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Never Enough
From the author of Losing Faith, a novel about two sisters and the eating disorder that threatens to destroy their family.
Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special… even if that means betraying her sister.
But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship —and her sister—before it’s too late?
Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special… even if that means betraying her sister.
But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship —and her sister—before it’s too late?
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2012
49 people are currently reading
5718 people want to read
About the author
Denise Jaden
64 books491 followersBestselling author Denise Jaden loves cozy socks, cozy cats, and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of several young adult novels, nonfiction books for writers, and cozy mysteries that will make you laugh out loud while dangling at the edge of your seat.
Prior to becoming an author, Denise worked at everything from mushroom farming to acting and Polynesian dancing. Now she does most of her writing in a holding tent in the background of one of the many film sets in and around Vancouver. Sign up for updates, exclusive bonuses, and find out more about Denise, her books, and her crazy cat at DeniseJaden.com
Prior to becoming an author, Denise worked at everything from mushroom farming to acting and Polynesian dancing. Now she does most of her writing in a holding tent in the background of one of the many film sets in and around Vancouver. Sign up for updates, exclusive bonuses, and find out more about Denise, her books, and her crazy cat at DeniseJaden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
July 2, 2012
I can't say that I know a whole lot about eating disorders, but this is not the first book I read in the matter so I know enough to realize it's a very misunderstood disease. It's a monster that takes over the body; an ugly, nasty monster that consumes it. Some people think they're simply being selfish, wanting attention, or completely mad to continue eating habits that have a negative affect on their health to the point of no return, or death. But this is a real mental illness. It takes over your senses and your mind when it comes to body image. Denise Jaden's Never Enough show us how eating disorders affect not only the person who's ill, but the whole family as we go into this from the sister's point of view.
Loann's always been in her sister's shadow: Her popular, pretty, talented sister. What she doesn't know is how much her sister is suffering, too. Getting into this novel I could feel compassion for Loann from the moment I met her. Low self esteem is a problem that everyone encounters at one point or other in our lives. Consequently, it'll be easy for a lot of readers to relate to her and understand how she feels. How she never seems to be good enough. Although shortsighted at times, it's refreshing how she doesn't become overly angsty because of these insecurities. In fact, she finds something she's passionate about and puts her energy into it. Meeting a cute boy who seems to understand her sure helps her attitude as well. Loann is our lone narrator throughout. As the novel begins it's primarily about her inner critic; her insecurities and lack of self worth. We get to know her on a personal level, building our connection with her. Soon, however, it changes into a story about the ones she loves: her friends and family. Which fits completely since she's such a caring, selfless person.
The family dynamics in Never Enough are compelling and accurately portrayed for what I consider to be an average family who's dealing with a serious, misconstrued illness. It constantly changes to reflect the discords and emotional turmoils they face. Some problems are rather cliché, like the absent father and overworked mother, but the emotional energy pouring out, from Loann and Claire's relationship in particular, is terribly moving.
Subtle at best, the romance is more like a slow ripening friendship. Maybe a bit strange at first, they develop a meaningful connection where they seem to become each other's support system. Marcus is a loner with a mysterious edge. You can tell he's carrying a lot of weight, himself, making him hesitant to confide in Loann. For being a supporting role, I love how seamlessly his character falls into place with a meaningful part in the story, adding yet another layer.
In a novel full of unvarnished emotions and ugly truths, Never Enough's focus on very real, very serious issues will easily get you sucked in. This is not a fun story, nor is it fluffy; it's solemn and it's rough. I highly recommend it for those who enjoys these types of weighty contemporary reads.
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For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
Loann's always been in her sister's shadow: Her popular, pretty, talented sister. What she doesn't know is how much her sister is suffering, too. Getting into this novel I could feel compassion for Loann from the moment I met her. Low self esteem is a problem that everyone encounters at one point or other in our lives. Consequently, it'll be easy for a lot of readers to relate to her and understand how she feels. How she never seems to be good enough. Although shortsighted at times, it's refreshing how she doesn't become overly angsty because of these insecurities. In fact, she finds something she's passionate about and puts her energy into it. Meeting a cute boy who seems to understand her sure helps her attitude as well. Loann is our lone narrator throughout. As the novel begins it's primarily about her inner critic; her insecurities and lack of self worth. We get to know her on a personal level, building our connection with her. Soon, however, it changes into a story about the ones she loves: her friends and family. Which fits completely since she's such a caring, selfless person.
The family dynamics in Never Enough are compelling and accurately portrayed for what I consider to be an average family who's dealing with a serious, misconstrued illness. It constantly changes to reflect the discords and emotional turmoils they face. Some problems are rather cliché, like the absent father and overworked mother, but the emotional energy pouring out, from Loann and Claire's relationship in particular, is terribly moving.
Subtle at best, the romance is more like a slow ripening friendship. Maybe a bit strange at first, they develop a meaningful connection where they seem to become each other's support system. Marcus is a loner with a mysterious edge. You can tell he's carrying a lot of weight, himself, making him hesitant to confide in Loann. For being a supporting role, I love how seamlessly his character falls into place with a meaningful part in the story, adding yet another layer.
In a novel full of unvarnished emotions and ugly truths, Never Enough's focus on very real, very serious issues will easily get you sucked in. This is not a fun story, nor is it fluffy; it's solemn and it's rough. I highly recommend it for those who enjoys these types of weighty contemporary reads.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
July 18, 2012
I have been staring at my screen for about five minutes now, not knowing how to start this review. I guess I'll just start with the boring stuff, and introduce the characters. Not that the characters are boring, but you know what I mean. The main protagonist, Loann, is quite your average teenage girl. Though being compared to her sister Claire, she's not so average anymore. Loann's sister, Claire, is pretty and popular. So instead of Loann just being a normal teenager, she's always "Claire's little sister". Loann's got her little group of friends, but she can't help comparing herself to her sister. Never Enough starts off very good. I was immediately immersed in the story, and I just couldn't put the book down. I though that it was going to be one of those "heavy" realistic fictions, but it was really fun and cute at first. Loann meets another friend, and his name is Marcus. He's the quiet type, and definitely not part of those jocks. I loved the relationship between the two of them, because I loved how funny and sarcastic they were. I always love a good humor in a person, so I really enjoyed reading about them.
While Claire still isn't an important role in the story yet, the story takes light on Marcus and Loann. I don't know why Marcus wasn't even mentioned in the synopsis, because I truly felt like he played a big role in the book. What I really liked, was that Denise Jaden didn't hasten the romance. Yes, it was annoying and really made me grind my teeth some points, but I felt that it was more realistic. They were friends, then really good friends, and then things developed. You're probably wondering where the "anorexia" and "bulimia" part is, and yes it'll come. I, myself, was shocked to find that even through half the book, there was no mention that Claire is having food disorders. Honestly, I kind of forgot about it, and just thought that I was reading a cute and fun contemporary novel. I wasn't complaining either so it was good.
Gradually, Claire started acting weird. I liked how Denise Jaden didn't just attack the tragedy, but made us take it slowly. Claire kept lessening her food, playing with it, and refusing any snacks. While Never Enough was still fun, I saw that the seriousness has taken over. I missed Marcus, but I was too busy concentrating on the problem to actually notice it. Loann is a very smart character, because she was the only one to notice! I hated how her parents were so naive, and never thought of the possibility that their daughter might be in actual danger! Though I hated Claire at first, I started taking pity on her. She was one of those girls that being pretty wasn't enough, being thin wasn't enough, and I guess that's why the book is called Never Enough.
Overall, I can say that I devoured this book in a day. It was so great in so many ways, and so heart warming. The ending was a great way to wrap things up. Never Enough was one of those books that stirred up all my emotions, and for me, that's what makes a book special to a reader. As I finished Never Enough, I literally hugged it. It was sad to let it go, but I felt like my journey with Loann has ended, and was time to move on. I really loved Never Enough, and is going to be a book that I'll never forget. I definitely recommend it to all young adult readers, because this is not only mind opening, but a very interesting book that will not disappoint!
While Claire still isn't an important role in the story yet, the story takes light on Marcus and Loann. I don't know why Marcus wasn't even mentioned in the synopsis, because I truly felt like he played a big role in the book. What I really liked, was that Denise Jaden didn't hasten the romance. Yes, it was annoying and really made me grind my teeth some points, but I felt that it was more realistic. They were friends, then really good friends, and then things developed. You're probably wondering where the "anorexia" and "bulimia" part is, and yes it'll come. I, myself, was shocked to find that even through half the book, there was no mention that Claire is having food disorders. Honestly, I kind of forgot about it, and just thought that I was reading a cute and fun contemporary novel. I wasn't complaining either so it was good.
Gradually, Claire started acting weird. I liked how Denise Jaden didn't just attack the tragedy, but made us take it slowly. Claire kept lessening her food, playing with it, and refusing any snacks. While Never Enough was still fun, I saw that the seriousness has taken over. I missed Marcus, but I was too busy concentrating on the problem to actually notice it. Loann is a very smart character, because she was the only one to notice! I hated how her parents were so naive, and never thought of the possibility that their daughter might be in actual danger! Though I hated Claire at first, I started taking pity on her. She was one of those girls that being pretty wasn't enough, being thin wasn't enough, and I guess that's why the book is called Never Enough.
Overall, I can say that I devoured this book in a day. It was so great in so many ways, and so heart warming. The ending was a great way to wrap things up. Never Enough was one of those books that stirred up all my emotions, and for me, that's what makes a book special to a reader. As I finished Never Enough, I literally hugged it. It was sad to let it go, but I felt like my journey with Loann has ended, and was time to move on. I really loved Never Enough, and is going to be a book that I'll never forget. I definitely recommend it to all young adult readers, because this is not only mind opening, but a very interesting book that will not disappoint!
July 9, 2012
4.5 stars
When I finished this book I basically just wanted to scoop up Loann and Marcus and hug them and put them in a protective bubble so that nothing could ever hurt them again. Because, really, people should not have to go through what they went through. And sadly... of course people actually go through scenarios like that. That’s probably the worst part. But do not despair, because despite the sad situations in this book it’s not entirely a downer. The connection that Loann and Marcus forms is the beautiful centre of this book, and they are absolutely precious together, whether it be as friends or as something more. These two are a team, and the bond that forms between them is amazing to read about.
I think where Denise Jaden gets things really right is that there isn’t any proselytizing in this book. It would be easy when dealing with such difficult subjects to drop in a heavy handed message, but there really isn’t one here. There is a deep sense of “yes, you ARE enough!” to counteract the book’s title, but it’s more of a thought for readers to pull out themselves as they see the amazingness and beauty in Loann, Marcus, and Loann’s sister Claire: we find the worthiness that these characters don’t see in themselves.
‘Never Enough’ was definitely a tough read, especially when it came to Claire’s story. Eating disorders are a very sensitive subject, but I think Denise handled this storyline with the greatest sensitivity while still portraying it honestly. I had to let my thoughts process for a bit before writing this review, and I’m glad I did, because I think I appreciate the book even more now. It’s not easy to craft a book that will fill readers with such a wide range of emotions. Nor is it simple to make readers think and philosophize on such important issues as body image, self worth, self esteem, and even the concept of soul mates and ‘meant to be’. Denise Jaden has succeeded on all these fronts, and for that I applaud her.
When I finished this book I basically just wanted to scoop up Loann and Marcus and hug them and put them in a protective bubble so that nothing could ever hurt them again. Because, really, people should not have to go through what they went through. And sadly... of course people actually go through scenarios like that. That’s probably the worst part. But do not despair, because despite the sad situations in this book it’s not entirely a downer. The connection that Loann and Marcus forms is the beautiful centre of this book, and they are absolutely precious together, whether it be as friends or as something more. These two are a team, and the bond that forms between them is amazing to read about.
I think where Denise Jaden gets things really right is that there isn’t any proselytizing in this book. It would be easy when dealing with such difficult subjects to drop in a heavy handed message, but there really isn’t one here. There is a deep sense of “yes, you ARE enough!” to counteract the book’s title, but it’s more of a thought for readers to pull out themselves as they see the amazingness and beauty in Loann, Marcus, and Loann’s sister Claire: we find the worthiness that these characters don’t see in themselves.
‘Never Enough’ was definitely a tough read, especially when it came to Claire’s story. Eating disorders are a very sensitive subject, but I think Denise handled this storyline with the greatest sensitivity while still portraying it honestly. I had to let my thoughts process for a bit before writing this review, and I’m glad I did, because I think I appreciate the book even more now. It’s not easy to craft a book that will fill readers with such a wide range of emotions. Nor is it simple to make readers think and philosophize on such important issues as body image, self worth, self esteem, and even the concept of soul mates and ‘meant to be’. Denise Jaden has succeeded on all these fronts, and for that I applaud her.
October 12, 2015
3.5
Great book, but too many issues crammed into one story!
I loved Loann's character most of the time, but sometimes she turned all that happened around her to be ABOUT her. Marcus was so hard to read, but when we finally realize what is happening in his life, we can't help but love him more. Claire, ugh. Loann's friends, Claire's boyfriend/ex boyfriend, and the parents? UGH. They are teenagers, but the parents are just awful!
A powerful story that talks about deep issues, with a tragic turn and a real ending.
Great book, but too many issues crammed into one story!
I loved Loann's character most of the time, but sometimes she turned all that happened around her to be ABOUT her. Marcus was so hard to read, but when we finally realize what is happening in his life, we can't help but love him more. Claire, ugh. Loann's friends, Claire's boyfriend/ex boyfriend, and the parents? UGH. They are teenagers, but the parents are just awful!
