Calvin Greenlee lost his brother in Afghanistan during his junior year, but found a sympathetic ear in Stacy Varnell, the new girl in his rural high school. Beautiful, smart, fun and creative, Stacy seems what Calvin needs to work through his grief—and everything he could want in a girlfriend. But Stacy has a secret that is coming between the two. By the time Calvin figures out she’s anorexic, he is deeply attached and embarks upon a mission to “fix her.” Egged on by her questionable friend, Zoe, Stacy sees Calvin’s efforts as controlling and thwarts him at every turn, even as her obsession for Calvin grows. Her behavior devolves into the bizarre and manipulative. How long before Stacey’s secret is out? Will their relationship stay alive? Will she survive?
Running Lean examines the complexities of anorexia, self image and grief in an adolescent romantic relationship. Calvin has drifted and Stacey is far from faith, however both, although tempted, are committed to abstinence and as the story progresses, prayer, faith, and the support of family and friends provide a powerful spiritual take away. Diana Sharples’ Running Lean is illuminating for adolescents, particularly those struggling with, or who have friends who struggle with, these issues.
Age Range: 14 and up
Genre: Romance Contemporary
Zondervan 2013
Available: Amazon, Christianbook.com Also ask for this book at your local library
I haven’t read this book yet, but it looks really great and I’ve been wanting to read it for a while. Thanks for the review!
This book tackles the eating disorders from both the view of the teen and her boyfriend. Stacy is struggling with self-image and poor coping methods that plays a role in her development of an eating diorder. The story tells an emotional story of living with anoexia and the life threatening results.