Walking a Thin Line

Anne Hutchings is an elementary-school teacher-librarian with the Durham
Board of Education.

Lauren is convinced that she needs to lose weight. After all, the only
person in her class who is fatter than her is Andrea, who has always
been the heavyweight champion. And surely Jay, the class “hunk,”
would transfer his affections from Kim to Lauren if only she were 20
pounds lighter!

This novel is sure to appeal to today’s teens, especially girls. The
author explores the many aspects of dieting and weight loss, including
the gimmicks, the fad diets, the pros and cons of various weight-loss
programs, the exercise and fitness clubs, and the role that advertising
plays today in setting up unrealistic goals. She pulls no punches when
describing what can ultimately happen when the quest for the
“perfect” body becomes an obsession resulting in anorexia or
bulimia. All of the issues are dealt with honestly, realistically,
sensitively, and, in some instances, humorously.

Fortunately, Lauren’s mother, grandmother, and family doctor steer
her in the right direction and no harm comes to her. Andrea is not so
lucky; though the story ends optimistically in regard to her future, we
know with certainty that when dealing with eating disorders there are no
guarantees. Highly recommended.