A powerful story that talks about deep issues, with a tragic turn and a real ending.
June 19, 2012
This book frustrated me on many levels. I would rate this lower, but there are enough redeeming qualities that will make this title appealing to many readers.
Loann is the younger daughter, and her sister Claire has always been the popular girl. The perfect one. Her sister's boyfriend, Josh, is the kind of guy Loann would love to have as a boyfriend but she knows he's off limits. Here's the thing: Claire harbors many secrets, and throughout the story, we begin to learn what they are.
While there's the issue of Claire, another aspect of the story begins when Loann chooses to befriend her locker neighbor Marcus when he had a hard time with his combination. She realizes he's one of those kids who gets picked on, and he's genuinely a nice guy. They start going out for coffee, then they begin working together at the coffee shop, but it's never anything romantic. And it wouldn't be because, well, Loann is really interested in Josh.
For nearly two hundred pages, nothing happens. We're getting all set up for the story. Then when we get to that point in the story, we learn that I commend Jaden for tackling the tough topic and doing so without flinching. However, So when When we get to the final 30 pages of the book and
But that's just the first issue tackled in the book. The bigger problem is that we never get to know Loann and Claire's relationship, and because of that, we never get to know Claire nor Loann very well. We learn pretty quickly that the relationship between Claire and Josh ends and that Loann maintains her strong crush on Josh. And then See, This was problematic because we haven't gotten to know either of these characters, so it was impossible to judge their motivations on either end. Did I feel like Loann did something really nasty to her sister in accepting Josh's invitation? Did I feel bad for Claire for being sort of screwed over by Josh because he didn't respect her? I have no idea. What's worse is neither of these characters know what to do about it, either. Then the entire thing falls out of the story. It's forgotten about.
But my biggest problem with the story came with the cramming of another issue into the already too-issue-heavy book: Marcus. While it makes sense that Loann would find the strength to ask because Marcus is the first person with whom she's developed a real relationship in a long time -- especially after suddenly losing her two best girl friends -- and while it makes sense this would be her opportunity to make a difference where she couldn't with her sister, it wasn't handled as thoughtfully as it could have been. This could have been handled well as an entirely separate book. I also felt like
For a book weighing in at 400 pages, it took on far too much while developing the issues too little. The first two hundred pages offered nothing, while the final 200 gave us As for being a story about sisters, that in and of itself is pretty forgettable, since Loann's not especially interested in sharing that story. I also found the writing, particularly in the first half of the book, to be clunky and hard to navigate. Chopping this book in half would have made it so much stronger, both in terms of the plot, the character development, the pacing (which was extraordinarily hard to follow, as the book spanned over a year, with some day-long scenes lasting for chapters and some month-long scenes being merely a sentence or paragraph in passing), and in the writing itself. That's really what the story demanded, but it didn't come through because it dragged out far too much. These issues in the story are downright brutal, but never once did I feel them as a reader. I felt distanced, disinterested, and bored.
That said, as much as this book did not work for me, I see teens interested in stories about eating disorders wanting to pick this up and read it. It won't have the same impact that books like Laurie Halse Anderson's WINTERGIRLS has, nor will it come close to having the same sort of impact a book like Swati Avasthi's SPLIT does in terms of dealing with abuse and terrible family situations. Which is to say, it's going to do fine, and readers will be fine with the story, but it's not stand out or memorable.
I think there will be a longer review to come.
Loann is the younger daughter, and her sister Claire has always been the popular girl. The perfect one. Her sister's boyfriend, Josh, is the kind of guy Loann would love to have as a boyfriend but she knows he's off limits. Here's the thing: Claire harbors many secrets, and throughout the story, we begin to learn what they are.
While there's the issue of Claire, another aspect of the story begins when Loann chooses to befriend her locker neighbor Marcus when he had a hard time with his combination. She realizes he's one of those kids who gets picked on, and he's genuinely a nice guy. They start going out for coffee, then they begin working together at the coffee shop, but it's never anything romantic. And it wouldn't be because, well, Loann is really interested in Josh.
For nearly two hundred pages, nothing happens. We're getting all set up for the story. Then when we get to that point in the story, we learn that I commend Jaden for tackling the tough topic and doing so without flinching. However, So when When we get to the final 30 pages of the book and
But that's just the first issue tackled in the book. The bigger problem is that we never get to know Loann and Claire's relationship, and because of that, we never get to know Claire nor Loann very well. We learn pretty quickly that the relationship between Claire and Josh ends and that Loann maintains her strong crush on Josh. And then See, This was problematic because we haven't gotten to know either of these characters, so it was impossible to judge their motivations on either end. Did I feel like Loann did something really nasty to her sister in accepting Josh's invitation? Did I feel bad for Claire for being sort of screwed over by Josh because he didn't respect her? I have no idea. What's worse is neither of these characters know what to do about it, either. Then the entire thing falls out of the story. It's forgotten about.
But my biggest problem with the story came with the cramming of another issue into the already too-issue-heavy book: Marcus. While it makes sense that Loann would find the strength to ask because Marcus is the first person with whom she's developed a real relationship in a long time -- especially after suddenly losing her two best girl friends -- and while it makes sense this would be her opportunity to make a difference where she couldn't with her sister, it wasn't handled as thoughtfully as it could have been. This could have been handled well as an entirely separate book. I also felt like
For a book weighing in at 400 pages, it took on far too much while developing the issues too little. The first two hundred pages offered nothing, while the final 200 gave us As for being a story about sisters, that in and of itself is pretty forgettable, since Loann's not especially interested in sharing that story. I also found the writing, particularly in the first half of the book, to be clunky and hard to navigate. Chopping this book in half would have made it so much stronger, both in terms of the plot, the character development, the pacing (which was extraordinarily hard to follow, as the book spanned over a year, with some day-long scenes lasting for chapters and some month-long scenes being merely a sentence or paragraph in passing), and in the writing itself. That's really what the story demanded, but it didn't come through because it dragged out far too much. These issues in the story are downright brutal, but never once did I feel them as a reader. I felt distanced, disinterested, and bored.
That said, as much as this book did not work for me, I see teens interested in stories about eating disorders wanting to pick this up and read it. It won't have the same impact that books like Laurie Halse Anderson's WINTERGIRLS has, nor will it come close to having the same sort of impact a book like Swati Avasthi's SPLIT does in terms of dealing with abuse and terrible family situations. Which is to say, it's going to do fine, and readers will be fine with the story, but it's not stand out or memorable.
I think there will be a longer review to come.
July 1, 2012
Note: I received an ARC of this book from S&S GalleyGrab.
If "Never Enough" had been shaved off by about 100 pages, I think it would've been a much better book in terms of getting to its respective premise and message. Granted, it tackles quite many tough issues - from domestic abuse to eating disorders to a family spiraling out of control. In the center of it all is Luann, a young woman who struggles to make herself more prominent in a life where it seems she's invisible.
At almost 400 pages, "Never Enough" walks initially through Luann's life in the shadow of her more popular and seemingly perfect sister, Claire. There's also a bit of a falling out that Luann has with respect to her own social circle, leading her to the rather quiet, but well meaning Simon who seems to bear his own burdens unspoken. Luann struggles to keep her own social life afloat, even as Claire's behavior seems to work against Luann more often than not. However, after a certain point, it seems that Claire's own handle on life seems to be slipping away, not just in what she chooses not to eat, but also in terms of her uncertain and fragmented hold on the future.
Luann struggles to make sense of what's wrong with her sister, tries to keep her family and relationships intact, and struggles to come to terms with her own grip of the future, making plenty of mistakes along the way. Some of those mistakes made me grind my teeth and think Luann should've known better (i.e. her relationship with Josh), but I think I saw the purpose of having Luann grow from her experiences. There were times when I appreciated the expansion, but if I'm reflecting on the collective whole of the book - it takes a bit too long to get to the main storyline. It wouldn't be as much of a problem if the book developed some of the characters more significantly during these progressions, but it doesn't seem that the character progress all that much or have significant development until after quite some time in the book. On one hand, I do appreciated the slice of life progression it took, but on the other, I think that it could've been further condensed and still given enough focus to the main character and her struggles.
When the book does arrive at the point where Luann and Claire hit a breaking point with respect to Claire's struggles with bullimia, I thought the story took a heartbreaking turn. It shows just how much the family's fragmented and Luann has to come to terms with her frustrations and grief over her sister's condition and ultimately what it lends to in the end. Is it the best book I've read on the subject matter - probably not by a long shot, but it did manage to make me care about the characters and turns of events. I just wish it'd been a little better on the road getting there by not taking too many diverted courses along the way, though I saw the purpose behind them.
Overall score: 2.5/5
If "Never Enough" had been shaved off by about 100 pages, I think it would've been a much better book in terms of getting to its respective premise and message. Granted, it tackles quite many tough issues - from domestic abuse to eating disorders to a family spiraling out of control. In the center of it all is Luann, a young woman who struggles to make herself more prominent in a life where it seems she's invisible.
At almost 400 pages, "Never Enough" walks initially through Luann's life in the shadow of her more popular and seemingly perfect sister, Claire. There's also a bit of a falling out that Luann has with respect to her own social circle, leading her to the rather quiet, but well meaning Simon who seems to bear his own burdens unspoken. Luann struggles to keep her own social life afloat, even as Claire's behavior seems to work against Luann more often than not. However, after a certain point, it seems that Claire's own handle on life seems to be slipping away, not just in what she chooses not to eat, but also in terms of her uncertain and fragmented hold on the future.
Luann struggles to make sense of what's wrong with her sister, tries to keep her family and relationships intact, and struggles to come to terms with her own grip of the future, making plenty of mistakes along the way. Some of those mistakes made me grind my teeth and think Luann should've known better (i.e. her relationship with Josh), but I think I saw the purpose of having Luann grow from her experiences. There were times when I appreciated the expansion, but if I'm reflecting on the collective whole of the book - it takes a bit too long to get to the main storyline. It wouldn't be as much of a problem if the book developed some of the characters more significantly during these progressions, but it doesn't seem that the character progress all that much or have significant development until after quite some time in the book. On one hand, I do appreciated the slice of life progression it took, but on the other, I think that it could've been further condensed and still given enough focus to the main character and her struggles.
When the book does arrive at the point where Luann and Claire hit a breaking point with respect to Claire's struggles with bullimia, I thought the story took a heartbreaking turn. It shows just how much the family's fragmented and Luann has to come to terms with her frustrations and grief over her sister's condition and ultimately what it lends to in the end. Is it the best book I've read on the subject matter - probably not by a long shot, but it did manage to make me care about the characters and turns of events. I just wish it'd been a little better on the road getting there by not taking too many diverted courses along the way, though I saw the purpose behind them.
Overall score: 2.5/5
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August 6, 2022This book changed my life! Seriously, it did. And I hope it is impacting for you as well. I'll be blogging more about my process of writing it as the publication date approaches. http://www.denisejaden.com/Blog.html
June 23, 2012
***Originally posted to: Bookish Book Blog |YA and Adult Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and news! ^___^
Never Enough sneaked up on me and took me by surprise. Neither the blurb, nor the beautiful bright cover have prepared me for the intensely emotional ride I was taken on. Dealing with issues like eating disorders, physical abuse, and the fragility and meaning of life, it's a character-driven, powerful novel that is sure to resonate with its readers. Jaden's evocative and fluid prose is full of vivid emotions and gut-churning authenticity. Poignant, overwhelming and pleasantly readable, Never Enough is a book to savour and cherish, a book to remember.
What does it mean to be happy? What does it take to be satisfied with yourself? Do you need to be super skinny with flawless figure, model-like hair and magnetic personality? At what point in your life do you stop and tell yourself: this is it, this is where I want to be, what I want to do. Do you ever get there? Are we ever good enough in our own eyes? Or are we always searching, always trying, chasing shadows, pushing to improve ourselves? These - among others - are the questions that I've been pondering ever since I turned the last page of Never Enough. This book really got to me. It affected me in ways I never thought possible. The main character, Loann, is a typical ugly duckling. She always looked up to her sister (Claire), wishing she was as pretty and popular as her. Claire was always the one getting all the attention - from their parents, teachers and friends. She was the beautiful and talented ballet-dancer, loved and admired by everyone, with the most fabulous boyfriend and a group of faithful friends. Loann was the awkward one, barely noticed and quickly dismissed, with no special features nor talents. Plain and colourless like a shadow, she would give anything to switch places with her sister and for once feel special, noticed, and needed. Claire's life is not as perfect and sweet as it seems, though, and the things Loann is about to discover will change the lives of the whole family forever.
Never Enough was captivating from start to finish and I found it very difficult to put down. The narrative voice is genuine and lively, and it makes Loann a relatable character. She's full of flaws and yet perfect in many ways. Overshadowed by her stunning sister, insecure, and self-conscious, Loann is struggling with self-acceptance and self-value. She's shy and quiet, and she blends into the background like a chameleon. She focuses on her defects and shortcomings so much that she fails to recognize the flaws in people around her, especially in her sister. Envy plays a big role in Claire and Loann's love-hate relationship, but it's not the only element you'll find there. There's also love, trust and devotion, and I loved how Jaden managed to capture the strong sisterly bond between the two girls.
