In this recent publication by prolific author Hannah Moskowtiz we are told the tale of Etta, who is black, bisexual and in recovery from an eating disorder. Never feeling like she quite fits in with any group of friends, it isn’t until Ella meets Bianca, another patient in her eating disorder recovery group that she is able to start on the path toward healing.
Check out this book and more on our best of list for books with disabled characters.
Check out this book and more on our best of list for books with Black characters.
Publisher’s Description:
Etta is tired of dealing with all of the labels and categories that seem so important to everyone else in her small Nebraska hometown.
Everywhere she turns, someone feels she’s too fringe for the fringe. Not gay enough for the Dykes, her ex-clique, thanks to a recent relationship with a boy; not tiny and white enough for ballet, her first passion; and not sick enough to look anorexic (partially thanks to recovery). Etta doesn’t fit anywhere— until she meets Bianca, the straight, white, Christian, and seriously sick girl in Etta’s therapy group. Both girls are auditioning for Brentwood, a prestigious New York theater academy that is so not Nebraska. Bianca seems like Etta’s salvation, but how can Etta be saved by a girl who needs saving herself?
The latest powerful, original novel from Hannah Moskowitz is the story about living in and outside communities and stereotypes, and defining your own identity.
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Genre: Contemporary
Representation:
Gender:
Cis girls: Etta, Rachel, Bianca
Cis boys: James
Sexuality:
Bisexual: Etta
Lesbian/Queer: Rachel, Natasha
Gay/Queer: James
Heterosexual: Bianca
Romantic Orientation:
Not mentioned in the book. Presumed to be the same as the characters’ sexual orientation.
Race/Ethnicity:
Black: Etta
White: James, Bianca
Japanese: Rachel
Disability:
Etta has EDNOS. Bianca also has an eating disorder.
Religion:
James and Bianca are evangelical Christians.
Trigger Warnings:
Eating disorder
Bimisia/biphobia (called out)
Bullying
Additional Notes:
Though the bimisia is called out, it may still be harmful to some bisexual and pansexual readers. Addditionally some readers find the depiction of The Dykes unrealistic and lesbomisic.
Ownvoices: Ownvoices for bisexuality and eating disorders.