Product Description
Kaitlyn Simons has had enough of her father calling her “Chubs.” She hates the name, and she's beginning to hate him. To stop the name calling, she decides to go on a crash diet. A very strict and unhealthy diet. A diet that works all too well.
After all, it’s easy to lose weight when you don’t eat, right?
Kaitlyn quickly discovers that the rewards of being thin are fantastic. Boys in school take notice. Her popularity soars. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn restricts her diet even more. Unfortunately, Kaitlyn’s unhealthy weight loss falls under the radar since her family has other problems. Big problems, life-changing problems.
But when Kaitlyn's weight loss reaches a critical phase, as her family rallies around her, Kaitlyn will discover that there's more to life than being popular and thin. But will this revelation come too late?
**Acclaim for the Novels of Elaine Babich**
"Heartbreaking and touching. A powerful story of a teenager's struggle with anorexia, told in a straight forward and powerful way, without talking down to the reader and without being overly sentimental. YOU NEVER CALLED ME PRINCESS is an honest look at what could happen when a young girl decides to lose weight at all costs. Should be mandatory reading for any parent who suspects their child might have an eating disorder. I believe the novel will show the reader that there are answers to their problems, and that they are not alone. Highly recommended. An important novel."
—J.R. Rain, author of MOON DANCE and THE BODY DEPARTED
"An intriguing debut, and an excellent read. Gripping and touching, a story written from the heart. Elaine Babich has fashioned a story that many young girls could relate to. In the end we are left with a poignant glimpse into the beauty of family and the love of life and the wonder that connects us all."
—Summer Lee, author of ANGEL HEART and KINDRED SPIRITS
"Elaine Babich has created such a vivid tale of teenage angst and redemption—one that will stay with me for a long time."
—Aiden James, author of CADES COVE and PLAGUE OF COINS
"In RELATIVELY NORMAL, author Elaine Babich weaves a compelling book of angst and illness in the believable, first-person voice of Kaitlyn Simmons, a fifteen-year-old girl from a dysfunctional family. Kaitlyn, who is only semi-recovered from a serious eating disorder, is diagnosed with serious epilepsy and other health issues. The heroine comes to terms with her disease as she adjusts to her medications, backslides into her eating disorder again, explores relationships with boyfriends (age-appropriate), and handles problems with a girl bully. Her coming-of-age story of self-discovery, acceptance of her imperfect body, and a surprise twist at the end will leave readers with a smile and hope for every teenage girl to overcome debilitating ED illness and difficult family issues. I loved this book and want to recommend it to teenage girls, especially. The heroine is likable, and one to whom YA readers will relate. High moral values, with exploration into body image and excellent life lessons, with no preachiness. Five stars!"
—Eve Paludan, author of LETTERS FROM DAVID and TAKING BACK TARA
"This is a great story of the trials and tribulations of a young girl struggling through more than just your average teenage troubles. An inspiring tale, Babich has delivered a masterpiece! Two thumbs up!"
—Jen Ashton, author of WHOLE IN MY HEART
After all, it’s easy to lose weight when you don’t eat, right?
Kaitlyn quickly discovers that the rewards of being thin are fantastic. Boys in school take notice. Her popularity soars. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn restricts her diet even more. Unfortunately, Kaitlyn’s unhealthy weight loss falls under the radar since her family has other problems. Big problems, life-changing problems.
But when Kaitlyn's weight loss reaches a critical phase, as her family rallies around her, Kaitlyn will discover that there's more to life than being popular and thin. But will this revelation come too late?
**Acclaim for the Novels of Elaine Babich**
"Heartbreaking and touching. A powerful story of a teenager's struggle with anorexia, told in a straight forward and powerful way, without talking down to the reader and without being overly sentimental. YOU NEVER CALLED ME PRINCESS is an honest look at what could happen when a young girl decides to lose weight at all costs. Should be mandatory reading for any parent who suspects their child might have an eating disorder. I believe the novel will show the reader that there are answers to their problems, and that they are not alone. Highly recommended. An important novel."
—J.R. Rain, author of MOON DANCE and THE BODY DEPARTED
"An intriguing debut, and an excellent read. Gripping and touching, a story written from the heart. Elaine Babich has fashioned a story that many young girls could relate to. In the end we are left with a poignant glimpse into the beauty of family and the love of life and the wonder that connects us all."
—Summer Lee, author of ANGEL HEART and KINDRED SPIRITS
"Elaine Babich has created such a vivid tale of teenage angst and redemption—one that will stay with me for a long time."
—Aiden James, author of CADES COVE and PLAGUE OF COINS
"In RELATIVELY NORMAL, author Elaine Babich weaves a compelling book of angst and illness in the believable, first-person voice of Kaitlyn Simmons, a fifteen-year-old girl from a dysfunctional family. Kaitlyn, who is only semi-recovered from a serious eating disorder, is diagnosed with serious epilepsy and other health issues. The heroine comes to terms with her disease as she adjusts to her medications, backslides into her eating disorder again, explores relationships with boyfriends (age-appropriate), and handles problems with a girl bully. Her coming-of-age story of self-discovery, acceptance of her imperfect body, and a surprise twist at the end will leave readers with a smile and hope for every teenage girl to overcome debilitating ED illness and difficult family issues. I loved this book and want to recommend it to teenage girls, especially. The heroine is likable, and one to whom YA readers will relate. High moral values, with exploration into body image and excellent life lessons, with no preachiness. Five stars!"
—Eve Paludan, author of LETTERS FROM DAVID and TAKING BACK TARA
"This is a great story of the trials and tribulations of a young girl struggling through more than just your average teenage troubles. An inspiring tale, Babich has delivered a masterpiece! Two thumbs up!"
—Jen Ashton, author of WHOLE IN MY HEART
