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Jane in Bloom
Jane's big sister, Lizzie, has always been the center of attention. No one ever pays attention to boring, plain Jane. But when Jane's twelfth birthday marks the beginning of Lizzie's final descent into a fatal eating disorder, Jane discovers that the only thing harder than living in her big sister's shadow is living without her. In the wake of tragedy, Jane learns to look through her camera lens and frame life differently, embracing her broken family and understanding that every girl has her season to blossom. Spare and vulnerable prose marks this beautiful debut that is at once heartbreaking and uplifting.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published March 19, 2009
16 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Lytton
8 books52 followersI love writing books for all ages. My goal is to take readers on an emotional journey along with my characters. Thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
February 14, 2015
Lizzie has an eating disorder, one that eventually claims her life. But this isn't about her. It's about her sister, Jane, who adored her and resented her, a little, for being the center of their family. It's about Jane's grief for her lost sister. It's about the way her family falls apart, then slowly, clumsily, draws back together again. And most of all, it's about Jane finding value in herself as herself, not as Jane's little sister.
The writing feels very emotionally honest, striking a balance that allows Jane genuine expressions of grief without having her be consumed by it entirely. Her parents can be frustrating at times, especially her mother. Her mother in particular becomes disconnected to her while confronting her own grief. But this is done very realistically, and when the family inevitably comes back together again, it feels natural, not easy. Lytton doesn't give them a happily ever after, she gives them a start in the right direction.
Part of the book revolves around Jane developing an interest in photography, something she has a natural talent for. I really liked reading these parts, watching her become so absorbed in something she can do really well. I love when characters in books have interests outside of the people in their lives.
There are a lot of books about eating disorders from the perspective of the person suffering from the disorder, and far less from the perspective of their families. I can only remember reading one other books like this, and I didn't like it nearly as much.
The writing feels very emotionally honest, striking a balance that allows Jane genuine expressions of grief without having her be consumed by it entirely. Her parents can be frustrating at times, especially her mother. Her mother in particular becomes disconnected to her while confronting her own grief. But this is done very realistically, and when the family inevitably comes back together again, it feels natural, not easy. Lytton doesn't give them a happily ever after, she gives them a start in the right direction.
Part of the book revolves around Jane developing an interest in photography, something she has a natural talent for. I really liked reading these parts, watching her become so absorbed in something she can do really well. I love when characters in books have interests outside of the people in their lives.
There are a lot of books about eating disorders from the perspective of the person suffering from the disorder, and far less from the perspective of their families. I can only remember reading one other books like this, and I didn't like it nearly as much.
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May 13, 2022going insane because i just remembered i read this book in middle school and it has HAUNTED me ever since !! ah, cried so hard. topics pretty intense that it made me realize i was going to die one day. Major Middle School Slay.
March 15, 2009
I’ve often read stories of characters dealing with eating disorder, but I’ve never read a story from the view point of someone close to the person who is suffering. And it was not only refreshing but also interesting.
When reading it’s easy to overlook the effects that anorexia or bulimia may have on a family or other siblings, when you’re so engrossed in the character’s struggle. But after this story I’m not sure that will be the case for me in the future.
It was an absolutely beautifully told story. Heartbreaking on one end, but hopeful on the other. While the story is focused around the after effects of a family member with anorexia, there isn’t much depth within the novel. This is more of a story of healing and growing and less of a story of dealing with the pain. But I didn’t see that as a bad thing. Honestly I can only deal with so much sorrow and depression, I like novels that are filled with hope and healing in the face of a tragic event.
And I really loved the relationship with the roses! The cover fits perfectly!
Overall, an impressive debut novel!
When reading it’s easy to overlook the effects that anorexia or bulimia may have on a family or other siblings, when you’re so engrossed in the character’s struggle. But after this story I’m not sure that will be the case for me in the future.
It was an absolutely beautifully told story. Heartbreaking on one end, but hopeful on the other. While the story is focused around the after effects of a family member with anorexia, there isn’t much depth within the novel. This is more of a story of healing and growing and less of a story of dealing with the pain. But I didn’t see that as a bad thing. Honestly I can only deal with so much sorrow and depression, I like novels that are filled with hope and healing in the face of a tragic event.
