Running Lean ~ written by Diana L. Sharples
Equilibrium. That’s what Stacey and Calvin found in each other. He is as solid as his beloved vintage motorcycle and helps quiet the constant clamor in Stacey’s mind. She is a passionate, creative spirit---and a lifeline after Calvin’s soldier brother dies. But lately, the balance is off. Calvin’s grief is taking new forms. Voices of self-loathing are dominating Stacey’s life. When struggles with body image threaten her health, Calvin can’t bear to lose another person that he loves. Taking action may destroy their relationship, but the alternative could be much more costly. |
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Writing and occasionally creating artwork for the Lord has proved to be more personally gratifying than all of Diana Sharples' previous efforts. Looking forward into the world her daughter would soon enter, in 2005 Diana began writing contemporary fiction for teens. She founded a successful critique group for other young adult and middle grade writers, and her novels were finalists and winning entries in several competitions. Running Lean is her first published novel. |
Review from Joy In Our Journey ~ by Jan:
Books for the teen-age market are often futuristic fiction which bear little resemblance to the life of an average teenager. However, a new book by a first time author, one with a real life teenage daughter, has just come on the market. Running Lean by Diana L. Sharples is a "just right" novel for teens. The subject matter is definitely current and necessary, as anorexia and its effect on the one who is suffering from this possibly life threatening disease, is prevalent in our society today.
Stacy has all of her life been a ‘little bit’ chubby. As a result, she and her friend Zoe have begun to diet. Not diet in a normal way but DIET, as in eating virtually nothing. Hiding food that should be eaten, purging when she does eat has a devastating effect on Stacy. Her boyfriend Calvin tries to help her, but in all the wrong ways. What else is there for him to do? He knows that she is really sick and could possibly die, but she will not listen, and instead pushes him away.
How this relevant novel ends will keep the reader’s attention until the very end. If you have a teen, this would be a great novel for both of you to read. I strongly recommend Running Lean, by Diana L. Sharples. Ms. Sharples has thoughtfully added discussion questions at the end of her book. It would be well worth the time to discuss these questions with your teen.
Stacy has all of her life been a ‘little bit’ chubby. As a result, she and her friend Zoe have begun to diet. Not diet in a normal way but DIET, as in eating virtually nothing. Hiding food that should be eaten, purging when she does eat has a devastating effect on Stacy. Her boyfriend Calvin tries to help her, but in all the wrong ways. What else is there for him to do? He knows that she is really sick and could possibly die, but she will not listen, and instead pushes him away.
How this relevant novel ends will keep the reader’s attention until the very end. If you have a teen, this would be a great novel for both of you to read. I strongly recommend Running Lean, by Diana L. Sharples. Ms. Sharples has thoughtfully added discussion questions at the end of her book. It would be well worth the time to discuss these questions with your teen.
I received a copy of this book for review, but was not compensated financially in any way. The opinions expressed are those of Joy In Our Journey.com and are based solely on experiences while reading these books.
In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission...without it costing you a penny more. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Joy In Our Journey. I humbly thank you for your support!
In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in my posts are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission...without it costing you a penny more. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Joy In Our Journey. I humbly thank you for your support!