Paperweight

   Meg Haston's fourth book, published in 2015, is one for the books. When I googled "books about mental health" this book popped up numerous times. When I picked up the book, I was drawn in by the cover and the lightness I felt simply by looking at it. 

   When I opened the book, I am met by symbolism that brings tears to my eyes. Already, I am hooked. Few books capture me on their first page, so this really struck me. I didn't even know the main characters name, and here I was already loving her. As the book progresses, so does Stevie - the heroine of our novel. 

   The thing that I really adored about this book, was the growth that Haston shows through Stevie. When we are introduced to Stevie, she is quite consumed by her eating disorder, and cares about few things other than it. Stevie really cares more about her disorder than she does about those around her, who are still alive. The need to be thin is ever present in Stevie, and saturates the pages with her desire. Almost every ounce of pain that she feels, you can feel as a reader. Scratch that - every emotion that Stevie feels you will most likely feel. 

   As the novel progresses, subtle changes are presented in Stevie. These changes are so accurate it's breathtaking. Haston captures the reality of mental health to a perfect T, most people create huge moments that change their characters, which is not always realistic. In this book, however, the changes are subtle and can sometimes go unnoticed - I often times had to reread to notice the changes in Stevie. Personally, I feel like this is the most realistic representation of mental health I've read. Even though All The Bright Places had beautiful mentions of mental health, paperweight has the best representation I've read yet. 

   The other aspect of this book that won me over, was how much I admired Stevie. In some novels, main characters can be underdeveloped or we may get way too many facts about them. However, Stevie had the perfect amount of development. With this character, Haston perfected the depth - she draws you in with the backstory, and keeps you interested with the story at hand. Stevie is a woman you want to see heal, grow, and become the best version of herself she can be. 

   As for the writing in the novel, the book was an easy read jam packed with minute details. The way Haston presents the thoughts Stevie is having is really helpful - you can always tell what is happening in her brain. The use of italics that Haston utilizes is ideal to understand Stevie's thoughts. Also, the use of capitalization in the book also helps readers to understand life events and milestones for Stevie.  If I could meet any author and praise their inclusion of their characters brain, it would be Meg Haston - 100%. 

   I'd really like to take this time to praise Haston's understanding of mental health. She clearly took her time to understand eating disorders and the growth process that comes from recovery. In some novels, it's pretty obvious that authors just wanted to write a book about mental health, and didn't really understand the processes involved. Thankfully, Meg Haston is a woman who takes time in her craft - something I think we should all admire. 

   In the authors note, Haston mentions that she wanted to make her book authentic and make the realities present within her pages. I really, really, admire the time she took to make this book the work of art it is. I can't wait to read her next novel that came out in 2017! 

  In the end, I'd give this artwork a 10/10. Make sure to grab your copy at your local bookstore! 

PS - if you are struggling with an eating disorder, please call this toll free and confidential number to talk to a NEDA representative... 1-800-931-2237

         Also, please take the time to research ED's at NEDA's website here