And I really loved the relationship with the roses! The cover fits perfectly!
Overall, an impressive debut novel!
November 16, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
JANE IN BLOOM is a beautiful story of love, loss, and discovery. Ms. Lytton, a member of the Class of 2K9, comes out hitting with a winner.
The story starts out on an emotional high for Jane. It's the morning of her twelfth birthday and she is finally going to get her ears pierced. She is literally the last girl in her class to get them done. But the day soon turns bleak for Jane. Not only doesn't she get her ears pierced, nor get to open her presents (she's been secretly wishing for a digital camera), but her older sister, Lizzy (perfect and popular Lizzy) is found unconscious on the bathroom floor.
Three months later, Lizzy comes home, along with her eating disorder. No one talks about it, but it's always lurking in the background. And then, Lizzy is gone. The autopsy reveals she died from taking too many laxatives and diuretics. Jane's family is in slow motion and feels like it's falling apart.
Jane was always in the background, and after the funeral, her mother runs off to Arizona to Jane's grandparents. She's left her husband and Jane alone in the empty house. Slowly, Jane and her father begin to bond again until he has to go away on business.
Her dad brings in his old secretary to stay with Jane while he is gone. It's during Jane's time with Ethel that she finally starts to come to terms with her life. She's got a natural talent behind the lens, capturing life as it unfolds. While photographing Ethel's prized roses one day, she discovers that Hunter, the cute boy that came to her school halfway through the school year, lives next door. Hunter and Jane form a strong bond when they realize they each have lost loved ones.
The summer after Lizzy's death is a tough time for everyone in Jane's family. They all struggle with their grief in their own private ways. And it's through Jane's tragic summer that she can even emphasize with the girl that bullies her at school. Jane reaches out to someone else in trouble and proves that even though she's had loss, she's grown into a different and stronger person.
The story is told by Jane, the 12-year-old narrator. However, the surprising thing about JANE IN BLOOM is that Jane could be anyone. Ms. Lytton writes the novel in such a way that Jane could literally be ageless. The narration does not sound childish or overly exaggerated. It's a straightforward, heartfelt novel that will be sure to touch all who read it.
JANE IN BLOOM is a beautiful story of love, loss, and discovery. Ms. Lytton, a member of the Class of 2K9, comes out hitting with a winner.
The story starts out on an emotional high for Jane. It's the morning of her twelfth birthday and she is finally going to get her ears pierced. She is literally the last girl in her class to get them done. But the day soon turns bleak for Jane. Not only doesn't she get her ears pierced, nor get to open her presents (she's been secretly wishing for a digital camera), but her older sister, Lizzy (perfect and popular Lizzy) is found unconscious on the bathroom floor.
Three months later, Lizzy comes home, along with her eating disorder. No one talks about it, but it's always lurking in the background. And then, Lizzy is gone. The autopsy reveals she died from taking too many laxatives and diuretics. Jane's family is in slow motion and feels like it's falling apart.
Jane was always in the background, and after the funeral, her mother runs off to Arizona to Jane's grandparents. She's left her husband and Jane alone in the empty house. Slowly, Jane and her father begin to bond again until he has to go away on business.
Her dad brings in his old secretary to stay with Jane while he is gone. It's during Jane's time with Ethel that she finally starts to come to terms with her life. She's got a natural talent behind the lens, capturing life as it unfolds. While photographing Ethel's prized roses one day, she discovers that Hunter, the cute boy that came to her school halfway through the school year, lives next door. Hunter and Jane form a strong bond when they realize they each have lost loved ones.
The summer after Lizzy's death is a tough time for everyone in Jane's family. They all struggle with their grief in their own private ways. And it's through Jane's tragic summer that she can even emphasize with the girl that bullies her at school. Jane reaches out to someone else in trouble and proves that even though she's had loss, she's grown into a different and stronger person.