While the love story was there (in all its sweetness and tenderness), the plot was not built around it. The slowly developing romantic feelings between Loann and Marcus took the back seat to other, more profound and meaningful plot threats. And it was perfect this way. I loved the chemistry between Loann and Marcus, they made a charming couple. They didn't fall in love with each other instantaneously, their relationship was just like their personalities: shy, awkward, angsty and - therefore - real. I loved how they joked around and mocked each other, their conversations were often quite funny and I thought they completed one another in every way. Marcus was a fantastic character. It took me a while to figure him out, but once I did I couldn't have loved him more. Claire was an interesting character, too, and her story invoked so many emotions in me. I feel that I learned a lot from reading about Claire's experiences, and I now have a better understanding of eating disorders and how to help/support people affected by them.
Never Enough is a heartbreaking read that ends on a bitter-sweet note. Filled with burning regrets and what-ifs, it's a thought-provoking exploration of many difficult and relevant issues, from learning how to love yourself to dealing with mental sickness and the loss of a family member. This book tells a harrowing tale of never-enoughs: people not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not interesting enough, not strong enough, or simply not good enough. And while it's mostly a sad and melancholic book, it's also one that ends with hope and promise rather than despair, and for that I absolutely and utterly loved it.
Never Enough sneaked up on me and took me by surprise. Neither the blurb, nor the beautiful bright cover have prepared me for the intensely emotional ride I was taken on. Dealing with issues like eating disorders, physical abuse, and the fragility and meaning of life, it's a character-driven, powerful novel that is sure to resonate with its readers. Jaden's evocative and fluid prose is full of vivid emotions and gut-churning authenticity. Poignant, overwhelming and pleasantly readable, Never Enough is a book to savour and cherish, a book to remember.
What does it mean to be happy? What does it take to be satisfied with yourself? Do you need to be super skinny with flawless figure, model-like hair and magnetic personality? At what point in your life do you stop and tell yourself: this is it, this is where I want to be, what I want to do. Do you ever get there? Are we ever good enough in our own eyes? Or are we always searching, always trying, chasing shadows, pushing to improve ourselves? These - among others - are the questions that I've been pondering ever since I turned the last page of Never Enough. This book really got to me. It affected me in ways I never thought possible. The main character, Loann, is a typical ugly duckling. She always looked up to her sister (Claire), wishing she was as pretty and popular as her. Claire was always the one getting all the attention - from their parents, teachers and friends. She was the beautiful and talented ballet-dancer, loved and admired by everyone, with the most fabulous boyfriend and a group of faithful friends. Loann was the awkward one, barely noticed and quickly dismissed, with no special features nor talents. Plain and colourless like a shadow, she would give anything to switch places with her sister and for once feel special, noticed, and needed. Claire's life is not as perfect and sweet as it seems, though, and the things Loann is about to discover will change the lives of the whole family forever.
Never Enough was captivating from start to finish and I found it very difficult to put down. The narrative voice is genuine and lively, and it makes Loann a relatable character. She's full of flaws and yet perfect in many ways. Overshadowed by her stunning sister, insecure, and self-conscious, Loann is struggling with self-acceptance and self-value. She's shy and quiet, and she blends into the background like a chameleon. She focuses on her defects and shortcomings so much that she fails to recognize the flaws in people around her, especially in her sister. Envy plays a big role in Claire and Loann's love-hate relationship, but it's not the only element you'll find there. There's also love, trust and devotion, and I loved how Jaden managed to capture the strong sisterly bond between the two girls.
While the love story was there (in all its sweetness and tenderness), the plot was not built around it. The slowly developing romantic feelings between Loann and Marcus took the back seat to other, more profound and meaningful plot threats. And it was perfect this way. I loved the chemistry between Loann and Marcus, they made a charming couple. They didn't fall in love with each other instantaneously, their relationship was just like their personalities: shy, awkward, angsty and - therefore - real. I loved how they joked around and mocked each other, their conversations were often quite funny and I thought they completed one another in every way. Marcus was a fantastic character. It took me a while to figure him out, but once I did I couldn't have loved him more. Claire was an interesting character, too, and her story invoked so many emotions in me. I feel that I learned a lot from reading about Claire's experiences, and I now have a better understanding of eating disorders and how to help/support people affected by them.
Never Enough is a heartbreaking read that ends on a bitter-sweet note. Filled with burning regrets and what-ifs, it's a thought-provoking exploration of many difficult and relevant issues, from learning how to love yourself to dealing with mental sickness and the loss of a family member. This book tells a harrowing tale of never-enoughs: people not pretty enough, not skinny enough, not interesting enough, not strong enough, or simply not good enough. And while it's mostly a sad and melancholic book, it's also one that ends with hope and promise rather than despair, and for that I absolutely and utterly loved it.
May 7, 2012
2.5/5
Let’s face facts… Loann could twists just about any drama around her and make it about her. ‘Oh, Marcus is stoically being all silent boy independent and closed mouthed about his problems.’ Boohoo. Does this mean he hates me? Or, ‘oh, my sister is laughing about something with her friends.’ Does this mean she’s really laughing at me behind my back..ergh… to my face but from a distance? Then take: ‘oh dear, my mother is worried about what’s become of our family.’Does she really have to ask me about where she’d gone wrong?
I am exaggerating, but sometimes it felt like that to me. All that whiney "me. me. me" focus overshadowed the fact that sometimes she could be a good person, or tried to be a good person despite her doing some things so annoyingly… ergh, shortsighted (as with the scene in the beginning with her and her so called friends. As sene with object of her affection who unsurprisingly .)
It was interesting though, this story of a girl connected to so many people who themselves weren’t leading not quite ideal lives. I found myself drawn in and curious about things despite not giving two shits about the family (the sisters, their mother and father were all too wrapped up around in perceived shortcomings of others.) So I suppose that it’s no surprise if I say that it was someone outside their little familial unit that kept me glued: Marcus. His secret pain and pushing back but reluctant wanting to stay connected had me perplexed. The eventual moving forward in their department came slowly… then stopped suddenly... then moved on again. All those came as welcomed events in what would have otherwise been Loan’s me, myself and I gripe show.
Because Loann? Really, this girl was not quite perfect… but did try her darnedest to be good, do what was right… to be enough. It’s her relationship with her sister that’s the driving force of most things that take place in the story. Their relationship was in no way easy. Her little flashbacks to what they had had, contrasted to what was current, explained a lot of her current feelings of conflict. Her wanting back what they had had, but not knowing how to go about it (even with knowing in that back of her head that it’s really not quite possible) both made sense to me. But for the life of me, the picture she painted of her older sister just felt too unlikely to be real. And I guess, I was accurate in a way.
Thanks you Simon and Schuster G&G
2.5/5
Let’s face facts… Loann could twists just about any drama around her and make it about her. ‘Oh, Marcus is stoically being all silent boy independent and closed mouthed about his problems.’ Boohoo. Does this mean he hates me? Or, ‘oh, my sister is laughing about something with her friends.’ Does this mean she’s really laughing at me behind my back..ergh… to my face but from a distance? Then take: ‘oh dear, my mother is worried about what’s become of our family.’Does she really have to ask me about where she’d gone wrong?
I am exaggerating, but sometimes it felt like that to me. All that whiney "me. me. me" focus overshadowed the fact that sometimes she could be a good person, or tried to be a good person despite her doing some things so annoyingly… ergh, shortsighted (as with the scene in the beginning with her and her so called friends. As sene with object of her affection who unsurprisingly .)
It was interesting though, this story of a girl connected to so many people who themselves weren’t leading not quite ideal lives. I found myself drawn in and curious about things despite not giving two shits about the family (the sisters, their mother and father were all too wrapped up around in perceived shortcomings of others.) So I suppose that it’s no surprise if I say that it was someone outside their little familial unit that kept me glued: Marcus. His secret pain and pushing back but reluctant wanting to stay connected had me perplexed. The eventual moving forward in their department came slowly… then stopped suddenly... then moved on again. All those came as welcomed events in what would have otherwise been Loan’s me, myself and I gripe show.
Because Loann? Really, this girl was not quite perfect… but did try her darnedest to be good, do what was right… to be enough. It’s her relationship with her sister that’s the driving force of most things that take place in the story. Their relationship was in no way easy. Her little flashbacks to what they had had, contrasted to what was current, explained a lot of her current feelings of conflict. Her wanting back what they had had, but not knowing how to go about it (even with knowing in that back of her head that it’s really not quite possible) both made sense to me. But for the life of me, the picture she painted of her older sister just felt too unlikely to be real. And I guess, I was accurate in a way.
Thanks you Simon and Schuster G&G
2.5/5
July 26, 2012
Review originally posted at Y.A. Love
For some reason I’m having a tough time writing this review like normal, so I’m going to try a bullet list review today featuring what worked and didn’t work for me.
What Worked for Me:
I like the dynamics in Claire and Loann’s relationship. It’s easy to identify with Loann and understand how disconnected from Claire she’s become. In the beginning of Never Enough it’s hard to say whether Claire feels this way as well, but Loann feels it. She feels awkward and ugly in comparison to Loann, and like she isn’t interesting enough to spend time with Claire and her friends. Claire is set up as this perfect doll who can do no wrong. It’s obvious that Claire isn’t perfect, especially based on the summary, but she’s found a way to deceive those around her. This deception is one of the biggest reasons why Claire and Loann struggle with their relationship because Loann finds that she can’t trust her sister. Loann’s always looked up to Claire, even when her family and friends are constantly comparing her to Claire. They share a tight bond which falters as the story progresses.
I like Marcus’s character. He brings out a different side of Loann; he brings out her more confident side. She’s not always confident around Marcus, but she discovers that she can be more than Loann’s sister when she’s around him. As their friendship grows, Loann begins to detach herself from Loann’s shadow, even though she’s still constantly thinking about her and comparing herself to Claire. This is when Loann finds photography and independence. She feels comfortable around Marcus and can be herself. Even though it’s difficult for Loann to stop comparing herself to her sister, the reader can see her character growing and finding herself.
When looking for a book dealing with eating disorders, Never Enough doesn’t fall into that usual category since we’re not in the shoes of the character dealing with the actual eating disorder. We’re watching everything through a bystander’s, Loann’s, eyes. We see how it affects her and her relationship with her sister. Denise Jaden has written a book that those who have a friend or relative battling with an eating disorder can read and connect with.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The pacing and length are off in Never Enough. I had read almost 200 pages and was left wondering when the real conflicts in the story were going to develop. At this point there had been hints about Claire’s eating disorder and a lot of story set up, but nothing major was going on. There is one big development between Loann and another character that shocked me, but that was about it. I wish that either the story moved faster, or that there were less side stories tied in (Marcus’s home life, Loann’s parents’ marriage faltering, etc.) I will say, however, that by the end of the book I could see what Denise Jaden was doing by writing the story this way and I appreciated it. I’m worried, though, that my students might not stick with the book because of the “slow parts” as they would say. Never Enough would probably work better for me if it were about 100 pages shorter.
For some reason I’m having a tough time writing this review like normal, so I’m going to try a bullet list review today featuring what worked and didn’t work for me.
What Worked for Me:
I like the dynamics in Claire and Loann’s relationship. It’s easy to identify with Loann and understand how disconnected from Claire she’s become. In the beginning of Never Enough it’s hard to say whether Claire feels this way as well, but Loann feels it. She feels awkward and ugly in comparison to Loann, and like she isn’t interesting enough to spend time with Claire and her friends. Claire is set up as this perfect doll who can do no wrong. It’s obvious that Claire isn’t perfect, especially based on the summary, but she’s found a way to deceive those around her. This deception is one of the biggest reasons why Claire and Loann struggle with their relationship because Loann finds that she can’t trust her sister. Loann’s always looked up to Claire, even when her family and friends are constantly comparing her to Claire. They share a tight bond which falters as the story progresses.
I like Marcus’s character. He brings out a different side of Loann; he brings out her more confident side. She’s not always confident around Marcus, but she discovers that she can be more than Loann’s sister when she’s around him. As their friendship grows, Loann begins to detach herself from Loann’s shadow, even though she’s still constantly thinking about her and comparing herself to Claire. This is when Loann finds photography and independence. She feels comfortable around Marcus and can be herself. Even though it’s difficult for Loann to stop comparing herself to her sister, the reader can see her character growing and finding herself.
When looking for a book dealing with eating disorders, Never Enough doesn’t fall into that usual category since we’re not in the shoes of the character dealing with the actual eating disorder. We’re watching everything through a bystander’s, Loann’s, eyes. We see how it affects her and her relationship with her sister. Denise Jaden has written a book that those who have a friend or relative battling with an eating disorder can read and connect with.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The pacing and length are off in Never Enough. I had read almost 200 pages and was left wondering when the real conflicts in the story were going to develop. At this point there had been hints about Claire’s eating disorder and a lot of story set up, but nothing major was going on. There is one big development between Loann and another character that shocked me, but that was about it. I wish that either the story moved faster, or that there were less side stories tied in (Marcus’s home life, Loann’s parents’ marriage faltering, etc.) I will say, however, that by the end of the book I could see what Denise Jaden was doing by writing the story this way and I appreciated it. I’m worried, though, that my students might not stick with the book because of the “slow parts” as they would say. Never Enough would probably work better for me if it were about 100 pages shorter.
August 9, 2012
Originally posted at: http://iliveforreading.blogspot.com/2...
I haven't read Losing Faith but I sure will because Denise Jaden's writing just blew me away. Never Enough is her second book, and it is one heck of a story. I immediately fell in love with this contemporary– and even though it's not fluffy, it's definitely perfect for summer!
What I found deeply satisfying with this novel was the fact that the author took it from her own personal experience in the matter of eating disorders. She had friends, like Loann with her sister Claire, who had struggles with eating and it grew until it became a major problem. I like how that from this situation she was able to share this story and making it more real than it would have if the information was all from research.
