5 Books Similar to Skinny by Ibi Kaslik that You Should Read Next
What is Skinny by Ibi Kaslik?
Skinny is a young adult novel by Canadian author Ibi Kaslik, published in 2004. The book tells the story of two sisters, Giselle and Holly, who struggle with various issues after the death of their father. Giselle is a medical student who suffers from anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder that affects her physical and mental health. Holly is a track star who tries to cope with her sister's condition, her own identity crisis, and her complicated relationship with her mother.
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The book is written from the alternating perspectives of Giselle and Holly, each chapter narrated by one of them. The book explores themes such as family, love, pain, acceptance, and recovery. It also offers a realistic and honest portrayal of anorexia and its impact on both the individual and the people around them.
Ibi Kaslik is a writer, journalist, and teacher who has written two novels, Skinny and The Angel Riots. She has also contributed to various publications such as The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, Elle Canada, and The Walrus. She has been nominated for several awards, including the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction and the Amazon.ca First Novel Award.
What is the plot of Skinny?
The plot of Skinny follows the lives of Giselle and Holly Vasco, two sisters who live in Toronto with their mother. Their father died when they were young, leaving them with a sense of loss and abandonment. Giselle was his favorite daughter, and she felt a strong connection with him through their shared interest in medicine. After his death, she developed anorexia nervosa, a disorder that makes her obsessively restrict her food intake and exercise excessively. She also suffers from hallucinations of her father's voice, which criticizes her appearance and urges her to lose more weight.
Holly is four years younger than Giselle, and she admires her sister for her intelligence and beauty. She is a talented runner who dreams of becoming an Olympic athlete. However, she also feels insecure about her own identity and sexuality. She has a crush on her best friend's brother, Marcus, but she is afraid to admit it. She also feels guilty for not being able to help her sister or understand her condition.
The book begins with Giselle being hospitalized after collapsing from malnutrition. She is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and put under psychiatric care. Holly visits her regularly, but she feels frustrated by Giselle's denial and resistance to treatment. She also faces pressure from her mother, who blames herself for Giselle's illness and expects Holly to be perfect. Holly tries to balance her schoolwork, her track practice, her social life, and her family obligations.
As the book progresses, both sisters face challenges and opportunities that test their resilience and their bond. Giselle meets a fellow patient named Solange, who becomes her friend and confidant. She also reconnects with her old boyfriend, Adrian, who still loves her and wants to help her recover. Holly meets a new friend, Lacey, who introduces her to a different lifestyle and encourages her to express herself. She also gets closer to Marcus, who shares her passion for running and music.
The book ends with a hopeful note, as both sisters make some progress in their healing process. Giselle decides to leave the hospital and move in with Adrian, who supports her recovery. She also realizes that she needs to let go of her father's ghost and forgive herself for his death. Holly decides to come out as bisexual and tell Marcus how she feels about him. She also learns to accept her sister's condition and appreciate her own strengths.
What are the themes and messages of Skinny?
Skinny is a book that explores several themes and messages that are relevant to young adults and anyone who has experienced or witnessed an eating disorder. Some of the main themes and messages are:
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness that affects not only the body but also the mind and the emotions. It is not a choice or a lifestyle, but a disorder that requires professional help and support. It can be caused by various factors, such as trauma, stress, low self-esteem, or social pressure. It can also have severe consequences, such as organ damage, infertility, osteoporosis, or death.
Family is an important source of love, support, and identity, but it can also be a source of conflict, pain, and misunderstanding. The book shows how the Vasco family deals with the loss of their father and the impact of Giselle's anorexia on their relationships. The book also shows how each family member has their own issues and needs, and how they try to cope with them in different ways.
Identity is a complex and fluid concept that can change over time and in different contexts. The book shows how Giselle and Holly struggle with their sense of self and their roles in their family and society. Giselle defines herself by her academic achievements and her appearance, but she loses sight of her true self as she succumbs to anorexia. Holly defines herself by her athletic abilities and her loyalty to her sister, but she also questions her sexual orientation and her personal goals.
Recovery is a long and difficult process that requires courage, patience, and perseverance. It is not a linear or straightforward path, but a journey that involves setbacks, challenges, and opportunities. It is not something that can be done alone, but something that requires the help and support of others. It is not something that can be forced or imposed, but something that has to come from within.