The story is told by Jane, the 12-year-old narrator. However, the surprising thing about JANE IN BLOOM is that Jane could be anyone. Ms. Lytton writes the novel in such a way that Jane could literally be ageless. The narration does not sound childish or overly exaggerated. It's a straightforward, heartfelt novel that will be sure to touch all who read it.
October 27, 2014
I read this book when I was in 4th grade. At the time, I didn't understand many parts of the book, and I was thoroughly confused as to why Lizzie would refuse banana chocolate chip pancakes. I was even more confused as to why she would kill herself. In retrospect, I have no idea why I chose to read this book as a 9 year old-- maybe because I liked roses?
A few days ago, when boredom struck, I found myself going through my old books and came across this one. Distinct memories of weeping, confusion, more weeping, and uncontrollable sadness resulted in me picking up this book and reading it once more. Needless to say, I created more memories of weeping, albeit with less confusion.
There's been a lot of reviews for this book regarding plot, style, and theme, so it would be redundant of me to reiterate what so many people have expressed already. However, what I will say is that this book was a coming-of-age novel for me; it was the transition between Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, and Harry Potter to the often morose world of Young Adult literature. In third grade, after I finished the book, I made a photocopy of the cover and stuck it to the wall in front of my desk... and it's been there ever since. That, in itself, is a testament to the emotional havoc this book wrecked in me. After reading it with a few more years under my belt, I realize there are numerous flaws in this book and some concepts. Nonetheless, I stand by my original opinion of this book. It is heart-wrenching, depressing, and beautiful all at once, and not in a way that beautifies depression or eating disorders. It is beautiful in the way that it shows how a seemingly fragile young girl can eventually recover from a earth-shattering tragedy to be happy at the end, in a manner that isn't tacky or sappy in the least. As a young girl, it told me that it is okay to be sad about something, but no matter what happens, a happy ending is always possible, regardless of how impossible it may seem. It preaches the lesson that there is always light at the end of the tunnel in the least tacky way possible, and that was why I was able to smile ever so slightly through my pitiful tears while reading this book as a nine year old, and now as a fourteen year old.
A few days ago, when boredom struck, I found myself going through my old books and came across this one. Distinct memories of weeping, confusion, more weeping, and uncontrollable sadness resulted in me picking up this book and reading it once more. Needless to say, I created more memories of weeping, albeit with less confusion.
There's been a lot of reviews for this book regarding plot, style, and theme, so it would be redundant of me to reiterate what so many people have expressed already. However, what I will say is that this book was a coming-of-age novel for me; it was the transition between Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, and Harry Potter to the often morose world of Young Adult literature. In third grade, after I finished the book, I made a photocopy of the cover and stuck it to the wall in front of my desk... and it's been there ever since. That, in itself, is a testament to the emotional havoc this book wrecked in me. After reading it with a few more years under my belt, I realize there are numerous flaws in this book and some concepts. Nonetheless, I stand by my original opinion of this book. It is heart-wrenching, depressing, and beautiful all at once, and not in a way that beautifies depression or eating disorders. It is beautiful in the way that it shows how a seemingly fragile young girl can eventually recover from a earth-shattering tragedy to be happy at the end, in a manner that isn't tacky or sappy in the least. As a young girl, it told me that it is okay to be sad about something, but no matter what happens, a happy ending is always possible, regardless of how impossible it may seem. It preaches the lesson that there is always light at the end of the tunnel in the least tacky way possible, and that was why I was able to smile ever so slightly through my pitiful tears while reading this book as a nine year old, and now as a fourteen year old.
August 27, 2011
Jane in Bloom is the coming of age story of twelve year old Jane Holden in the aftermath of her older sister's death. Struggling to understand her family dynamics and her own place in the world, Jane feels impossibly sad and angry about her sister's death/suicide and her parents' inability to bridge the deep chasm that separates them all. Lizzie was the golden child and Jane adored her. The two had a deep sisterly bond even though Jane felt that she had to let the world revolve her sister. Lizzie had her own planetary pull. Jane wonders how things can ever be the same without Lizzie and if, perhaps, that might be, after all, not the worst thing as she had once imagined. The brief novel touches on anorexia, clinical anxiety, and depression but never dwells too deeply or long. It is not a book about the perils of such diseases. Rather it focuses on the grieving process, honesty, the emotions of feeling second best, and discovering your own voice. Though the parents are written as caricatures, who you would occasionally like to slap some sense into, Lytton does manage to give Jane an honest and searing voice. She finds solace, comfort, and support in unlikely places and begins to see the possibilities of moving forward past the raw grief and anger and of accepting herself for her authentic self, not a projected image of herself. You may need a Kleenex or two for parts of this!