I must say however, even though I absolutely adored the story, I wasn't too big a fan of some of the characters. I didn't really like a lot of them until halfway through the book! Loann, or better known as Loey, is our main character, but I didn't really like her. I thought her personality conflicted– she was supposed to be a loner or an outcast, but she's very open when she first meets Marcus. I just thought it was a little strange, but on the other hand she does have a thing for her sister's boyfriend... oh well. Marcus, oh Marcus. I'll admit, he took a little time to warm up to, but how I loved him in the end. I liked how Loann and his relationship was like BANG! head-over-heels in love. No, this one actually started off as a friendship (even though it was a little more than friendship that Loann was looking for) and turned into something more at the end. A little frustrating on my part, because I was dying to see when they would finally kiss or something. *guilty*
And Claire! Oh gosh, I think she's my favorite character in this novel. Even though she's a bitch for some of the time, you really do see how much she struggles in the end. Like I mentioned before, this book really does shine on a personal level, and the difficulties that Claire has to go through is really gut-wrenching and makes you want to tear your hair out. That much of emotion. The book is really a journey of her fight and how it results in the end.
Never Enough is one contemporary you should really try. I fell in love with Jaden's writing from start to finish, and wanted more when the end came. It's sweet, sad and will have you close to tears, because from abuse to eating disorders, you'll be reaching for the tissue box constantly. Loved this quest for living and love, and can't wait to get my hands on Losing Faith!
I haven't read Losing Faith but I sure will because Denise Jaden's writing just blew me away. Never Enough is her second book, and it is one heck of a story. I immediately fell in love with this contemporary– and even though it's not fluffy, it's definitely perfect for summer!
What I found deeply satisfying with this novel was the fact that the author took it from her own personal experience in the matter of eating disorders. She had friends, like Loann with her sister Claire, who had struggles with eating and it grew until it became a major problem. I like how that from this situation she was able to share this story and making it more real than it would have if the information was all from research.
I must say however, even though I absolutely adored the story, I wasn't too big a fan of some of the characters. I didn't really like a lot of them until halfway through the book! Loann, or better known as Loey, is our main character, but I didn't really like her. I thought her personality conflicted– she was supposed to be a loner or an outcast, but she's very open when she first meets Marcus. I just thought it was a little strange, but on the other hand she does have a thing for her sister's boyfriend... oh well. Marcus, oh Marcus. I'll admit, he took a little time to warm up to, but how I loved him in the end. I liked how Loann and his relationship was like BANG! head-over-heels in love. No, this one actually started off as a friendship (even though it was a little more than friendship that Loann was looking for) and turned into something more at the end. A little frustrating on my part, because I was dying to see when they would finally kiss or something. *guilty*
And Claire! Oh gosh, I think she's my favorite character in this novel. Even though she's a bitch for some of the time, you really do see how much she struggles in the end. Like I mentioned before, this book really does shine on a personal level, and the difficulties that Claire has to go through is really gut-wrenching and makes you want to tear your hair out. That much of emotion. The book is really a journey of her fight and how it results in the end.
Never Enough is one contemporary you should really try. I fell in love with Jaden's writing from start to finish, and wanted more when the end came. It's sweet, sad and will have you close to tears, because from abuse to eating disorders, you'll be reaching for the tissue box constantly. Loved this quest for living and love, and can't wait to get my hands on Losing Faith!
July 6, 2012
Loann looks up to her sister Claire so much she wants to be just like her: pretty and popular. Loann doesn't see herself as either of those, so being just like her older sister would be perfect. But then some things happen, and soon Loann is flirting with Claire's ex-boyfriend. She wants to feel special for once in her life, but as she slowly makes her way into Claire's world she realizes that nothing is as it seems. That Claire's quest for perfection consumes her and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire withdraws, Loann struggles to understand her sister, hoping to heal their relationship before it's too late.
Never Enough is at many times moving, powerful, and emotional. So much of this book is about how we see others, how we compare ourselves to them when we find ourselves lacking, but we never know what's lurking on the inside. Also, this book is about eating disorders, seeing it second-hand, and seeing what it does not only to the sufferer but to the people around them. And, like any novel about teenagers, this book is about being a teenage outcast trying to find a spot where she can fit in with the rest.
Loann so reminds me of a younger sister. She wants to be just like her sister but the differences between them make it hard. Throughout the book she ends up with so much on her plate, so much about Claire and their parents and her friends and school, I'm surprised Loann's head never exploded.
Being a teenager is outrageously complicated, but some of what Loann misses when she complains about other people either to Marcus or to herself is that there's always a side to someone that she won't see, the things that happen when she's not looking or not around. When you learn what a person's secrets are, whether it's an eating disorder or abuse or social anxiety or learning disabilities, only then do you realize that everyone's life is also outrageously complicated.
This reminds me of books like Lauren Myracle's Shine or Jackie Morse Kessler's Hunger and Rage, books that discuss some of the most powerful and damaging situations that teens go through, how it's never easy to go through something like that, how it's you against yourself and all your insecurities, but that there is hope, that there are always people out there ready to help you.
Never Enough is at many times moving, powerful, and emotional. So much of this book is about how we see others, how we compare ourselves to them when we find ourselves lacking, but we never know what's lurking on the inside. Also, this book is about eating disorders, seeing it second-hand, and seeing what it does not only to the sufferer but to the people around them. And, like any novel about teenagers, this book is about being a teenage outcast trying to find a spot where she can fit in with the rest.
Loann so reminds me of a younger sister. She wants to be just like her sister but the differences between them make it hard. Throughout the book she ends up with so much on her plate, so much about Claire and their parents and her friends and school, I'm surprised Loann's head never exploded.
Being a teenager is outrageously complicated, but some of what Loann misses when she complains about other people either to Marcus or to herself is that there's always a side to someone that she won't see, the things that happen when she's not looking or not around. When you learn what a person's secrets are, whether it's an eating disorder or abuse or social anxiety or learning disabilities, only then do you realize that everyone's life is also outrageously complicated.
This reminds me of books like Lauren Myracle's Shine or Jackie Morse Kessler's Hunger and Rage, books that discuss some of the most powerful and damaging situations that teens go through, how it's never easy to go through something like that, how it's you against yourself and all your insecurities, but that there is hope, that there are always people out there ready to help you.
July 7, 2012
This is a powerful novel dealing gracefully with very sensitive subjects. It is gritty and tough to read at points because of all of the issues the characters I came to love were dealing with. It is hard stuff, stuff that teens should never have to deal with but they do everyday. Bullying, peer pressure, abuse, and eating disorders. We see how things effect the families and recipients of these tough issues and how painful and lonely it can be.
I think that I've only read about people with eating disorders from inside the mind of the one with the disorder, and as someone who has struggled with anorexia and bulimia in high school, I can relate with this, I know that sort of pain. What is new here is the narrator, Loann is the sister of Claire, the one with the eating disorder. You get a whole new perspective of the pain of not being able to get through to the one dealing with the food and body image perception issues. Loann is the first to notice, and she doesn't really know how to help or what to do, she also doesn't know the extent of the problem.
It is hard to read about how each sister admires and is jealous of the other, they don't see their own beauty and perfections, only their flaws. I think that is so common though. Many have such self esteem issues that they don't know how to find the good in themselves.
I also love the character of Marcus. He is such a perfect and frustrating nerd/love interest/friend. But it is so genuine. He has so much to hide but also so much to offer. I love his interactions with Loann, their sarcasm and dry humor towards one another, and how they slowly build their friendship one piece at a time. I know he's shy and like I said, has things to hide, but it is frustratingly cute how slow he is to admit his feelings and act on them. I love his sweet gestures like the photo developing supplies, and the cutout picture too.
Never Enough was well paced and kept my attention the whole time, even when I felt like I needed a box of tissues beside me. Loann is a fighter and I admire her, and I hate that Claire had to go down such a hard and sad road, she really broke my heart. The love in here is true to life and I appreciated the different take on it.
For more of my reviews, check out Blkosiner’s YA and Teen Book Blog: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com
I think that I've only read about people with eating disorders from inside the mind of the one with the disorder, and as someone who has struggled with anorexia and bulimia in high school, I can relate with this, I know that sort of pain. What is new here is the narrator, Loann is the sister of Claire, the one with the eating disorder. You get a whole new perspective of the pain of not being able to get through to the one dealing with the food and body image perception issues. Loann is the first to notice, and she doesn't really know how to help or what to do, she also doesn't know the extent of the problem.
It is hard to read about how each sister admires and is jealous of the other, they don't see their own beauty and perfections, only their flaws. I think that is so common though. Many have such self esteem issues that they don't know how to find the good in themselves.
I also love the character of Marcus. He is such a perfect and frustrating nerd/love interest/friend. But it is so genuine. He has so much to hide but also so much to offer. I love his interactions with Loann, their sarcasm and dry humor towards one another, and how they slowly build their friendship one piece at a time. I know he's shy and like I said, has things to hide, but it is frustratingly cute how slow he is to admit his feelings and act on them. I love his sweet gestures like the photo developing supplies, and the cutout picture too.
Never Enough was well paced and kept my attention the whole time, even when I felt like I needed a box of tissues beside me. Loann is a fighter and I admire her, and I hate that Claire had to go down such a hard and sad road, she really broke my heart. The love in here is true to life and I appreciated the different take on it.
For more of my reviews, check out Blkosiner’s YA and Teen Book Blog: http://blkosiner.blogspot.com
September 7, 2013
Loann doesn't like herself. She'd rather be like her sister, Claire. She wants Claire's looks, her popularity and maybe even her boyfriend, Josh.
The synopsis mentions betrayal. I did not see betrayal. I saw a teenage girl so in need of attention that she wasn't thinking at all. Loann was self-conscious, insecure and she had a serious case of low self-esteem (I blame her parents for that), but she didn't always let her fear keep her from speaking up when necessary. She was stronger than she thought she was.
It didn't take long to figure out what was going on with Claire. I wanted to know what was going to happen with her, but I was more interested in Marcus. What was going on in his personal life that he didn't want to tell? Wanting the answer to this question is what kept me reading. And then once I knew, I kept reading to see what Marcus was going to do next and how his relationship with Loann was going to turn out.
I liked this story from the beginning, even though it moved at a slow pace and took a while to pick up. Jaden did a good job of capturing the nervousness and awkwardness a teenage girl experiences when she doesn't know if a guy likes her or not. The author also tackles eating disorders and domestic abuse realistically. Her story gives teenage girls important things to think about concerning popularity, body image and premarital sex. It also has a lesson for parents who favor one child over another. As the author shows, it can cause serious issues in the life of the 'favorite' as well as the one who doesn't get enough attention.
Favorite Character: Marcus
Favorite Line (sad, but says it all): Claire would always overshadow me. My life wasn't as important as hers.
The synopsis mentions betrayal. I did not see betrayal. I saw a teenage girl so in need of attention that she wasn't thinking at all. Loann was self-conscious, insecure and she had a serious case of low self-esteem (I blame her parents for that), but she didn't always let her fear keep her from speaking up when necessary. She was stronger than she thought she was.
It didn't take long to figure out what was going on with Claire. I wanted to know what was going to happen with her, but I was more interested in Marcus. What was going on in his personal life that he didn't want to tell? Wanting the answer to this question is what kept me reading. And then once I knew, I kept reading to see what Marcus was going to do next and how his relationship with Loann was going to turn out.
I liked this story from the beginning, even though it moved at a slow pace and took a while to pick up. Jaden did a good job of capturing the nervousness and awkwardness a teenage girl experiences when she doesn't know if a guy likes her or not. The author also tackles eating disorders and domestic abuse realistically. Her story gives teenage girls important things to think about concerning popularity, body image and premarital sex. It also has a lesson for parents who favor one child over another. As the author shows, it can cause serious issues in the life of the 'favorite' as well as the one who doesn't get enough attention.
Favorite Character: Marcus
Favorite Line (sad, but says it all): Claire would always overshadow me. My life wasn't as important as hers.
May 28, 2013
Never Enough by Denise Jaden was by far the best book I have read this past year. Her writing style was similar to one of my favorite authors, so I easily understood and felt connected to some sections of the book. Denise Jaden uses a lot of dialogue and great description to paint a picture in the reader’s mind, which is why it led me to rate this book a whole 5 stars.
Never Enough is about two sisters, with an unexplainable bond; Claire is the gorgeous, popular one and Loann, who can’t see her beauty, but instead is jealous of her sister’s beauty; “Okay, I knew I was no match for her talent and beauty, but was I that unimportant?” (17). She starts to put all the jealousy aside though once her sister shows signs of something Loann never would have expected. Because Loann never would have guessed, by the time she figured out her one and only sister had a eating disorder, it was too late.
With many instances where I felt like I could connect, I instantly fell in love with this book. For one instance, Loann says, “Things had definitely changed between us” (90). Ever since high school has started, my relationship with my sister hasn’t been going so well, so I connected well with this line.
From beginning to end, Jaden didn't give up on giving as much detail to the readers as she could. Some of the examples were very blunt and cute, for example, “A little blond Superman curl fell onto his forehead”(13).
If you’re looking for a very touched story and family and love, read this amazing story. Jaden had me very moved and content with her writing style of the book.
Never Enough is about two sisters, with an unexplainable bond; Claire is the gorgeous, popular one and Loann, who can’t see her beauty, but instead is jealous of her sister’s beauty; “Okay, I knew I was no match for her talent and beauty, but was I that unimportant?” (17). She starts to put all the jealousy aside though once her sister shows signs of something Loann never would have expected. Because Loann never would have guessed, by the time she figured out her one and only sister had a eating disorder, it was too late.
