MILK FED by Melissa Broder was selected as a February book club read. It is the first book of Broder's I have read, although now I am extremely intrigued by her prior book, The Pisces. Broder's writing style is snappy, impactful, and deliciously descriptive. The chapters are super short and so you can just fly through this one for sure.

While this book does have some steamy sexual encounters (both real and imaginary) which will be most-remembered by many who read this, I am walking away with a feeling of sadness and sympathy for our protagonist, Rachel. I just felt so much for her. The book also heavily focuses on parental issues, eating disorders, and other psychologically damning behaviors. Sex as coping and/or running to/from intimacy are also on the forefront here. And I am not quite sure if she is running to or from intimacy... or both! Rachel's eating disorder and calorie counting seem to be fueled, in many ways, by the need to be loved by somebody. She seems to have challenges accepting herself based on "rules" and judgments imposed by her mother, society, and religion.

I think my biggest issue with this book, however, is the repetitiveness of the story chapter after chapter. There seemed to be a back-and-forth pattern of her obsessive eating controls, self-worth issues, and sex. But perhaps that repetition was intentional... as if to bring the reader more into her psyche and connect more with her. Because, believe me, you are IN her mind 100% and the inner monologue and thoughts she has are illuminating on multiple levels. This is an interesting read that highlights a lot of issues, and it is one that I will recommend for sure. Another successful book club read complete!