On the Spectrum
Jennifer Gold, Author
Second Story Press, Fiction, Sep. 12, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 13-18
Themes: Unhealthy Eating, Autism Spectrum, Family Relationships, Siblings, Paris
Synopsis: Growing up in the shadow of a famous ballerina mother, Clara has never felt good about her body. She remembers her mother taking her trick-or-treating and letting her pick out one piece of candy before pitching the rest into the trash. Now, at sixteen, she has an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. A school counselor intervenes, tells Clara she has an eating disorder and consults with her mother, who feels like a monster mom. With her diagnosis and a bullying incident on social media, Clara decides to escape for the summer to Paris to stay with her estranged dad, step-mother and six-year-old brother, Alastair, who is on the autism spectrum. Charged with his care, Clara and Alastair set out to explore the city. Paris, and a handsome young French baker, teaches Clara about first love and a new appreciation of food. And Alastair teaches Clara about patience, trust, and the beauty of loving without judgment.
Why I like this book:
Occasionally you discover a book that captures your heart and you know you are reading something special. Jennifer Gold’s On the Spectrum is like that. It is a story about love, family relationships, differences, friendships, patience and acceptance. She introduces readers to Clara, who is fixated with healthy eating, exercise and clean living, but isn’t necessarily anorexic or bulimic. She exists on a spectrum, just like her half-brother, Alastair, who has autism. Their journeys are cleverly intertwined and create a fun-loving adventure for readers.
Gold offers readers an important glimpse into the dynamics that play a role in Clara’s eating disorder. Clara has a strained but loving relationship with her mother, who has a life-long obsession with food. It’s honest but fragile. There is a touching moment when her mother shares the damage that her poor nutritional habits have caused her body. Her mother realizes she’s been a poor role model and wants to see her daughter healthy. Clara’s issues with food are realistically portrayed. She is slim, but doesn’t look anorexic. When Clara looks at bread, she thinks about the bleach in white flour that has been linked to colon cancer. But she can’t make herself take a bite of poison.
The real strength in the book is the development of Clara and Alastair’s relationship. Clara is caring and kind and isn’t quite sure what to make of her sweet, smart and brutally honest young charge. Alastair is adorable. He has sensory issues, allergies to nuts and difficulty with social cues. His over protective mother, Mag, makes him wear orthopedic shoes and carry an adult backpack. Mag wants him to learn to embrace his differences. Clara realizes that kids from school bully Alastair and make fun of his attire. She takes him on a shopping spree and lets Alastair pick out a new back pack and a cool pair of shoes. Clara doesn’t want to change him, just help him fit in. The trust and bond between the two grow as they encourage each other to overcome their fears and differences, and try new things. I admit, Alastair is my favorite character.
Jennifer Gold’s On the Spectrum will captivate readers and transport them to Paris with its Old World charm, beautiful architecture, café, museums, quaint markets. I loved learning about French cooking, strolls in the parks and Paris at night. The setting and vivid imagery, the characters, and the well-paced plot make for an unforgettable and entertaining experience for readers.
Resources: For more information on orthorexia visit the National Eating Disorder’s Association (NEDA). Orthorexia means an obsession with proper or ‘healthful’ eating. Although being aware of and concerned with the nutritional quality of the food you eat isn’t a problem in and of itself, people with orthorexia become so fixated on so-called ‘healthy eating’ that they actually damage their own well-being. NEDA says that it is on the rise, but it isn’t actually in the diagnostics.
Jennifer Gold is the author of Soldier Doll, a Bank Street Best Book (2015) and White Pine Award finalist (2016), and Undiscovered Country for teens. She is a lawyer and lives with her family in Toronto.
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Sounds like a great story that handles sensitive issues in a compelling fashion. And I love the Paris setting.
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I loved the Paris setting and the well-developed sibling relationship.
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Sounds like a thought-provoking read with the parallels b/n Clara and her brother.
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Gold did an excellent job showing siblings with different issues on a spectrum. But, it was such a heartwarming read. I worked with women with eating disorders in another life time, and orthorexia is new to me.
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This is a timely young adult novel. What a perfect setting, a place famous for good food! And I’m going to Paris in May!
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Lucky you! Wish you could sneak me in your bag. This story made me want to visit Paris. I was not familiar with orthorexia and I worked with women with eating disorders years ago. Still not a formal diagnosis, but it impacts a lot of people. So that hooked my interest.
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The setting and issues explored intrigue me. I especially like the plot direction with the MC and the younger brother. I will have to find a copy of this one. Thanks for telling us about it.
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The first third of the book sets up the dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship. But, it is important. The story really takes off when Clara arrives in Paris. Beautiful story filled with heart. And, I think middle grade students could read this. It involves friendship and a tad of first love.
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These issues are getting a lot of play these days and it’s about time. Thanks for telling me about this book. I sounds like something I would like. I’m putting it on my TBR list.
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It is such a heartwarming adventure. I love the bond between Clara and Alastair.
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Brilliant topic and on point for so many facing similar issues today.
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I had never heard of orthorexia before. And, although recognized, it isn’t in the diagnostics.
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I’m so happy to hear your recommendation for this book! I’d seen the cover and gotten all the wrong Impressions. Now I’m excited to look it up!
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The cover didn’t grab me at first. But, the book is very good.
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I think this is the first YA i have seen about Orthorexia, and it sounds à moving and nuanced read. What a terrific find and I loved your review.
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I wasn’t familiar with it either, and I spent years working in the field. It still isn’t in the diagnostics. I saw similarities with anorexia, but Clara is healthy, unlike her mother. I loved this read, especially spending the summer in France.
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