How to download Skinny by Ibi Kaslik in PDF or EPUB format?
If you are interested in reading Skinny by Ibi Kaslik, you might be wondering how to download it in PDF or EPUB format. There are several ways to do this, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some options:
If you want to read the book for free, you can try searching for it on websites that offer free ebooks, such as OceanofPDF or Internet Archive . However, be aware that these websites might not have the legal rights to distribute the book, and that downloading from them might violate the author's copyright.
If you want to support the author and pay for the book, you can buy it from online retailers that sell ebooks, such as Amazon, Kobo, or Google Play Books. These websites will allow you to download the book in various formats, including PDF and EPUB, after you make your purchase.
If you want to access the book with a subscription service, you can sign up for platforms that offer unlimited ebooks for a monthly fee, such as Scribd, Kindle Unlimited, or Audible. These platforms will let you read or listen to the book online or offline using their apps or devices.
What are some reviews and ratings of Skinny?
Skinny by Ibi Kaslik has received mixed reviews and ratings from critics and readers alike. Some people praised the book for its realistic and powerful depiction of anorexia and its effects on both the individual and the family. They also appreciated the author's writing style, which alternates between poetic and gritty, and captures the voices of both sisters. Some people criticized the book for its lack of plot development, character depth, and emotional impact. They also found the book depressing, confusing, or boring.
Here are some examples of reviews and ratings from different sources:
What are some similar books to Skinny?
If you enjoyed reading Skinny by Ibi Kaslik, you might be interested in reading some similar books that deal with eating disorders, mental health, or young adult fiction. Here are some suggestions:
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson: This is a novel about two best friends, Lia and Cassie, who both suffer from anorexia and bulimia. When Cassie dies from her disorder, Lia spirals into guilt and self-destruction. The book explores Lia's struggle to overcome her illness and find hope in her life.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson: This is a novel about a teenage girl, Melinda, who stops speaking after she is raped at a party. She becomes isolated and depressed, and starts to cut herself. The book follows her journey to find her voice and confront her trauma.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: This is a novel about a shy and introverted boy, Charlie, who writes letters to an anonymous friend. He shares his experiences of high school, friendship, love, family, and mental health. The book tackles issues such as suicide, abuse, sexuality, and drugs.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: This is a novel about two misfit teenagers, Eleanor and Park, who fall in love in the 1980s. Eleanor is overweight and bullied at school and at home. Park is half-Korean and into comics and music. The book depicts their romance and their challenges.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: This is a novel about a dystopian society where 12 districts are forced to send one boy and one girl each year to compete in a televised death match. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister's place and fights for her survival. The book explores themes such as oppression, rebellion, violence, and survival.
Conclusion
Skinny by Ibi Kaslik is a powerful and realistic novel that portrays the lives of two sisters who are affected by anorexia nervosa. The book offers a glimpse into the mind and emotions of someone who suffers from this disorder, as well as the impact it has on their family and friends. The book also explores themes such as family, identity, recovery, and acceptance. The book is written in a poetic and gritty style that captures the voices of both sisters. The book is suitable for older teens and adults who are interested in reading about eating disorders, mental health, or young adult fiction.
If you want to read Skinny by Ibi Kaslik, you can download it in PDF or EPUB format from various websites, either for free or for a fee. You can also read some reviews and ratings of the book from different sources to get an idea of what other people think of it. You can also check out some similar books that deal with eating disorders, mental health, or young adult fiction.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Skinny by Ibi Kaslik:
Q: Is Skinny based on a true story?A: No, Skinny is not based on a true story. However, the author has said that she was inspired by her own experience of having an older sister who suffered from anorexia nervosa.
Q: How old are Giselle and Holly in the book?A: Giselle is 22 years old and Holly is 14 years old in the book.
Q: What does the title Skinny mean?A: The title Skinny has multiple meanings. It refers to Giselle's obsession with being thin and losing weight. It also refers to Holly's nickname for Giselle when they were younger. It also refers to the thinness of their relationship and their communication.
Q: What genre is Skinny?A: Skinny is a young adult novel that belongs to the genre of realistic fiction. It also has elements of psychological fiction and social issues fiction.
Q: Who is the target audience for Skinny?A: Skinny is aimed at older teens and adults who are interested in reading about eating disorders, mental health, or young adult fiction. The book contains mature topics and language that might not be suitable for younger readers.
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