May 1, 2009
Twelve-year-old Jane has always been in awe of her big sister, Lizzie, who is perfect in so many ways. But there’s nothing Jane can do to help when Lizzie’s obsession with being thin spirals into unending arguments with their parents and ends in Lizzie’s death. Suddenly the rest of Jane’s family is struggling for survival as well, not sure how to forge a future together.
This tender book shows how one family member’s emotional and psychological state impacts everyone else in the family in both large and small ways. Lizzie’s parents are very human as they struggle to understand their daughter’s eating disorder. They make choices that are well meaning and stem from their love of and fear for Lizzie, but ultimately they cannot save her. It’s easy for everyone in the family to forget about Jane, who doesn’t cause trouble and is not expected to perform as highly as Lizzie does. So when Jane becomes the only child, she has to find her way forward as her own person, not as a younger sister.
While Jane in Bloom deals with heartbreaking issues, it is also uplifting. It ultimately can lead to a good discussion in a mother-daughter book club about family roles, eating disorders, and how to find what’s important to you in your life.
This tender book shows how one family member’s emotional and psychological state impacts everyone else in the family in both large and small ways. Lizzie’s parents are very human as they struggle to understand their daughter’s eating disorder. They make choices that are well meaning and stem from their love of and fear for Lizzie, but ultimately they cannot save her. It’s easy for everyone in the family to forget about Jane, who doesn’t cause trouble and is not expected to perform as highly as Lizzie does. So when Jane becomes the only child, she has to find her way forward as her own person, not as a younger sister.
While Jane in Bloom deals with heartbreaking issues, it is also uplifting. It ultimately can lead to a good discussion in a mother-daughter book club about family roles, eating disorders, and how to find what’s important to you in your life.
May 7, 2009
It seems this year that there has been quite a few books dealing with eating disorders ( Wintergirls, Purge, Purge: Rehab Diaries). Though, out of those bunch of novels, none of them have focused on being a loved one of a person dealing with an eating disorder. So, when I found out that Jane In Bloom dealt with the other side, I knew I was in for a great book!
Luckily, Jane In Bloom was one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking books of the year! Deborah captures the feelings of Jane in such a wonderful way with her writing. Since, you could feel Jane's frustration and love for Lizzie throughout the book. Lizzie was also a fantastic character, because you could feel her fight to be perfect, even when people already thought she was.
As mentioned above, Deborah's writing was great and added a bunch to the story, because of her well developed plot to the people she created within this. I'm looking forward to reading more by her.
Overall, Jane In Bloom is definitely one of my favorite books so far this year. I highly suggest you go pick up a copy from your local bookstore or library. I promise that you won't regret it!
Grade: A+
Luckily, Jane In Bloom was one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking books of the year! Deborah captures the feelings of Jane in such a wonderful way with her writing. Since, you could feel Jane's frustration and love for Lizzie throughout the book. Lizzie was also a fantastic character, because you could feel her fight to be perfect, even when people already thought she was.
As mentioned above, Deborah's writing was great and added a bunch to the story, because of her well developed plot to the people she created within this. I'm looking forward to reading more by her.
Overall, Jane In Bloom is definitely one of my favorite books so far this year. I highly suggest you go pick up a copy from your local bookstore or library. I promise that you won't regret it!
Grade: A+
July 18, 2011
Jane in Bloom is the story of Jane, the forgotten sister of Lizzie, who struggles with anorexia. I found this to be a really interesting perspective because you don’t often see what happens to the other sibling. This book was believable and gave some touching insight on dealing with grief. The prose was beautifully written; I especially loved all of the color imagery.
