Review: Decent overall, but with a really good ending
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 21, 2013
** ACTUAL RATING: 3.5 stars**Sanctuary Of Mineis about one teenage girl's struggle for control, one young man's dedication to help someone with love, and how how young romance and need to never let go can conquer all. With her parents divorced, her dad away on constant deployments, and a mother who doesn't listen, MacKenzie Deeks feels she has no control in her life. The only way she can find it is through her body, more precisely with her weight. She is bulimic and anorexic and believes she hides both disorders so well.But she doesn't. People have noticed with a single look. Her mother. Her new best friend, who comfort eats. The most popular guy in school. They all know -- or at least suspect -- and they don't know quite what to do.WhileSanctuary Of Mineisn't the all gritty, gut-wrenching read I expected it to be, it was a book I enjoyed and that was well worth the time. I could feel Mack's nervousness and self-doubt, as well as her need to just let go. The urge to have some kind of escape while still maintain a sense of control was visceral in her actions and narration. Purging becomes that release and an addiction for her."I look a complete and utter mess, not at all like the pretty girl my dad used to call me. But for some reason, I feel better and in control. It's like with one simple purge I feel like a weight as been lifted from my shoulders. That feeling is kind of euphoric, which makes doing it kind of addictive."Tyler Redding's desire to get to know Mack and help her was also palpable. Though seemingly a rugby jock with an ideal family and home life, he has his own hard experience with eating disorders. He's genuinely caring and nurturing while still being a guy who can think with his pants. Even though I found his infatuation with Mack in the beginning a little much without good reason, it did add to the mystery of how deep his affection truly went and if he simply wanted to be a savior. I adored him more and more with each page, though.My favorite character has to be Mack's new best and only friend, Levi."Funny how two people can have such a different relationship with food. I avoid it, wanting some sort of control when I know other things are beyond it. He seems to like food - too much. It would appear in order to replace his misery he feeds himself to feel some sort of happiness."Levi is the geeky, gay friend who accepts Mack with no questions asked. He was there for her, always, and eventually helps her fight herself along with himself. He and his relationship with Mack made me smile, laugh, and get all gooey inside.I think my only big issue with the book was that I needed to see more of Mack struggling to fight through her disorders. That would have made the whole story more real to me, especially considering the severity of the subject matter. One minor thing: the mushiness between Mack and Tyler ... I wasn't expecting it. I could've done with less, but it did add that teenage angst and desperation to hold on to first loves.The last third or quarter of the book was fabulous, ratcheting up on the drama, suspense, and real life pain. I teared up, couldn't put the book down even though it was 3am, and ... gah! I can't say or I'll spoil the ending.Sanctuary Of Mineis a lighter story on eating disorders but no less moving, with wonderful characters, young romance that never dies, and a nice HEA. I'd recommend it to mature young adults looking for a serious topic with sweet romance as the highlight.