With many instances where I felt like I could connect, I instantly fell in love with this book. For one instance, Loann says, “Things had definitely changed between us” (90). Ever since high school has started, my relationship with my sister hasn’t been going so well, so I connected well with this line.
From beginning to end, Jaden didn't give up on giving as much detail to the readers as she could. Some of the examples were very blunt and cute, for example, “A little blond Superman curl fell onto his forehead”(13).
If you’re looking for a very touched story and family and love, read this amazing story. Jaden had me very moved and content with her writing style of the book.
January 14, 2013
I have to say, this book is a major improvement from this author's first book. This book portrays the truths of life, Never enough gave its readers, the truth flat out, because life in reality never is fair, I first thought that this book tries to hard to fill the story with tragedy after tragedy but the truth is, life never paces itself now does it?. The addiction and disorders of trying to manage and be contempt with your self image. The tragedy of falling for the wrong guy and how people are simply not what they seem. The boyfriend with a nightmarish family who has a abusive father. The family dynamics when dealing with a tragedy in the family.
Never Enough tell the readers that eating disorders are the worst of addictions as you can never truly avoid food like smoking or alcohol. The title masks the true meaning of the story, to quote some text: "Nothing is ever perfect." "Beauty isn't perfect. It's something to be felt and something to be breathed. Claire did that every day, whether she knew it or not."
Never Enough tell the readers that eating disorders are the worst of addictions as you can never truly avoid food like smoking or alcohol. The title masks the true meaning of the story, to quote some text: "Nothing is ever perfect." "Beauty isn't perfect. It's something to be felt and something to be breathed. Claire did that every day, whether she knew it or not."
October 1, 2012
This was a pretty hefty and deep read for being a contemporary young adult novel. The issues brought up were heart wrenching and realistic.
Loann and Claire's relationship was hard at times, but the sisterly love was always there. I enjoyed them as characters, as well as Marcus.
By the end it was so emotional and sad, I couldn't help but tear up.
Even the author's note made me feel like this story was a part of my story. It was an eye opener, and it left me with feeling so much love and sympathy for this family.
Definitely recommend it.
Loann and Claire's relationship was hard at times, but the sisterly love was always there. I enjoyed them as characters, as well as Marcus.
By the end it was so emotional and sad, I couldn't help but tear up.
Even the author's note made me feel like this story was a part of my story. It was an eye opener, and it left me with feeling so much love and sympathy for this family.
Definitely recommend it.
May 30, 2013
I was honestly not sure what to expect from the title, but this book is more than meets the eye.
When you pick up this book, which you should, expect to read about the tragic tales of bulimia victims and broken homes.
Yet the book does not feel tragic in the end. You feel empowered to go out and find your own inspiration and craft. It is worth the despair. GO READ!
When you pick up this book, which you should, expect to read about the tragic tales of bulimia victims and broken homes.
Yet the book does not feel tragic in the end. You feel empowered to go out and find your own inspiration and craft. It is worth the despair. GO READ!
July 13, 2012
Love the voice! Author has nailed the am-I-good-enough conflict/struggle teens experience.
YA Books Central Review:http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
YA Books Central Review:http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaficti...
August 7, 2012
I received this Advance Reviewer Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own.
Wow! I feel emotionally spent!
The Contemporary Young Adult genre is not one that I normally read. However, when I read the synopsis, I was immediately drawn to the heavy themes of the book.
Never Enough is narrated in the first-person by Loann Rochester, a high school junior. She has been eclipsed her entire life by her older, beautiful sister, Claire, who is a high school senior. Claire is Miss Popularity, hanging out with the "in" crowd, while her sister feels dumpy with her curly, frizzy hair and chubby tummy and thighs. When her two best girlfriends, Shayleen and Deirdre, turn on her, Loann feels suddenly alone. She makes friends with a boy named Marcus, who is a bit of a loner and constantly picked on by the jocks. They develop a great rapport, and Loann wonders whether Marcus is developing feelings for her in the same way that she is for him.
Loann has always had a school-girl crush on Claire's boyfriend, Josh, who happens to be one of the guys in the jocks crowd. After Claire and Josh break up, Josh puts the moves on Loann.
Loann breaks the cardinal rule: She sleeps with her sister's ex-boyfriend. Even though she probably deserves a little punishment for betraying her sister, she doesn't deserve being used and thrown away the way that she was. Word gets around that she had a one-night stand with Josh, and other boys from the "in" crowd start to pay her some unwanted attention because they think she will put out for them. Loann starts to realize that things in her life are changing very quickly, and not just for herself; Claire, too, is changing. She is getting too thin and refuses to eat protein. Her once-beautiful hair is becoming dull and lack-luster. Loann sees what Claire is doing to herself, but she is helpless to stop it. Claire drops not-so-subtle hints to Loann to mind her own business if she doesn't want their parents to find out what Loann has been up to with her ex-boyfriend! By the time that their parents finally catch on to what is going on with Claire, her health is already in jeopardy.
Never Enough is an emotional roller-coaster! The first part of the book started off a little slow for me, and it brought back those high school memories of the cliques and how difficult it was to fit in. There is a lot of angst in the story. Loann is a very real character, and I could immediately identify with her. Even though a girl like her would normally be jealous of her prettier big sister, Loann never came across that way. She admired and was proud of her, and her love for her sister is palpable. Their family life was difficult to read. Their mom, Beth, feels like she has failed Claire by not recognizing the signs of her illness. I think she actually did realize what was going on but didn't know how to deal with it. Their dad is the typical absent father who is so self-absorbed that he fails to realize that he is at the root of the family's problems. He is never home and leaves Beth to run the home and be the disciplinarian. His way of dealing with the familial strife is to not come home. I found myself furiously flipping the pages and getting mad at him for his lack of interest in his children.
This is a Young Adult novel, so I was quite surprised by the scene of Loann's encounter with Josh. I don't think I have read a Young Adult book yet that went into such graphic detail, so I think it definitely qualifies for the upper end of the age-range. I like how Jaden handled the aftermath of the tête-à-tête. Loanne is a smart girl and, truth be told, I was a little peeved at how she fell for Josh. She does appear to learn her lesson, though, and realizes that she is not mature enough to handle a sexual relationship.
I loved Loann's blossoming relationship with Marcus. I thought it was very sweet and progressed in a healthy way, in sharp contrast to Loann's fling with Josh.
Jaden really tackles so many tough issues: Peer pressure, cliques, sex, and eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia). There was also a side-story concerning Marcus' family, and we learn that he is being abused by his father. By mid-way through the book, I found it impossible to put down. Jaden really puts the reader through a gamut of emotions, and I couldn't help shedding a few tears!
This is Jaden's sophomore book, and I'm hunting down her debut, Losing Faith, which was released in 2010. A companion book, Never Enough Stories, will be available on September 1st which contains deleted scenes from Never Enough, as well as further details of how the friendship began between Marcus and Loann from Marcus' point of view.
Because I enjoyed this book so much, I am willing to try more of the Contemporary YA genre!
MY RATING: 5 stars!! I loved it, and you should definitely read it! Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the review copy!
Wow! I feel emotionally spent!
The Contemporary Young Adult genre is not one that I normally read. However, when I read the synopsis, I was immediately drawn to the heavy themes of the book.
Never Enough is narrated in the first-person by Loann Rochester, a high school junior. She has been eclipsed her entire life by her older, beautiful sister, Claire, who is a high school senior. Claire is Miss Popularity, hanging out with the "in" crowd, while her sister feels dumpy with her curly, frizzy hair and chubby tummy and thighs. When her two best girlfriends, Shayleen and Deirdre, turn on her, Loann feels suddenly alone. She makes friends with a boy named Marcus, who is a bit of a loner and constantly picked on by the jocks. They develop a great rapport, and Loann wonders whether Marcus is developing feelings for her in the same way that she is for him.
Loann has always had a school-girl crush on Claire's boyfriend, Josh, who happens to be one of the guys in the jocks crowd. After Claire and Josh break up, Josh puts the moves on Loann.
Loann breaks the cardinal rule: She sleeps with her sister's ex-boyfriend. Even though she probably deserves a little punishment for betraying her sister, she doesn't deserve being used and thrown away the way that she was. Word gets around that she had a one-night stand with Josh, and other boys from the "in" crowd start to pay her some unwanted attention because they think she will put out for them. Loann starts to realize that things in her life are changing very quickly, and not just for herself; Claire, too, is changing. She is getting too thin and refuses to eat protein. Her once-beautiful hair is becoming dull and lack-luster. Loann sees what Claire is doing to herself, but she is helpless to stop it. Claire drops not-so-subtle hints to Loann to mind her own business if she doesn't want their parents to find out what Loann has been up to with her ex-boyfriend! By the time that their parents finally catch on to what is going on with Claire, her health is already in jeopardy.
Never Enough is an emotional roller-coaster! The first part of the book started off a little slow for me, and it brought back those high school memories of the cliques and how difficult it was to fit in. There is a lot of angst in the story. Loann is a very real character, and I could immediately identify with her. Even though a girl like her would normally be jealous of her prettier big sister, Loann never came across that way. She admired and was proud of her, and her love for her sister is palpable. Their family life was difficult to read. Their mom, Beth, feels like she has failed Claire by not recognizing the signs of her illness. I think she actually did realize what was going on but didn't know how to deal with it. Their dad is the typical absent father who is so self-absorbed that he fails to realize that he is at the root of the family's problems. He is never home and leaves Beth to run the home and be the disciplinarian. His way of dealing with the familial strife is to not come home. I found myself furiously flipping the pages and getting mad at him for his lack of interest in his children.
This is a Young Adult novel, so I was quite surprised by the scene of Loann's encounter with Josh. I don't think I have read a Young Adult book yet that went into such graphic detail, so I think it definitely qualifies for the upper end of the age-range. I like how Jaden handled the aftermath of the tête-à-tête. Loanne is a smart girl and, truth be told, I was a little peeved at how she fell for Josh. She does appear to learn her lesson, though, and realizes that she is not mature enough to handle a sexual relationship.
I loved Loann's blossoming relationship with Marcus. I thought it was very sweet and progressed in a healthy way, in sharp contrast to Loann's fling with Josh.
Jaden really tackles so many tough issues: Peer pressure, cliques, sex, and eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia). There was also a side-story concerning Marcus' family, and we learn that he is being abused by his father. By mid-way through the book, I found it impossible to put down. Jaden really puts the reader through a gamut of emotions, and I couldn't help shedding a few tears!
This is Jaden's sophomore book, and I'm hunting down her debut, Losing Faith, which was released in 2010. A companion book, Never Enough Stories, will be available on September 1st which contains deleted scenes from Never Enough, as well as further details of how the friendship began between Marcus and Loann from Marcus' point of view.
Because I enjoyed this book so much, I am willing to try more of the Contemporary YA genre!
MY RATING: 5 stars!! I loved it, and you should definitely read it! Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for the review copy!
January 28, 2013
Lately, whenever I go in Barnes and Noble, I get annoyed. Which is absolutely ridiculous because going into my favorite store should not annoy me. But they never put the books that I am looking for on the shelf where books are supposed to be in alphabetical order by the authors last name. I mean, I know it’s all about marketing and books are more likely to be noticed when they’re not tucked away in a gigantic shelf, but would it hurt to put just one on the shelf? After wandering around the young adult section, I found “Never Enough” by Denise Jaden on a table labeled “Tough Stuff,” which I will admit is a completely accurate placement for this book.
Loann has always felt like she will never be enough. She isn’t smart enough, pretty enough, popular enough. She will never be enough for her family, a friend, a boyfriend. On the other hand, Loann’s sister, Claire is enough. She has perfect grades, perfect looks, perfect popularity. She is enough for her family, her countless friends, her boyfriend. But like Loann, Claire has her own problems with feeling like she will never be enough; Claire believes that she will never be skinny enough.
The main plot of “Never Enough” does have to do with Claire’s eating disorder. But “Never Enough” takes an entirely new route when it comes to dealing with this topic because Claire is not the narrator; Loann is the narrator. This allows readers to see the effects of an eating disorder from an outsider’s eyes. Instead of feeling like I should be doing the same thing that a narrator with an eating disorder is doing until the big revelation at the end of the book, I was disturbed with Claire’s eating disorder throughout. Like Loann, I wanted nothing more than to help her get better.
Although Claire’s eating disorder is the main plot, Loann’s narration allows for many sub plots to fill the pages of this novel. Loann’s issues with friends and boys are far from shallow. What Shayleen did to her was just so wrong. I simply could not believe what happened between her and Josh. Her parents’ relationship is another thing in Loann’s life that is falling apart and leaving her to deal with it. Marcus’s character allows for another tough issue to be included in this novel: parental abuse. Just like Loann, I felt so much for Marcus. Their relationship was probably my favorite part of the story. I also loved that Loann was able to find something she was good enough at: photography.
Loann’s naration is what holds all of these plots and subplots and issues and relationships together. No matter what is going on in her life, Loann is always there to tell us about it. Her narration is so honest. She isn’t afraid to say how she feels about people. She isn’t afraid to want. And I just loved when Loann finally got something she wanted at the very end of the novel. Given the events that happen in her life, I think this novel would have worked better if it was written in present tense instead of past tense, though. I was surprised by so many of the events, but I wanted to believe that Loann was surprised by them, too. That would have been achieved if the book was written in present tense. Other than that, Loann’s narration is exactly what this book needs.
