Book Title:                   A Trick of the Light (Standalone)
Author:                          Lois Metzger
Number of pages:   189

Synopsis:

Mike Welles had everything under control. But that was before. Now things are rough at home, and they’re getting confusing at school. He’s losing his sense of direction, and he feels like he’s a mess. Then there’s a voice in his head. A friend, who’s trying to help him get control again. More than that—the voice can guide him to become faster and stronger than he was before, to rid his life of everything that’s holding him back. To figure out who he is again. If only Mike will listen.

(re: Goodreads @ A Trick of the Light – Lois Metzger)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:

– Boys can have self-image problems and eating disorders too
– Narrated by anorexia; a voice of a cheerleader, snark, and rude commentary to corrupt ways of thinking not similar to what it wants
– Home/school life feels completely organic and ordinary; ultimately promoting the perspective that these things can happen to anyone
– Dialogue reads as if it is like a script. (i.e. Mom: text, Dad: text, Anorexia: text italicized)
– While the timeline and legitimacy of events felt intact, the development of strained relationships felt flimsy and rushed (if a tad skipped over)
— Rating: 3.75/5

Initial Thoughts

The selling point to Metzger’s book is not the fact that it features a boy facing anorexia nervosa. Yes it is a different perspective—I’m not discrediting that fact—but it’s a book narrated by anorexia itself and it articulates the severity and power thoughts have to not only influence your actions but to assume the role of pilot to your ship.

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

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