November 11, 2015
This is such a touching book. It is the perfect middle school read. It nicely handles some tough issues and shows characters figuring out how to be happy with themselves.
January 11, 2018
This book is about a 12 year old girl named Jane who is kind of living in the shadow of her big sister Lizzie. In Jane's eyes, Lizzie is the coolest, prettiest, smartest, and most loved person she knows. She looks up to her and is sometimes jealous of her because of the praise and attention Lizzie gets from their parents. Something that Jane doesn't quite seem to understand yet is that Lizzie has a dangerous eating disorder. The book starts on Jane's birthday, a day that's supposed to be all about Jane. But it ends up being about Lizzie. Jane doesn't complain, she's used to it. Lizzie ends up being in serious condition and Jane is scared for her sisters life.
Throughout the book Jane learns and grows a lot and meets important people who are meant to be in her life to help her. She learns who she is and becomes an amazing girl who everyone loves, becoming herself.
I LOVED this book. It made me cry but also made me happy for Jane. I loved it and could relate in a way to Jane finding herself at that age and how hard it can be at times. I loved the characters the author created and how well I could understand them. I liked the tone the author used in it and even though it was depressing at some parts it made me feel for Jane and I loved the ending.
Throughout the book Jane learns and grows a lot and meets important people who are meant to be in her life to help her. She learns who she is and becomes an amazing girl who everyone loves, becoming herself.
I LOVED this book. It made me cry but also made me happy for Jane. I loved it and could relate in a way to Jane finding herself at that age and how hard it can be at times. I loved the characters the author created and how well I could understand them. I liked the tone the author used in it and even though it was depressing at some parts it made me feel for Jane and I loved the ending.
October 12, 2022
In middle school I had anorexia. My name is Elizabeth (or lizzy to my little sister). Jane and her sister are the same age apart as my sister and I. Luckily with some help I found this book and it is literally the reason I was able to find courage and love from all around and put an end to my almost deadly disorder. I do still struggle with my relationship with food but nothing like I used too. Reading this book truly put me in my place and realized the hurt I was and would cause to my family. Especially my little sister. Seeing it from your loved ones POV will truly help. I recommend anyone who knows someone or is someone struggling with an eating disorder to read this book. It will rip your heart out but show you the love you may not being seeing right now. Watching as Jane dealt with the death of her sister is what made me get help and be serious about putting a end to the disorder. I just knew I would not be the reason my sister felt the same pain. Heartbreaking but so eye opening
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
Lizzie, a high school student, has an eating disorder and love for her little sister Jane. When Lizzie gets sent to the hospital because she has a bad relationship with food, the worst happens, Jane and her parents fall apart. Janes goes from having the perfect sister to none at all. Jane finds way with who she is by finding her that this is her time to "bloom" into the rose she wants to be. Jane finds ways she can handle her sister not being by her side anymore. Every time she thinks of something Lizzie comes to mind, especially when Jane take pictures of this one rose, yellow rose, roses have meanings, yellow roses mean dying love, Jane learns how to cope with the lose of her sister with the help from her dad and friends. I love how touching this book can be to readers, definitely a book I would recommend to friends. The only thing I would would like is a second book to show how Jane is doing an amount of time and how she is handling herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2021
This story was very touching a sister age of 12 who deals with the loss of her older sister and talks about the struggles her family had overcome and talks about the pain she had to experience and the challenges she faced in her own coming of age life.
I loved this book will and forever be my favorite I absolutely enjoyed how it not only it was a great story to read but it really became relatable and I felt as if I was part of the story. It’s truly a very emotional story and it made me realize how painful the road of an ED is and how it affects the victim and their family and friends. I see Eating disorders, grief, maturity in a completely different way now.
The short sentences made it very easy for this story to be absorbed for me someone who isn’t much of a reader this story easily flew by for me it didn’t take long for me to read it and I fully understood and experienced the story. I have never found another book similar to this and that means something.