The only major complaint I have about this book is that it takes place over too long a period of time. It starts out at the end of Loann’s junior year of high school and ends during her senior year of high school. I have read books that take place over a much longer period of time than that, but the timing of “Never Enough” just didn’t work for me. It was weird to read about both the ending and the beginning of two different school years. I also didn’t like that I never really knew how much time was going by. I kept asking myself if the events of the next chapter were happening the day after the events in the previous chapter or a whole week later. It got to be pretty confusing.
Even considering that one complaint, I highly recommend reading “Never Enough” by Denise Jaden. But keep in mind that it really is about tough stuff. If you’re not prepared to deal with that, then it’s probaby best that you read something else.
Loann has always felt like she will never be enough. She isn’t smart enough, pretty enough, popular enough. She will never be enough for her family, a friend, a boyfriend. On the other hand, Loann’s sister, Claire is enough. She has perfect grades, perfect looks, perfect popularity. She is enough for her family, her countless friends, her boyfriend. But like Loann, Claire has her own problems with feeling like she will never be enough; Claire believes that she will never be skinny enough.
The main plot of “Never Enough” does have to do with Claire’s eating disorder. But “Never Enough” takes an entirely new route when it comes to dealing with this topic because Claire is not the narrator; Loann is the narrator. This allows readers to see the effects of an eating disorder from an outsider’s eyes. Instead of feeling like I should be doing the same thing that a narrator with an eating disorder is doing until the big revelation at the end of the book, I was disturbed with Claire’s eating disorder throughout. Like Loann, I wanted nothing more than to help her get better.
Although Claire’s eating disorder is the main plot, Loann’s narration allows for many sub plots to fill the pages of this novel. Loann’s issues with friends and boys are far from shallow. What Shayleen did to her was just so wrong. I simply could not believe what happened between her and Josh. Her parents’ relationship is another thing in Loann’s life that is falling apart and leaving her to deal with it. Marcus’s character allows for another tough issue to be included in this novel: parental abuse. Just like Loann, I felt so much for Marcus. Their relationship was probably my favorite part of the story. I also loved that Loann was able to find something she was good enough at: photography.
Loann’s naration is what holds all of these plots and subplots and issues and relationships together. No matter what is going on in her life, Loann is always there to tell us about it. Her narration is so honest. She isn’t afraid to say how she feels about people. She isn’t afraid to want. And I just loved when Loann finally got something she wanted at the very end of the novel. Given the events that happen in her life, I think this novel would have worked better if it was written in present tense instead of past tense, though. I was surprised by so many of the events, but I wanted to believe that Loann was surprised by them, too. That would have been achieved if the book was written in present tense. Other than that, Loann’s narration is exactly what this book needs.
The only major complaint I have about this book is that it takes place over too long a period of time. It starts out at the end of Loann’s junior year of high school and ends during her senior year of high school. I have read books that take place over a much longer period of time than that, but the timing of “Never Enough” just didn’t work for me. It was weird to read about both the ending and the beginning of two different school years. I also didn’t like that I never really knew how much time was going by. I kept asking myself if the events of the next chapter were happening the day after the events in the previous chapter or a whole week later. It got to be pretty confusing.
Even considering that one complaint, I highly recommend reading “Never Enough” by Denise Jaden. But keep in mind that it really is about tough stuff. If you’re not prepared to deal with that, then it’s probaby best that you read something else.
June 2, 2012
Originally posted here.
Going into this, I had completely forgotten what it was about, and I've never read Jaden's first book, Losing Faith, so I went into Never Enough blind. I love being able to do that, and reading this book was an amazing experience. I really hope I can do the novel justice with this review, and apologize in advance in case I don't, since I'm exhausted and filled with pre-BEA jitters.
Never Enough captured me and held me rapt all the way through. The book also surprised me constantly. I wouldn't really call anything that happened a twist so much as people acting in believably unpredictable ways. Rarely have been so unsure of what was going to happen in a book. There was really only one plot point that I saw coming. Not being able to predict the ending is so rare, and Never Enough was all the more meaningful and profound for the masterful storytelling.
Loann, the main character, is a wonderful heroine. She's an average teen: she doesn't look like a model (in fact, she describes herself as looking like a potato), she is not popular, and she has middling to low grades. At first, the story is about her and her troubles with her friends. For a while, she is friendless, and I empathized with her so much. Loann lives her life in the shadow of her older sister (a senior to her junior), who she thinks has the perfect life. Claire is pretty, popular and dating Josh, the guy Loann has had a crush on for ages, before Claire even met him.
As the book moves on, the book tackles more and more serious issues, although the primary one is eating disorders. Lovely Claire is wasting away, physically and mentally. Her life is constructed around lies that keep others from noticing that she's not eating. Having pretty much no food intake, she has no energy and simply drifts through life unable to figure out what to do, even though she's capable of so much. Seen through Loann's eyes, Claire's condition is unbelievably heart-wrenching, as she watches the sister she's always envied disappear. I loved how Claire's gradual change was captured in the state of her hair, slowly losing it's shininess.
These two sisters form a sort of classic pattern, the two people who secretly envy one another, unaware of what each has to offer. They both suffer from such incredibly low self-esteem, and it was unclear precisely where this came from. Jaden does not point to a particular root cause, instead showing their lives, allowing the reader to draw conclusions. She is not at all heavy-handed or preachy.
Two other things I need to talk about before I can wrap up this review are photography and Marcus. Loann is rescued from her friendless, useless (in her eyes) life by both of those. For her birthday, she receives a camera, a fancy one. She studies and learns how to use it, and discovers a natural talent for photography. The descriptions of Loann taking pictures are so loving and totally convey her passion for the art.
Marcus is a loner who she slowly befriends. There friendship has such a slow, but real, progression. Neither one is especially social or trusting by nature, so it takes some time for them to plant roots, but their friendship is so powerful once they do. Marcus is a wonderful character. He's a great guy, dependable, hard-working, and clever. However, he also feels like a real person with his strange interests, and his difficulty letting people in. Like Loann, he stands out amongst the usual YA characters.
Jaden handles seriously dark issues honestly and beautifully. This is a must read for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson. If you like your books painfully honest, do yourself a big favor and procure a copy of Never Enough. You won't be sorry.
Going into this, I had completely forgotten what it was about, and I've never read Jaden's first book, Losing Faith, so I went into Never Enough blind. I love being able to do that, and reading this book was an amazing experience. I really hope I can do the novel justice with this review, and apologize in advance in case I don't, since I'm exhausted and filled with pre-BEA jitters.
Never Enough captured me and held me rapt all the way through. The book also surprised me constantly. I wouldn't really call anything that happened a twist so much as people acting in believably unpredictable ways. Rarely have been so unsure of what was going to happen in a book. There was really only one plot point that I saw coming. Not being able to predict the ending is so rare, and Never Enough was all the more meaningful and profound for the masterful storytelling.
Loann, the main character, is a wonderful heroine. She's an average teen: she doesn't look like a model (in fact, she describes herself as looking like a potato), she is not popular, and she has middling to low grades. At first, the story is about her and her troubles with her friends. For a while, she is friendless, and I empathized with her so much. Loann lives her life in the shadow of her older sister (a senior to her junior), who she thinks has the perfect life. Claire is pretty, popular and dating Josh, the guy Loann has had a crush on for ages, before Claire even met him.
As the book moves on, the book tackles more and more serious issues, although the primary one is eating disorders. Lovely Claire is wasting away, physically and mentally. Her life is constructed around lies that keep others from noticing that she's not eating. Having pretty much no food intake, she has no energy and simply drifts through life unable to figure out what to do, even though she's capable of so much. Seen through Loann's eyes, Claire's condition is unbelievably heart-wrenching, as she watches the sister she's always envied disappear. I loved how Claire's gradual change was captured in the state of her hair, slowly losing it's shininess.
These two sisters form a sort of classic pattern, the two people who secretly envy one another, unaware of what each has to offer. They both suffer from such incredibly low self-esteem, and it was unclear precisely where this came from. Jaden does not point to a particular root cause, instead showing their lives, allowing the reader to draw conclusions. She is not at all heavy-handed or preachy.
Two other things I need to talk about before I can wrap up this review are photography and Marcus. Loann is rescued from her friendless, useless (in her eyes) life by both of those. For her birthday, she receives a camera, a fancy one. She studies and learns how to use it, and discovers a natural talent for photography. The descriptions of Loann taking pictures are so loving and totally convey her passion for the art.
Marcus is a loner who she slowly befriends. There friendship has such a slow, but real, progression. Neither one is especially social or trusting by nature, so it takes some time for them to plant roots, but their friendship is so powerful once they do. Marcus is a wonderful character. He's a great guy, dependable, hard-working, and clever. However, he also feels like a real person with his strange interests, and his difficulty letting people in. Like Loann, he stands out amongst the usual YA characters.
Jaden handles seriously dark issues honestly and beautifully. This is a must read for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson. If you like your books painfully honest, do yourself a big favor and procure a copy of Never Enough. You won't be sorry.
July 4, 2012
Never Enough is a book about sisters and an eating disorder that may pull them apart. Neither the cover or the blurb that accompanied the ARC of Never Enough was enough to pull me into the story. It was the unforgettable characters and the writing that did it for me. What happens when you have 2 sisters who are complete opposites of each other, one quiet, shy, and self-conscience while the other is beautiful, talented and popular? We find out in the riveting new novel by Denise Jaden.
Loann is a young girl in high school just trying to fit in and get through life. Her life as she knows it isn't overly hard, and there isn't anything extraordinary about her, except her sister, Claire. Claire is beautiful in every way, she's talented, popular and dating Josh, Loann's crush. These sisters are basically the complete opposite, but they are sisters nonetheless. I could relate to Loann on some levels and I really liked her. Her character is real and believable and her emotions really drew me, as a reader into the whole book. Loann feels as though she is the key to holding her family together while dealing with the eating disorder that consumed her sister, but it`s tough and you could really see the toll it takes on her. She tries her hardest to make her sister and her parents see what this is doing physically and emotionally to the family but it seems that everyone is turning a blind eye on the truth. Denise Jaden does an exceptional job writing the trauma and the emotions of all of the characters, right down to Claire and her parents. Marcus, the boy who has been around all throughout high school but always went unnoticed has finally been noticed by Loann when all her other friendships go awry. He is a phenomenal character, probably my favourite in Never Enough. His dynamic relationship with Loann was great. They compliment each others personalities and it was nice to see a friendship like theirs develop without jumping right into the "I'm madly in love with you" relationship.
The detail that Denise Jaden puts into her work is amazing, never overdone. For example, the details that I really noticed and enjoyed was that her characters actually took their shoes off before going into the house. Being a Canadian as well, that point really stuck out to me and I could appreciate it since we don`t usually wear our shoes inside. And since Loann has a talent for photography, Jaden describes the photos down to the precise lighting techniques. Little things like this really added to the overall feel of Never Enough.
Going into the book I didn't realize it dealt with the issues that is does. Not only do we read about bulimia, we`re also immersed into physical abuse and unwanted sexual experiences (though the latter isn't prominent). These issues are serious and I'm sure hard to write about, but Jaden was able to write about them with such expertise and emotion that i felt as though I was there seeing things and I felt as though I knew these people and wanted to be there to help them. The mere fact that Denise Jaden was able to make such an emotional connection with me while reading, means she`s done her job perfectly. Even after I finished the book, I was still an emotional mess.
Never Enough is a strong book with multiple plot lines but it fits together like puzzle pieces, and once you`re finished you`ll want to step back and look at the whole picture. It`s just one of those books that everyone should read and remember for years to come.
Loann is a young girl in high school just trying to fit in and get through life. Her life as she knows it isn't overly hard, and there isn't anything extraordinary about her, except her sister, Claire. Claire is beautiful in every way, she's talented, popular and dating Josh, Loann's crush. These sisters are basically the complete opposite, but they are sisters nonetheless. I could relate to Loann on some levels and I really liked her. Her character is real and believable and her emotions really drew me, as a reader into the whole book. Loann feels as though she is the key to holding her family together while dealing with the eating disorder that consumed her sister, but it`s tough and you could really see the toll it takes on her. She tries her hardest to make her sister and her parents see what this is doing physically and emotionally to the family but it seems that everyone is turning a blind eye on the truth. Denise Jaden does an exceptional job writing the trauma and the emotions of all of the characters, right down to Claire and her parents. Marcus, the boy who has been around all throughout high school but always went unnoticed has finally been noticed by Loann when all her other friendships go awry. He is a phenomenal character, probably my favourite in Never Enough. His dynamic relationship with Loann was great. They compliment each others personalities and it was nice to see a friendship like theirs develop without jumping right into the "I'm madly in love with you" relationship.
The detail that Denise Jaden puts into her work is amazing, never overdone. For example, the details that I really noticed and enjoyed was that her characters actually took their shoes off before going into the house. Being a Canadian as well, that point really stuck out to me and I could appreciate it since we don`t usually wear our shoes inside. And since Loann has a talent for photography, Jaden describes the photos down to the precise lighting techniques. Little things like this really added to the overall feel of Never Enough.
Going into the book I didn't realize it dealt with the issues that is does. Not only do we read about bulimia, we`re also immersed into physical abuse and unwanted sexual experiences (though the latter isn't prominent). These issues are serious and I'm sure hard to write about, but Jaden was able to write about them with such expertise and emotion that i felt as though I was there seeing things and I felt as though I knew these people and wanted to be there to help them. The mere fact that Denise Jaden was able to make such an emotional connection with me while reading, means she`s done her job perfectly. Even after I finished the book, I was still an emotional mess.
