Kaitlyn Simons is not like other girls. She has a secret. A heartbreaking secret. And now it’s all she can do to just get through the day, acting and behaving just like a normal girl. It’s been a year and a half since Kaitlyn was first hospitalized for a life-threatening eating disorder. And just when she thinks her life is back on track, she’s thrown for another loop. A devastating loop... moreKaitlyn Simons is not like other girls. She has a secret. A heartbreaking secret. And now it’s all she can do to just get through the day, acting and behaving just like a normal girl. It’s been a year and a half since Kaitlyn was first hospitalized for a life-threatening eating disorder. And just when she thinks her life is back on track, she’s thrown for another loop. A devastating loop. Diagnosed with a heartbreaking medical condition, it’s all Kaitlyn can do to keep it together — and keep it together she must. After all, she’s about to enter high school and a whole new world of boys and trouble. 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 Deadly Night "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 less
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