I loved this book will and forever be my favorite I absolutely enjoyed how it not only it was a great story to read but it really became relatable and I felt as if I was part of the story. It’s truly a very emotional story and it made me realize how painful the road of an ED is and how it affects the victim and their family and friends. I see Eating disorders, grief, maturity in a completely different way now.
The short sentences made it very easy for this story to be absorbed for me someone who isn’t much of a reader this story easily flew by for me it didn’t take long for me to read it and I fully understood and experienced the story. I have never found another book similar to this and that means something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2021
I read this entire book in one sitting, I was completely captivated by it.
Jane in Bloom was beautifully but simply written. Jane was so honest and relatable, the entire prose was honest and relatable many ways, despite the main situation of a family dealing with one child having anorexia being quite specific.
My favourite thing about this book is that it explores the natural negatives of families and their everchanging dynamic, mental health, trauma, grief and neglect but at the same time, didn't completely focus on them. Instead, the focus was on how these things are terrible at first but lead to growth and positive changes.
Deborah Lytton's writing allows the reader to be seen within her characters and what they are going through but also provides them with a positive view on their situation.
Jane in Bloom is a heartbreaking, relatable and inspiring read that I would recommend to anyone.
Jane in Bloom was beautifully but simply written. Jane was so honest and relatable, the entire prose was honest and relatable many ways, despite the main situation of a family dealing with one child having anorexia being quite specific.
My favourite thing about this book is that it explores the natural negatives of families and their everchanging dynamic, mental health, trauma, grief and neglect but at the same time, didn't completely focus on them. Instead, the focus was on how these things are terrible at first but lead to growth and positive changes.
Deborah Lytton's writing allows the reader to be seen within her characters and what they are going through but also provides them with a positive view on their situation.
Jane in Bloom is a heartbreaking, relatable and inspiring read that I would recommend to anyone.
August 15, 2022
I remember reading this when I was in 5th grade and first off I don’t know why it was even on the shelf in my 5th grade classroom because this book just changed my whole perspective. I love how heavy it is this isn’t the book if you just wanna have a cute lil book you read every once in awhile No as soon as you open the book you’re trapped you’re stuck you have to know the ending and the ending was magnificent I don’t tolerate any “Jane in Bloom” slander because it is a beautiful book. It feels like you’re going through everything with Jane from beginning to end and you’re heart is literally breaking for her I haven’t seen it on any shelves in bookstores or in regular stores at all I’ve been trying to find it so I have a copy of it but alas I’m still on my hunt💛💐
November 9, 2018
This book is one of the best books I have ever read. Its about a girl named Jane who always feels left out of her family. She has to face a terrible tragedy and has to adjust to her new life.
I personally can relate to some of these situation that happen. Its just such a great book for anyone to read. There are a couple of plot twists in the book as well but overall this book is a great thing to read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who just wants to read something new or even younger teens. There are some things in this book younger teens can relate to.This is also a good book for anyone who wants a book that has some romance and some adventure.
I personally can relate to some of these situation that happen. Its just such a great book for anyone to read. There are a couple of plot twists in the book as well but overall this book is a great thing to read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who just wants to read something new or even younger teens. There are some things in this book younger teens can relate to.This is also a good book for anyone who wants a book that has some romance and some adventure.
July 30, 2018
Jane has always been in the shadow of her older sister Lizzie. Lizzie is blonde. beautiful and makes perfect grades in school. When Lizzie succumbs to an eating disorder, Jane must find the sreength to go on. With the help of an elderly friend and the most popular boy in school Hunter and her new puppy Kona she finds strength. I loved how Lytton used various stages of roses as metaphors for Jane's emotional development!
April 11, 2021
I first read this book when I was around 13, and really enjoyed it. It tackles some tough topics as it tells a beautiful story of healing and self-acceptance. I liked it so much as a middle-schooler that I read it 3 times.
December 2, 2017
This book captured my heart from the first page and never let go. I loved it. All of it.
January 21, 2020
"sometimes life has a way of turning things around. So that the things that were upside down are right side up."
August 23, 2021
This is my feel good read. I’ve read it a few times and the story is sweet and meaningful. ❤️
December 20, 2022
nostalgia with a hint of serious mental illness
August 12, 2023
Sweet story. Got a bit teary at the end. And I enjoyed the tiny bit of young romance.