Never Enough is a strong book with multiple plot lines but it fits together like puzzle pieces, and once you`re finished you`ll want to step back and look at the whole picture. It`s just one of those books that everyone should read and remember for years to come.
January 1, 2013
I think my biggest fascination, when it comes to literature, would have to be the exploration of mental illness -- specifically, that of eating disorders, for sure. So, of course I was drawn to NEVER ENOUGH once I determined that it was the story of two sisters coping with the anorexia and bullimia that threatened to tear apart their relationship as well as the rest of the family dynamic.
Now, of course, I wasn't disappointed by this read -- anything on this topic is sure to keep me engaged from start to finish -- but I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate way the author handled the subject and the realistic voice through which the narrator, the sister, conveyed her expectations and reactions to the situation.
But, backing up a little, let me start with the plot.
Claire is everything that Loann wishes she could be -- popular, beautiful, and thin. While Loann just can't always find the right thing to say in social situations -- or the right outfit to wear on her own more curvy body -- she always envies the way that Claire can say and do just the right thing, all while looking glamorous. Loann especially envies Claire's relationship with Josh, a gorgeous hunk and popular football player who seems to adore her sister. Loann does have one male friend, Marcus, who seems to lavish her with attention -- but it's always that kind of attention that says "just friends". And, Loann knows that Marcus is hiding things from her -- like the explanation for the bruises on his back, or the reason he's always falling asleep at school....
Things start to change for Loann, though, when Claire and Josh give her an old camera for her birthday. Loann begins to detach from her friends to shadow her sister and her boyfriend, eager to become a bigger part of Claire's life and her crowd at school. Loann adores exploring her hand at real photography, especially when Josh seems to pay more attention to her -- almost flirting with her, as well....
But, Loann starts to realize that things just aren't right with her sister. Claire is always disappearing and she's never really eating anymore, either. She's wearing baggier clothes and making excuses for why she's always getting weaker -- and tinier ---
Soon, Loann finds herself in a life or death situation with her sister, begging Claire to get help for what seems to be a serious eating disorder. At the same time, things escalate with Marcus, with Loann's photography project at school, and with the girls that Loann used to call friends.
Can Loann teach her sister -- her friend -- and her self-- how to really feel good enough -- before it's too late?
NEVER ENOUGH was touching, heart-breaking, engaging, and just plain sad. I really did enjoy this book from the first sentence to the last, not only in the exploration of Loann finding herself but also in the journey that Claire took in trying to feel and be beautiful and good enough for herself and those around her. I totally wasn't expecting the ending that happened for Claire, although it was fitting for the story and even took the emotions up a notch to really make this one more memorable for me, I think.
If you love a good story about family dynamics, insecurities, and/or eating disorders, I definitely think you sohuld give NEVER ENOUGH a chance. It was a stunning realistic YA novel and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Now, of course, I wasn't disappointed by this read -- anything on this topic is sure to keep me engaged from start to finish -- but I was pleasantly surprised by the delicate way the author handled the subject and the realistic voice through which the narrator, the sister, conveyed her expectations and reactions to the situation.
But, backing up a little, let me start with the plot.
Claire is everything that Loann wishes she could be -- popular, beautiful, and thin. While Loann just can't always find the right thing to say in social situations -- or the right outfit to wear on her own more curvy body -- she always envies the way that Claire can say and do just the right thing, all while looking glamorous. Loann especially envies Claire's relationship with Josh, a gorgeous hunk and popular football player who seems to adore her sister. Loann does have one male friend, Marcus, who seems to lavish her with attention -- but it's always that kind of attention that says "just friends". And, Loann knows that Marcus is hiding things from her -- like the explanation for the bruises on his back, or the reason he's always falling asleep at school....
Things start to change for Loann, though, when Claire and Josh give her an old camera for her birthday. Loann begins to detach from her friends to shadow her sister and her boyfriend, eager to become a bigger part of Claire's life and her crowd at school. Loann adores exploring her hand at real photography, especially when Josh seems to pay more attention to her -- almost flirting with her, as well....
But, Loann starts to realize that things just aren't right with her sister. Claire is always disappearing and she's never really eating anymore, either. She's wearing baggier clothes and making excuses for why she's always getting weaker -- and tinier ---
Soon, Loann finds herself in a life or death situation with her sister, begging Claire to get help for what seems to be a serious eating disorder. At the same time, things escalate with Marcus, with Loann's photography project at school, and with the girls that Loann used to call friends.
Can Loann teach her sister -- her friend -- and her self-- how to really feel good enough -- before it's too late?
NEVER ENOUGH was touching, heart-breaking, engaging, and just plain sad. I really did enjoy this book from the first sentence to the last, not only in the exploration of Loann finding herself but also in the journey that Claire took in trying to feel and be beautiful and good enough for herself and those around her. I totally wasn't expecting the ending that happened for Claire, although it was fitting for the story and even took the emotions up a notch to really make this one more memorable for me, I think.
If you love a good story about family dynamics, insecurities, and/or eating disorders, I definitely think you sohuld give NEVER ENOUGH a chance. It was a stunning realistic YA novel and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 4, 2012
In Denise Jadens second novel Never Enough, this book will bring out the most important thing, family. It showed me a clear message also about how life is important as well as major issues that teenagers are going through. Reading Never Enough brought many emotions about how someone living with an eating disorder can affect everything around you and how it can destroy a family. It overall hit all the perfect notes in a book that shows how threatening eating disorders can be and learning all about this was an eye-opener that when we notice this happening they should get the help right away. All the characters played a role and I thought Denise Jaden did a great job with Never Enough. I already knew some knowledge of eating disorders through school and growing up but this really gave me a different perspective.
Loann's character was always the shadow of her sister Claire who got everything in the family, friends, beautiful and perfect. She really feels like she is left out inside her world, not like once before Claire used to tell Loann everything. It didnt just focus on the eating disorder itself which was very well written because as a reader you see it from Loann point of view which includes different outcomes that come from family, friends, and even ex-boyfriends. Ok, I really, really hated Josh (Claire's boyfriend) I thought the first time you meet him he is a cutie, but under the surface he is like all other men after one thing. After reading one of those scenes I would never understand how Claire went through that process. In using Loann's talent in photography I saw that Denise as using it as a symbol which was blended nicely because it sums up the book and relationships in one way or another.
The romance had the perfect chemistry between Loann and Marcus (LOVED HIM) From the first moment these two meet you instantly feel the vibes and how you want them together. This book does cover almost a year and Loann and Marcus' relationship starts off at a friendship stage which was great to see instead of the insta-love. I loved how they shared the same passion and are also going through different issues. I feel for Loann's relationship with her sister Claire as well because they use to be close but since all the issues arise during that year it was hard on both Loann and her parents. I loved their flirting and banter because you can see they are alike. You can feel all the emotions of how Loann was feelings/tension during most of the scenes with Claire.
Many things are going through this novel that my emotions were everywhere. Never Enough is one of those books that is unput down-able and full of emotion and health issues and self discovery that Loann goes through as she witnesses her sisters challenges and sacrifices her social life to try to understand her sister. Marcus was there all the time as her best friend and he is also able to help her. This book will always be close to my heart and everyone will read it for years to come because its memorable and its one you cannot forget with its powerful message. Denise Jaden is a great author who proves to show that living with this is a life changing experience that will always be remembered!
Loann's character was always the shadow of her sister Claire who got everything in the family, friends, beautiful and perfect. She really feels like she is left out inside her world, not like once before Claire used to tell Loann everything. It didnt just focus on the eating disorder itself which was very well written because as a reader you see it from Loann point of view which includes different outcomes that come from family, friends, and even ex-boyfriends. Ok, I really, really hated Josh (Claire's boyfriend) I thought the first time you meet him he is a cutie, but under the surface he is like all other men after one thing. After reading one of those scenes I would never understand how Claire went through that process. In using Loann's talent in photography I saw that Denise as using it as a symbol which was blended nicely because it sums up the book and relationships in one way or another.
The romance had the perfect chemistry between Loann and Marcus (LOVED HIM) From the first moment these two meet you instantly feel the vibes and how you want them together. This book does cover almost a year and Loann and Marcus' relationship starts off at a friendship stage which was great to see instead of the insta-love. I loved how they shared the same passion and are also going through different issues. I feel for Loann's relationship with her sister Claire as well because they use to be close but since all the issues arise during that year it was hard on both Loann and her parents. I loved their flirting and banter because you can see they are alike. You can feel all the emotions of how Loann was feelings/tension during most of the scenes with Claire.
Many things are going through this novel that my emotions were everywhere. Never Enough is one of those books that is unput down-able and full of emotion and health issues and self discovery that Loann goes through as she witnesses her sisters challenges and sacrifices her social life to try to understand her sister. Marcus was there all the time as her best friend and he is also able to help her. This book will always be close to my heart and everyone will read it for years to come because its memorable and its one you cannot forget with its powerful message. Denise Jaden is a great author who proves to show that living with this is a life changing experience that will always be remembered!
July 15, 2012
This book is such a touching story and I don't even know where to begin with my review. I sat on this one for a few days because I really don't know how to do this book justice. This book is about two sisters trying to navigate through their teenage years. We all know that being a teen is never easy and that there are many issues of self esteem that come into play. The title Never Enough sums it up pretty well I think. We are always thinking that something is never good enough in comparison to someone or something else.
In this novel, Loann feels like she will never measure up to the ideal that has been set by her sister. She is trying to deal with some pretty outspoken and, quite frankly, mean friends while trying to make new friends that she can talk to. She is also struggling with boys. She wants to fit in and part of that is trying to fit in with the popular boys and this can be to the detriment of her relationship with someone else. It was so difficult reading about Loann at times because I can remember being this awkward and always wanting to fit in. My adult self, at times just wanted to yell at her and tell her that she doesn't need those people in her life. They will only drag her down and while it may feel like the worst thing in the world at the time, in the long run it would be much better to try to ignore some of the things going on around her. I did like how, while Loann struggles to fit in, she does retain a good sense of self. She stumbles along the way but she still remains her quirky self.
The other sister in this book, Claire, struggles with issues of never being skinny enough and this translates into an eating disorder. The parts with Claire in it were so difficult to read. It was heart wrenching to see how someone can waste away to nothing when you know that the issue is all in their head. Growing up I had a friend who was anorexic/bullemic and it was difficult to watch her shrink every day and having her think that she still wasn't skinny enough. This was when the internet wasn't as available as it is today and when I read about the different websites geared towards people who have an eating disorder I couldn't believe how easy it would be to be sucked right back into it by reading some of the posts. I also can't imagine how someone's parents could deal with this. Do you push your child to eat or do you try to be comforting about it. You don't want to go too far one way because it could exacerbate the problem. I just found the writing of these situations in the book were raw and it didn't gloss over a very serious issue. I commend Jaden for writing about eating disorders in such a way because it really makes you think about the seriousness of the situation.
Overall, I loved the writing style of this book and I loved the subject matter. I liked how the focus wasn't entirely on the eating disorder but also on the fact that Loann had some self-esteem issues to work out too. It was an exceptional read and I give the book 5 out of 5 stars. It definitely had me crying in a few parts and I think that we can all see a little bit of our teenage selves in this book. I would recommend picking it up right away and giving it a read.
In this novel, Loann feels like she will never measure up to the ideal that has been set by her sister. She is trying to deal with some pretty outspoken and, quite frankly, mean friends while trying to make new friends that she can talk to. She is also struggling with boys. She wants to fit in and part of that is trying to fit in with the popular boys and this can be to the detriment of her relationship with someone else. It was so difficult reading about Loann at times because I can remember being this awkward and always wanting to fit in. My adult self, at times just wanted to yell at her and tell her that she doesn't need those people in her life. They will only drag her down and while it may feel like the worst thing in the world at the time, in the long run it would be much better to try to ignore some of the things going on around her. I did like how, while Loann struggles to fit in, she does retain a good sense of self. She stumbles along the way but she still remains her quirky self.
The other sister in this book, Claire, struggles with issues of never being skinny enough and this translates into an eating disorder. The parts with Claire in it were so difficult to read. It was heart wrenching to see how someone can waste away to nothing when you know that the issue is all in their head. Growing up I had a friend who was anorexic/bullemic and it was difficult to watch her shrink every day and having her think that she still wasn't skinny enough. This was when the internet wasn't as available as it is today and when I read about the different websites geared towards people who have an eating disorder I couldn't believe how easy it would be to be sucked right back into it by reading some of the posts. I also can't imagine how someone's parents could deal with this. Do you push your child to eat or do you try to be comforting about it. You don't want to go too far one way because it could exacerbate the problem. I just found the writing of these situations in the book were raw and it didn't gloss over a very serious issue. I commend Jaden for writing about eating disorders in such a way because it really makes you think about the seriousness of the situation.
Overall, I loved the writing style of this book and I loved the subject matter. I liked how the focus wasn't entirely on the eating disorder but also on the fact that Loann had some self-esteem issues to work out too. It was an exceptional read and I give the book 5 out of 5 stars. It definitely had me crying in a few parts and I think that we can all see a little bit of our teenage selves in this book. I would recommend picking it up right away and giving it a read.
July 16, 2012
"Nothing is ever perfect....Beauty isn't perfect. It's something to be felt and something to be breathed" (Jaden 371).
