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A review by parklandmom
A Christmas to Live For by Brett Nelson
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars - Read via Kindle eBook.
PREFACE: This was a little difficult for me to read because I almost lost a friend to anorexia nervosa. I had a roommate with bulimia and then another friend with bulimia. But please don’t let that discourage you from reading it. I’m glad that I did. Hard truths are never easy.
The self-loathing, immense sadness, and critical/negative attitude of the MMC is heart-wrenching. However, it is accurate and it’s important for people learn and understand. It’s a little different with each person but it’s always extremely hard.
The author has a flair for bringing out the romance. There are many sweet moments and beautiful displays of loyal friendships and the love of family.
There were a few minor things that I didn’t care for:
- The first part of chapter one isn’t needed. We don’t know who these people are and they aren’t pertinent to the story at all.
- Though Andrew is great and loyal friend to the MMC, Andrew’s immaturity and crassness is a little frustrating. It seems contradictory to his very loyal and giving heart of friendship and leadership.
- I do wish the story between the MMC and his love interest didn’t skip from the initial meeting to after several weeks of dating. I felt a little cheated. Lol! Then their relationship grows rather quickly for not seeing each other much.
- The grown women are depicted as teenagers several times with all the squealing and jumping up and down. Women don’t typically act like that.
- I do not feel there is any resolve at the end. He does not admit his eating disorder to his friends, or especially his girlfriend. Also, somehow his girlfriend is clueless to a grown man being 89 pounds? He didn’t make plans to get therapy. I feel left with questions.
Regardless of all of that, I feel this was an important story to tell because eating disorders are immensely difficult to comprehend for all parties. Perhaps even more so when it’s a male. You could definitely feel the heart and sincerity from the author. He can only grow as he continues to write. Kudos to his bravery.
PREFACE: This was a little difficult for me to read because I almost lost a friend to anorexia nervosa. I had a roommate with bulimia and then another friend with bulimia. But please don’t let that discourage you from reading it. I’m glad that I did. Hard truths are never easy.
The self-loathing, immense sadness, and critical/negative attitude of the MMC is heart-wrenching. However, it is accurate and it’s important for people learn and understand. It’s a little different with each person but it’s always extremely hard.
The author has a flair for bringing out the romance. There are many sweet moments and beautiful displays of loyal friendships and the love of family.
There were a few minor things that I didn’t care for:
- The first part of chapter one isn’t needed. We don’t know who these people are and they aren’t pertinent to the story at all.
- Though Andrew is great and loyal friend to the MMC, Andrew’s immaturity and crassness is a little frustrating. It seems contradictory to his very loyal and giving heart of friendship and leadership.
- I do wish the story between the MMC and his love interest didn’t skip from the initial meeting to after several weeks of dating. I felt a little cheated. Lol! Then their relationship grows rather quickly for not seeing each other much.
- The grown women are depicted as teenagers several times with all the squealing and jumping up and down. Women don’t typically act like that.
- I do not feel there is any resolve at the end. He does not admit his eating disorder to his friends, or especially his girlfriend. Also, somehow his girlfriend is clueless to a grown man being 89 pounds? He didn’t make plans to get therapy. I feel left with questions.
Regardless of all of that, I feel this was an important story to tell because eating disorders are immensely difficult to comprehend for all parties. Perhaps even more so when it’s a male. You could definitely feel the heart and sincerity from the author. He can only grow as he continues to write. Kudos to his bravery.