Paperweight

Seventeen-year-old Stevie is confined to a treatment center in New Mexico, where she must confront her eating disorder. Her 27 days of mandatory treatment force her to face both her destructive behaviors and the tragedy that led her there. Through journal entries and therapy sessions, Stevie reveals her complex relationships with food, her family, and her best friend Eden. The narrative moves between her present time in treatment and memories of her past, gradually uncovering the full scope of her struggles. Her time at the treatment center brings encounters with other patients and staff members who challenge her resistance to recovery. Stevie must decide whether to continue fighting against help or begin the difficult process of healing. The novel examines themes of control, grief, and self-acceptance while exploring the psychological complexities of eating disorders. Through Stevie's story, the narrative demonstrates how trauma and loss can manifest in destructive ways.

Readers highlight the raw, unflinching portrayal of eating disorders and mental health struggles. Many note the authentic voice of the 17-year-old protagonist and the realistic depiction of treatment center dynamics. Readers appreciated: - Detailed exploration of grief and trauma - Non-linear storytelling that reveals backstory gradually - Complex family relationships - No romanticization of eating disorders Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some found the protagonist difficult to connect with - Triggering content for those with eating disorders - Resolution felt rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (40+ ratings) One reader noted: "The flashback structure keeps you invested in uncovering what happened." Another stated: "Too intense for younger readers - should include stronger content warnings."

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🔷 Author Meg Haston worked as a counselor before becoming a writer, lending authenticity to her portrayal of mental health treatment in the novel. 🔷 The book tackles the rarely discussed topic of exercise bulimia, a form of eating disorder that involves excessive exercise to compensate for eating. 🔷 The main character Stevie's 60-day timeline in treatment mirrors the typical minimum stay length in many real eating disorder treatment facilities. 🔷 The novel's title "Paperweight" serves as a metaphor for both the physical weight that consumes the protagonist's thoughts and the emotional weight she carries. 🔷 While writing the book, Haston consulted with eating disorder specialists to ensure accurate representation of treatment protocols and recovery processes.