Claire has it all — beauty, talent, a great figure, and Josh Garrison. Our narrator Loann, however, has a short stature, an ample amount of curves, and a mysterious yet amusing locker neighbor named Marcus. But the next moment, Loann's oridinary life begins to change completely as her sister Claire spirals out of control with her self-image and destructive eating habits. There's nothing worse than trying to help someone when you're rendered incapable of doing so, and Jaden captures this dilemma and portrays it honestly through Loann as she watches her sister's perfect life crumble to pieces.
Never Enough draws you in with tender moments and breaks your heart with the harsh reality of pursuing perfection. There are plenty of other interesting character interactions, but it is the moments between these two sisters that made the most genuine and memorable impact. Never Enough is a story with multiple varieties of issues and can feel a bit busy sometimes, and yet this story remains realistic and touching. I enjoyed Denise Jaden's first novel Losing Faith much more, but Never Enough is a strong sophomore effort that's worth checking out.
Highlights: Claire and Loann's complicated sisterly relationship is sure to be something readers with siblings relate to. The ups and downs of their relationship felt very real and I wish they had interacted more in this story. I very much enjoyed Marcus and Loann's slow friendship - even the good and frustrating moments. Jaden's characters always seemed authentic because they have positive and negative traits that serve to make them more realistic. Loann's growth was interesting to watch unfold throughout the story.
Lowlights: Loann could be a bit naive. It took awhile to get to the main plot. A few subplots could have been cut to give this story more focus. There wasn't enough time to stretch out and fully resolve the extra subplots#, so they made the story weaker (and almost resulted in me giving the book a lower rating).
#
Claire has it all — beauty, talent, a great figure, and Josh Garrison. Our narrator Loann, however, has a short stature, an ample amount of curves, and a mysterious yet amusing locker neighbor named Marcus. But the next moment, Loann's oridinary life begins to change completely as her sister Claire spirals out of control with her self-image and destructive eating habits. There's nothing worse than trying to help someone when you're rendered incapable of doing so, and Jaden captures this dilemma and portrays it honestly through Loann as she watches her sister's perfect life crumble to pieces.
Never Enough draws you in with tender moments and breaks your heart with the harsh reality of pursuing perfection. There are plenty of other interesting character interactions, but it is the moments between these two sisters that made the most genuine and memorable impact. Never Enough is a story with multiple varieties of issues and can feel a bit busy sometimes, and yet this story remains realistic and touching. I enjoyed Denise Jaden's first novel Losing Faith much more, but Never Enough is a strong sophomore effort that's worth checking out.
Highlights: Claire and Loann's complicated sisterly relationship is sure to be something readers with siblings relate to. The ups and downs of their relationship felt very real and I wish they had interacted more in this story. I very much enjoyed Marcus and Loann's slow friendship - even the good and frustrating moments. Jaden's characters always seemed authentic because they have positive and negative traits that serve to make them more realistic. Loann's growth was interesting to watch unfold throughout the story.
Lowlights: Loann could be a bit naive. It took awhile to get to the main plot. A few subplots could have been cut to give this story more focus. There wasn't enough time to stretch out and fully resolve the extra subplots#, so they made the story weaker (and almost resulted in me giving the book a lower rating).
#
August 25, 2012
Hmmm... Well, I think there could be many ways to interpret this book. You could think of it as an eating disorder story, or maybe a friendship-turned-love story, or maybe even a family-on-the-brink-of-a-meltdown story. But ultimately, I saw it as all of them.
I picked up this book at the library because of its gorgeous cover and crisp, new pages (something that's pretty hard to find at my library). I didn't really pay any attention to the synopsis, only reading it once I got home.
And let me say, the synopsis was very misleading. During the first 100-150 pages, the plot revolved mostly around our protagonist, Loann, and her new found friend, Marcus. There might of been a few mentions of Claire's eating habits and Josh's flirting, but it was definitely not enough to make me believe that the story was based on what the synopsis said.
In the beginning, I was not exactly fond of the narrating. It felt inexperienced, almost like an 8th grader was writing the story, and the plot just felt really awkward at times. But I'm glad I persisted in reading it, because, as the story progressed, I felt like the writing became much nicer, more enjoyable.
I loved the family dynamics throughout the book. Loann's family was far from perfect, but I think it fit into the plot really well. The confident mother slowly reveals layers of vulnerability and weaknesses, and the ignorant father will realize that going to work during moments of family crisis is not the way to work things out.
Loann and Marcus's relationship was... interesting. In the beginning, it felt nothing short of awkward. In fact, during the whole book, their friendship/relationship was pretty rocky, because sometimes they couldn't communicate as well. But it was a very captivating relationship. The author didn't try to rush it, or make out of it something that totally didn't make sense. I guess that's how you could describe it: very whole, very genuine.
As for Claire's eating disorder, I think it was handled very well. I was very impressed by the author's ability to show us several sides of this disorder. It wasn't just because of how she looked that made her take on this eating disorder. Claire's whole environment affected her. Parents that always worked and that didn't have much time for her, the pressure to stay thin in ballet, maybe even because of that little envy she had for Loann.
I'm looking at the three stars I gave to this book, and I have this urge to change it to four stars, because this book was so beautiful, so heart-breaking. Yet, I know that I would be lying if I gave this book four stars, because there were still a lot of flaws in the story. I think this book would've been better off if the beginning was shortened, because I found myself questioning whether or not I would ever get to the real purpose of this story.
"Never Enough" is an absolutely beautiful book, and although it could've been improved on, it is still something worth reading.
I picked up this book at the library because of its gorgeous cover and crisp, new pages (something that's pretty hard to find at my library). I didn't really pay any attention to the synopsis, only reading it once I got home.
And let me say, the synopsis was very misleading. During the first 100-150 pages, the plot revolved mostly around our protagonist, Loann, and her new found friend, Marcus. There might of been a few mentions of Claire's eating habits and Josh's flirting, but it was definitely not enough to make me believe that the story was based on what the synopsis said.
In the beginning, I was not exactly fond of the narrating. It felt inexperienced, almost like an 8th grader was writing the story, and the plot just felt really awkward at times. But I'm glad I persisted in reading it, because, as the story progressed, I felt like the writing became much nicer, more enjoyable.
I loved the family dynamics throughout the book. Loann's family was far from perfect, but I think it fit into the plot really well. The confident mother slowly reveals layers of vulnerability and weaknesses, and the ignorant father will realize that going to work during moments of family crisis is not the way to work things out.
Loann and Marcus's relationship was... interesting. In the beginning, it felt nothing short of awkward. In fact, during the whole book, their friendship/relationship was pretty rocky, because sometimes they couldn't communicate as well. But it was a very captivating relationship. The author didn't try to rush it, or make out of it something that totally didn't make sense. I guess that's how you could describe it: very whole, very genuine.
As for Claire's eating disorder, I think it was handled very well. I was very impressed by the author's ability to show us several sides of this disorder. It wasn't just because of how she looked that made her take on this eating disorder. Claire's whole environment affected her. Parents that always worked and that didn't have much time for her, the pressure to stay thin in ballet, maybe even because of that little envy she had for Loann.
I'm looking at the three stars I gave to this book, and I have this urge to change it to four stars, because this book was so beautiful, so heart-breaking. Yet, I know that I would be lying if I gave this book four stars, because there were still a lot of flaws in the story. I think this book would've been better off if the beginning was shortened, because I found myself questioning whether or not I would ever get to the real purpose of this story.
"Never Enough" is an absolutely beautiful book, and although it could've been improved on, it is still something worth reading.
June 5, 2014
One thing I have to say about this book was IT CHANGED MY LIFE and TAUGHT ME A BIG LIFE LESSON. This book which teaches about eating disorders and how it can not only change your life but the life of you family. This book gave me a glimpse of how life changed for the worst for Loann and her popular and perfect sister Claire. But life isn't all that perfect for Claire who has a bad eating disorders and it afects her life a lot and mostly her sister too. Loann learns all about Claire's not so perfect life and what shes been doing to herself. The moments between them seemed really believeable and real that it made me understand everything. On the journey to help her sister, Loann makes a friend out of the shy and secretly abused Marcus. They both take this journey to help each other. With Marcus abuse from his father and Claire's problems at home. They find a new hobby in photograhy and it seems to help Loann cope with things by capturing images and seeing the things behind them. The ending was really sad and happy at the same time. It was bittersweet. I knew that Claire wouldn't be able to make it with the things she did to herself and everything. She was just afriad and didn't want to change and everything. So in the end, she was gone. It hit hard for Loann and her family. One character I didn't like was Shayleen. She turned her back on Loann in the first 15 pages of the book, just because Claire and her friends accidentally embarresed her. Then she comes back with tears in her eyes at the funeral. So back to the ending, Loann atarts taking picutres of everything and wanting to keep Claire with her and not let her go. Marcus shows her the pictures she took of Claire which were her last pcitures. She put them in a collage with the word beauty in the middle. Loann thought they were bad picutres and showed Claire as a sickly person, but it actually captured her beauty and showed the real Claire. Marcus then talks to her about them. He tells her that her pcitures are going to be a great project and good for scholership and thats one thing he loves about her. She also tells her hes not Josh and he won't hurt her like he did. Josh had used her and then made it seem like nothing. Loann feels like that Claire would never get the things she got. Like go to collage and get married and have kids or other things. But Marcus tells her that Claire would want Loann to get these things and it would be for the both of them. Then for the first time, they kiss. It was really sweet. So the shy and quiet boy and the girl who was kinda a big mouth finally admitted their feelings for each other. Even though Claire died and her parents were always fighting, things will get better, little by little. So all in all, this was a really good book. It made me laugh and then it made me cry. But it will teach you an important lesson that everyone needs to learn. Enjoy!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2012
Wow. Never Enough was so good. Really, that's basically all I can think right now. I liked Denise Jaden's debut, Losing Faith, but I wasn't quite as impressed as most people seemed to be. And the description for Never Enough sounded pretty average, nothing I haven't read before. But Never Enough really took me by surprise - I ended up loving it!
I love sister stories. I only have a younger brother, but I've always wished I had an older sister, so I enjoy reading sister stories like this one. Loann and I clicked from the first page on. She's easy to relate to, and I felt for her. Her relationship with Claire is so well-done. It's complex and deep and just... wow. Even when they don't get along, their bond is so strong - it's just amazing.
Reading this family's story is heartbreaking. This is hard to talk about without spoiling anything, but it's so sad to see how Claire's issues tear apart the entire family. It was eye-opening to see how much is changed by this one thing. I would have liked to know more about the parents, but I don't mind too much that we don't know more, since that's kind of the point.
Then there's the... well, I don't even know what to call it. It feels wrong to call what Loann and Marcus have romance, because their bond is so much deeper than that. For all of you out there who are sick of insta-love, Never Enough is for you! The relationship between Loann and Marcus develops so, so slowly - in a good way. Their bond is incredibly deep. I don't even know what to say - these two together just made me so happy!
I also loved reading about Loann's photography! Photography is fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed reading about everything Loann did with her camera.
The only storyline that I thought was a little underdeveloped is Loann's relationship with her two (ex-)best friends. I would have liked to know more about the fallout and why it happens, since I never really got what motivated Loann's ex-best friend to do what she did. I also would have liked more about where they stand towards the end.
I liked the second part of Never Enough better than the first one - in the beginning, I found myself bored a few times. I much preferred the faster pace of the ending to the slow beginning. The ending of Never Enough is perfect - it's sad but hopeful at the same time. Even though it's heartbreaking, it made me feel strangely fulfilled when I turned the last page.
In a word, this book is powerful. I am in awe of Denise Jaden's grasp of relationships - how she managed to create such deep bonds between her characters, how she made me feel each of Loann's emotions, is beyond me. This is an important book - I can't recommend it enough!
Reviewed at http://www.paperbacktreasures.blogspo...
I love sister stories. I only have a younger brother, but I've always wished I had an older sister, so I enjoy reading sister stories like this one. Loann and I clicked from the first page on. She's easy to relate to, and I felt for her. Her relationship with Claire is so well-done. It's complex and deep and just... wow. Even when they don't get along, their bond is so strong - it's just amazing.
Reading this family's story is heartbreaking. This is hard to talk about without spoiling anything, but it's so sad to see how Claire's issues tear apart the entire family. It was eye-opening to see how much is changed by this one thing. I would have liked to know more about the parents, but I don't mind too much that we don't know more, since that's kind of the point.
Then there's the... well, I don't even know what to call it. It feels wrong to call what Loann and Marcus have romance, because their bond is so much deeper than that. For all of you out there who are sick of insta-love, Never Enough is for you! The relationship between Loann and Marcus develops so, so slowly - in a good way. Their bond is incredibly deep. I don't even know what to say - these two together just made me so happy!
I also loved reading about Loann's photography! Photography is fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed reading about everything Loann did with her camera.
The only storyline that I thought was a little underdeveloped is Loann's relationship with her two (ex-)best friends. I would have liked to know more about the fallout and why it happens, since I never really got what motivated Loann's ex-best friend to do what she did. I also would have liked more about where they stand towards the end.
I liked the second part of Never Enough better than the first one - in the beginning, I found myself bored a few times. I much preferred the faster pace of the ending to the slow beginning. The ending of Never Enough is perfect - it's sad but hopeful at the same time. Even though it's heartbreaking, it made me feel strangely fulfilled when I turned the last page.
In a word, this book is powerful. I am in awe of Denise Jaden's grasp of relationships - how she managed to create such deep bonds between her characters, how she made me feel each of Loann's emotions, is beyond me. This is an important book - I can't recommend it enough!
Reviewed at http://www.paperbacktreasures.blogspo...
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