Never Enough by Denise Jaden

Never Enough by Denise Jaden


Release Date: July 10, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rated: YA 14+
Format: eGalley
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab
Buy: Amazon ❘ The Book Depository
Goodreads ◆ Website

From the author of Losing Faith, a novel about two sisters and the eating disorder that threatens to destroy their family.

Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special… even if that means betraying her sister.

But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship —and her sister—before it’s too late?

I haven't read Losing Faith but I sure will because Denise Jaden's writing just blew me away. Never Enough is her second book, and it is one heck of a story. I immediately fell in love with this contemporary– and even though it's not fluffy, it's definitely perfect for summer!
What I found deeply satisfying with this novel was the fact that the author took it from her own personal experience in the matter of eating disorders. She had friends, like Loann with her sister Claire, who had struggles with eating and it grew until it became a major problem. I like how that from this situation she was able to share this story and making it more real than it would have if the information was all from research.

I must say however, even though I absolutely adored the story, I wasn't too big a fan of some of the characters. I didn't really like a lot of them until halfway through the book! Loann, or better known as Loey, is our main character, but I didn't really like her. I thought her personality conflicted– she was supposed to be a loner or an outcast, but she's very open when she first meets Marcus. I just thought it was a little strange, but on the other hand she does have a thing for her sister's boyfriend... oh well. Marcus, oh Marcus. I'll admit, he took a little time to warm up to, but how I loved him in the end. I liked how Loann and his relationship was like BANG! head-over-heels in love. No, this one actually started off as a friendship (even though it was a little more than friendship that Loann was looking for) and turned into something more at the end. A little frustrating on my part, because I was dying to see when they would finally kiss or something. *guilty*
And Claire! Oh gosh, I think she's my favorite character in this novel. Even though she's a bitch for some of the time, you really do see how much she struggles in the end. Like I mentioned before, this book really does shine on a personal level, and the difficulties that Claire has to go through is really gut-wrenching and makes you want to tear your hair out. That much of emotion. The book is really a journey of her fight and how it results in the end.

Never Enough is one contemporary you should really try. I fell in love with Jaden's writing from start to finish, and wanted more when the end came. It's sweet, sad and will have you close to tears, because from abuse to eating disorders, you'll be reaching for the tissue box constantly. Loved this quest for living and love, and can't wait to get my hands on Losing Faith!

If you like this, try...

• Saving June by Hannah Harrington ◆ Goodreads
• All These Lives by Sarah Wylie ◆ Goodreads

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