Kim: Empty Inside: The Diary of an Anonymous Teenager
Grade 7-10-Kim, a high school senior, is on a downward spiral into anorexia. Speaking through her journal, she confides the hopes, fears, and pressures typical of a teenage girl. Her weight figures prominently in her wish to be accepted into the UCLA gymnastics program, and eventually she blames food for most of the bad things that happen to her. Kim progresses from not eating to the use of laxatives. Her rapidly changing emotions ring true, as do her feelings of helplessness-even though she is ashamed of her actions, she cannot stop herself. However, her willingness to admit her problem and accept help seems artificial and diminishes its severity. This book may encourage readers to search for additional material in the resources listed. For a more thorough picture, they should try Steven Levenkron's The Best Little Girl in the World (Turtleback, 1979).Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.