November 14, 2016
good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2011
This book was amzing.(:
Jane is going to a hard time,her big sister lizzie died.or she killed her self no one really knows.Jane wants to think it was an acciedent.
Lizzie was the perfect daughter. She was an A student and she was pretty and popular. On the other hand Jane wwasnt like Lizzie. She didnt get much attention like Lizzie did,but either way Jane loved her sister. After Lizzie died they diognose that she was anorexic.
When Lizzie died The Holden family wasnt the same anymore. No one talked no one said anything. Jane felt invisable at the same time she liked it because she could so anything she wanyed to do.Her parent were always fighting. Without Lizzie they were nothing.
Janes mom had to take a "break" because she had to think. Jane thought her mom didnt care about her and her dad thats why she was leaving them in there most difficult time of their life. Jane's dad wasnt happy of what her mother had done but he was with Jane. Jane's dad had to take a bussiness trip for five days so he had to get her a babysitter.
Ethel is one if her dad old secretiary but she had retired. While she taked care of Jane she taught Jane live lessons. To move on from Lizzie's death but she will always have her in her heart.
One day Ethel askes Jane if she can take pictures of her roses that she had entered a contest and she needed a photographer. Jane could take very good pictures. That same day Jane saw Hunter the most cutest boy in school who she had a crush on. From that day forward they became friends.
Hunter tells Jane he is sorry for her sisters lost and he tells her that he knows how loosing someone you love feels. His parents died in a car acciedent.
Jane and Hunter go out and her family goes back to normal
Jane is going to a hard time,her big sister lizzie died.or she killed her self no one really knows.Jane wants to think it was an acciedent.
Lizzie was the perfect daughter. She was an A student and she was pretty and popular. On the other hand Jane wwasnt like Lizzie. She didnt get much attention like Lizzie did,but either way Jane loved her sister. After Lizzie died they diognose that she was anorexic.
When Lizzie died The Holden family wasnt the same anymore. No one talked no one said anything. Jane felt invisable at the same time she liked it because she could so anything she wanyed to do.Her parent were always fighting. Without Lizzie they were nothing.
Janes mom had to take a "break" because she had to think. Jane thought her mom didnt care about her and her dad thats why she was leaving them in there most difficult time of their life. Jane's dad wasnt happy of what her mother had done but he was with Jane. Jane's dad had to take a bussiness trip for five days so he had to get her a babysitter.
Ethel is one if her dad old secretiary but she had retired. While she taked care of Jane she taught Jane live lessons. To move on from Lizzie's death but she will always have her in her heart.
One day Ethel askes Jane if she can take pictures of her roses that she had entered a contest and she needed a photographer. Jane could take very good pictures. That same day Jane saw Hunter the most cutest boy in school who she had a crush on. From that day forward they became friends.
Hunter tells Jane he is sorry for her sisters lost and he tells her that he knows how loosing someone you love feels. His parents died in a car acciedent.
Jane and Hunter go out and her family goes back to normal
February 25, 2013
Title: Jane in Bloom
Author: Deborah Lytton
Series: N/A
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary: Jane's big sister, Lizzie, has always been the center of attention. No one ever pays attention to boring, plain Jane. But when Jane's twelfth birthday marks the beginning of Lizzie's final descent into a fatal eating disorder, Jane discovers that the only thing harder than living in her big sister's shadow is living without her. In the wake of tragedy, Jane learns to look through her camera lens and frame life differently, embracing her broken family and understanding that every girl has her season to blossom. Spare and vulnerable prose marks this beautiful debut that is at once heartbreaking and uplifting.
Review: This book is tragic. It's written all over the pages, along with my tears. For all you reading this, just listen: It's going to hurt. It hurt more for me because I have a soft spot for eating disorders, and this book put salt in my wounds. But it gets better. I promise it does. As it says in the summary, it is heartbreaking and devastating, but it all is mended in the end and it becomes inspirational, heartwarming, and uplifting.
