Louder Than Hunger - John Schu

When Jake's stomach growls, it's the Voice that answers.

Don't eat that garbage!  You already ate an apple again!  You didn't exercise enough!

But listening to the Voice isn't good for Jake.  His mom knows, his grandma knows and the staff at Whispering Pines, where Jake has been sent to heal, all know too.  If Jake is going to lead the life he wants - the one he deserves - he must learn to silence the Voice and find his own.

Jake is an American teenager who is struggling with so many things in his life, and controlling his food is one way for him to deal with things. His relationship with his parents is difficult and it's his grandmother who is the one person he feels he can rely on; however the Voice in his head is screaming at him not to eat.  Jake thinks he's hiding it well but when Ms Burns calls his mum, he is sent to Whispering Pines, a unit for teenagers, to help him heal. It's a long journey for Jake and far from straight-forward.  

A novel in verse, Louder Than Hunger is an powerful book and one that gives an incredible insight as to what it is like for a teenager with anorexia (I particularly liked the male perspective). Based on the author's own experiences, the book is certainly difficult to read at times, but is one that is also full of heart.

Cleverly written, the book is formed from a series of diary-like entries that represent Jake's journey.  With each new day identified, it subtly reminds readers how long recovery can take and that it is one that is full of ups and downs (or perhaps I should say downs and ups, as for so long, it seems as though Jake hits downs far more than ups).  The Voice is given its own font and is bolder and larger than Jake's own voice, once again a clever but very effective way of showing readers how all-consuming and overpowering that internal monologue is.

Publishing on the 4th April, Louder Than Hunger is a raw and honest insight into anorexia, OCD and depression.  It is a book many will find a very emotional read (I cried several times) and for some, it could be triggering.  The book pulls no punches, yet feels gentle at the same time; I wanted to reach into the book and hug Jake on so many occasions.  Huge thanks to John Schu for opening his heart and for sharing his experiences in this way.  I hope it helps others to silence their Voice.