continues to deal with her eating disorder and other teen issues. The book moves at fast pace like its predecessor but dives into new themes and adds new character. June continues to find her self and her way. This continues to be a relevant and engaging story.

[C.H. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received a free E-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
.
In this stunning sequel to 'Not Hungry,' we see June continue to find herself, and deal with her ED ... which I'm glad doesn't just magically disappear at some point, as if all you need is a friend or whatever.
.
I actually enjoyed this more than the first book (though I also gave that 5 stars) - it just seemed to have more depth to it, and I dunno whether it's because it's a sequel or not, but the author seemed to dig deeper in this story, and I really appreciated that!
.
As always, I love how these stories are short and to the point. No wasted words.
.
I kinda want a book three haha

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A continuation of June's story from Not Hungry, again focusing on her eating disorder, except this time there is a light at the end of the tunnel, in the form of all things: Bowling! June still struggles with her disorder, fights with her sister and mother and now mother's fiancee', who truly seems to be the only one with his eyes open to June's addiction. I was surprised at the addition of Bowling to the mix. An interesting way to distract her from her addiction and a path to a healthy life.

[Klarissa Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5. I loved this! Obviously a hard conversation at times but an otherwise easy read, I loved the verse style. I loved seeing June finally step in to her own, allow people in, and receive outside help.

“LATELY I FEEL LIGHTER
even as I'm
taking up

more space.

And I think
maybe,
just maybe,
this
is how it's supposed to feel when
I'm honest
and open
and brave enough
to try and be—
all of me.”

CW: bulimia, laxative abuse, fat phobia

[Raelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this - quick read, great message!

[Meredith]

I have no idea how to rate a YA book that took me a half hour to read but this series is healing my inner 13 year old <3

[Audrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short easy read. I didnt get very into it though

[Liv DiCenso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good I finished it so fast! I loved the characters and they were relatable.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very sweet. I read it in one night. I LOVE the author’s writing style, I’ll take inspiration from it whenever I’m writing poetry!

[Alexos Cress · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was about the same thing as not hungry it was just the second part of it

[Natalie Waddell-Rutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but powerful read. I think the limited words and visual layout of them brought June's emotions to the forefront. She just wants to be "normal" which for her means thinner. Weight is such a fraught issue because even doctors pass on the message that thinner is better. The problem is dieting is not usually better for the body. June had bulimia and it felt uncontrollable at times. Her mother looked the other way since she used laxatives to stay thinner. Luckily, June fell in with a group of girls who didn't try to fit normal feminine standards. They did support each other. Also, her stepfather turned out to be helpful and pushed June (and June's mother) to seek help for her eating disorder. Usually the stepparent is problematic so it was nice to see something different here.