Starfish (verb): to unapologetically claim your right to take up space and be seen
Oh. Man. This book is so important. Ellie can't get past everyone else's one dimensional view of her: fat. Everything that is wrong in life is blamed on her size. If she were just smaller, she could have all the cute clothes, all the friends, all the respect. Worst of all, her mom is her worst bully. In the name of love, all of her focus is for Ellie to try the latest diet, count calories, visit doctors to try experimental bariatric surgeries. All Ellie really wants is her love.
With the help of a new therapist, a new friend, and a new perspective on life, Ellie begins to realize that she is worthy of all good things, and she deserves to starfish.
So many trigger warnings, but also so many healing moments for anyone who has dealt with fat-phobia, eating disorders, or bullying. The therapy was portrayed so well, and there was a beautiful discussion about how to stand up for yourself without compromising your own character and becoming a bully yourself. Everything here was just done so so well.
Oh. Man. This book is so important. Ellie can't get past everyone else's one dimensional view of her: fat. Everything that is wrong in life is blamed on her size. If she were just smaller, she could have all the cute clothes, all the friends, all the respect. Worst of all, her mom is her worst bully. In the name of love, all of her focus is for Ellie to try the latest diet, count calories, visit doctors to try experimental bariatric surgeries. All Ellie really wants is her love.
With the help of a new therapist, a new friend, and a new perspective on life, Ellie begins to realize that she is worthy of all good things, and she deserves to starfish.
So many trigger warnings, but also so many healing moments for anyone who has dealt with fat-phobia, eating disorders, or bullying. The therapy was portrayed so well, and there was a beautiful discussion about how to stand up for yourself without compromising your own character and becoming a bully yourself. Everything here was just done so so well.