Second Star to the Right

Second Star to the Right follows fourteen-year-old Leslie Hiller as she navigates intense pressures at school and home in 1980s New York City. The straight-A student begins restricting her food intake and exercising compulsively in an attempt to gain control over her life. Leslie's parents and friends notice changes in her behavior but struggle to understand what is happening. Her relationship with her mother becomes strained as she withdraws into herself and her eating disorder intensifies. The narrative tracks Leslie's experiences through therapy and treatment as she confronts her illness. Her love of Peter Pan and Neverland provides symbolic touchstones throughout her journey. This semi-autobiographical novel examines themes of control, family dynamics, and the path to self-acceptance. The story provides an unvarnished look at adolescent mental health and eating disorders without sensationalizing these serious issues.

Readers describe this YA novel about anorexia as emotionally authentic and raw. Many note it helped them understand eating disorders from an insider's perspective. The first-person narration and psychological insights resonate with those who have experienced similar struggles. Readers appreciated: - Realistic portrayal of family dynamics - Detailed look at the mindset behind eating disorders - Strong character development - Lack of simplified solutions Common criticisms: - Triggers for those with eating disorders - Some found it slow-paced - The ending felt abrupt to many readers - Parents worried it could glamorize anorexia Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ ratings) "This book captures the voice in your head perfectly," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. Another noted: "It's uncomfortable to read because it's so accurate." Several readers mentioned re-reading it multiple times as teens and finding new meaning with each read.

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✦ Author Deborah Hautzig drew from her own personal experience with anorexia nervosa as a teenager to create Leslie's story, bringing authenticity and raw emotion to the narrative. ✦ Published in 1981, this was one of the first young adult novels to address eating disorders openly and realistically, helping break the silence around this serious issue. ✦ The book's title references Peter Pan, symbolizing the main character's desire to escape growing up and stay in control, much like Peter Pan's eternal childhood. ✦ Hautzig went on to become an advocate for eating disorder awareness and recovery, speaking at schools and writing articles about her experiences beyond the novel. ✦ Despite being published over 40 years ago, the book continues to resonate with readers and is frequently used in eating disorder treatment programs to help patients understand they're not alone.