Anne TaylorWhat it Takes to Lose

The author does an amazing job of giving the reader a look into the life of someone with an eating disorder. She has obviously done her research. As someone who hasn't lived it but has friends that have, I appreciated being able to see things from their point of view. All the characters were well thought out with many having both strong and weak moments.As the author states in the beginning, this book isn't for everybody as it handles topics that may be triggering. I would highly recommend that those wanting to learn more about anorexia and anxiety read it (especially parents, teachers and friends of those struggling). I think anything that allows you to live life a little more empathetically is worth the read. I gave five stars because I couldn't put the book down and feel changed in the best way since finishing. It is worth it!

This book follows a high school student's recovery from an eating disorder. I have not come across many recovery stories that portray the ups and downs of the healing process, like how things can be going well for a while when suddenly a relapse hits even harder than the first time, and this book does it so well. I have never personally struggled with an E.D., but people close to me have, and I appreciated this insight into the thoughts and emotions they may experience. Ms. Taylor tells a powerful and poignant story in her debut novel.

What a great read! I had moments that I cried and said aloud, "No, she can't !" This book definitely pulled at my heart strings and has helped encourage me to be more compassionate toward others. Although I do not share the same struggles as the main character, I found myself relating to her in other ways like comparing myself to others and unintentionally hurting others through my choices. I definitely recommend this book to gain more insight into the lives of others and to provide an authentic discussion opportunity about anorexia.

As someone who’s been in the shoes of Eve’s brother Aaron, this book really shed some light on the experience of my sibling that struggled with an ED. This book is so well-written, realistic, and has an ultimately hopeful message. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a deeper look at what it’s like to be in a family system where there is an ED.

Anne does an amazing job at portraying the struggle of living with a mental illness! She turned the unspoken thoughts and worries into beautiful words that others can relate to, understand, and learn from. This is a must read book!

This was an amazing book! I loved everything about it. I'm very proud of the obstacles that eve went through and over came them. I'd recommend this book to anyone

I appreciated this book as I learned about how a teenager might struggle with an eating disorder through a fictional story. Instead of reading a dry book from a doctor, Taylor's book is engaging and brings characters to life by showing the ramifications of today's pressures to be thin. Although it deals with some sensitive issues, it is not graphic nor does not contain any profanity; I believe is appropriate for young adults. As a parent, I am reminded to be aware of this real problem. Heartbreaking and real. Dialogue is well done and gave me insight into how teenagers interact with one another and how they interpret their world.

Seriously though this should be required reading. Eating disorders aren’t talked about often enough and this book does a great job of educating through story which is one of the best ways to learn. The writing is fast paced. Honestly the first 1/4th of this story could be it’s own book, but I’m glad it continued because it helped demonstrate that like addictions, eating disorders never truly go away which is TERRIFYING. Usually I’m a horror reader and there are some passages in here that even made my skin crawl. I would definitely read more from Anne Taylor.