Things I Loved: This book reminded me that even when things seem dark, there's always a light and that things happen for a reason. It's a really nice book.
Things I Hated: N/A
Author: Deborah Lytton
Series: N/A
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary: Jane's big sister, Lizzie, has always been the center of attention. No one ever pays attention to boring, plain Jane. But when Jane's twelfth birthday marks the beginning of Lizzie's final descent into a fatal eating disorder, Jane discovers that the only thing harder than living in her big sister's shadow is living without her. In the wake of tragedy, Jane learns to look through her camera lens and frame life differently, embracing her broken family and understanding that every girl has her season to blossom. Spare and vulnerable prose marks this beautiful debut that is at once heartbreaking and uplifting.
Review: This book is tragic. It's written all over the pages, along with my tears. For all you reading this, just listen: It's going to hurt. It hurt more for me because I have a soft spot for eating disorders, and this book put salt in my wounds. But it gets better. I promise it does. As it says in the summary, it is heartbreaking and devastating, but it all is mended in the end and it becomes inspirational, heartwarming, and uplifting.
Things I Loved: This book reminded me that even when things seem dark, there's always a light and that things happen for a reason. It's a really nice book.
Things I Hated: N/A
June 5, 2011
Jane is the plain, quiet younger sister, always overshadowed by her beautiful, perfect older sister Lizzie. Jane only sees the good parts of Lizzie's life though, and she has no clue that Lizzie's thinness is a sign that something is seriously wrong. When the story begins on Jane's 12th birthday, Lizzie loses her battle with anorexia, first mentally, and then a few days later, physically. Jane must come to grips with what Lizzie's death means to her family -- and hope that her family survives this tragic loss. Over the summer, Jane's mother leaves to go visit her parents, and Jane and her father stay home with the new puppy, Kona. Together and separately, they begin to rebuild their shattered family. One of Jane's birthday gifts is a digital camera, and she discovers that she is a gifted photographer. She's finally found something that sets her apart, and allows her to feel like a valuable part of her family and community. This is a well-written story that shows you the hidden side of eating disorders -- how they affect others in the family. It's hopeful and honest, and I highly recommend it. 6th grade and up.
August 18, 2011
A story of love, loss, forgiveness and acceptance of oneself—Jane in Bloom is an excellent read and anyone with a sister or a best friend will definitely relate. Jane is the younger and less perfect sister. Lizzie is the older, beautiful, straight-A sister, but she isn’t as perfect as everyone seems to think. Due to pressure both from society and from her own parents, Lizzie suffers from an eating disorder. Jane has to realize that being perfect isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. And being who you are—and happy with who you are—is more important than anything. After losing her sister, Jane struggles to come to terms with reality and struggles to make sense of her sister’s fate. Jane does a lot of soul searching and realizes she has talents she never knew existed. So as much as it is a sad story of loss, it is also one of hope, courage, and inspiration.
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October 2, 2009I really enjoyed reading Jane in Bloom.
The characters were all really well-written and interesting people. I really liked Jane and I felt bad for what she was going through.
The storyline itself was quite interesting. I believe that Deborah Lytton definitely captured emotions well in this novel. I found myself having tears in my eyes at some parts of the book, while at other parts I was laughing along with the characters.
Jane’s story was a really good one. One thing that I really loved was the talk about roses. It definitely makes the cover suited to the book.
Overall, I really liked Jane in Bloom and think it is a good book about dealing with the loss of someone who died of an eating disorder. I’d recommend this one to anyone looking for a short, but emotional read.
The characters were all really well-written and interesting people. I really liked Jane and I felt bad for what she was going through.
The storyline itself was quite interesting. I believe that Deborah Lytton definitely captured emotions well in this novel. I found myself having tears in my eyes at some parts of the book, while at other parts I was laughing along with the characters.
Jane’s story was a really good one. One thing that I really loved was the talk about roses. It definitely makes the cover suited to the book.
Overall, I really liked Jane in Bloom and think it is a good book about dealing with the loss of someone who died of an eating disorder. I’d recommend this one to anyone looking for a short, but emotional read.
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