"Lena... you and I... I mean, we both... we were doomed from the start."
At first glance, Lena and Chloé couldn't be more Lena is the most popular girl in their grade, while Chloé is the nerd no one wants to be associated with. Lena's life revolves around parties, her clique, and boys, whereas Chloé is trapped within the dark thoughts of her eating disorder.
When Lena and Chloé unknowingly end up at the same summer camp after their junior year, they are forced to spend time together. Contrary to their expectations, they have to admit that they have more in common than they ever imagined...
But is it possible for them to let go of the demons of their past?
Because I Love You (Myself) is a sweet YA read that gently explores some heavy themes, including depression, eating disorders, and bullying. I really appreciated the individual journeys of Chloe and Lena, both characters brought something meaningful to the story, and their growth felt authentic and hopeful.
The book was originally published in German, and while some of the dialogue in the English version occasionally feels a little flat, it’s worth keeping in mind that some of the original nuance may have been lost in translation. Still, the heart of the story shines through. The messages about self-worth, resilience, and overcoming adversity are strong and important.
Beautiful cover art, too! I’m glad I picked this up, there’s a lot of heart in these pages.