Paper Weight

Based on experience, Meg Haston tells the story of 17-year-old Stevie. Her journey into an eating disorder results from her complicated family history, and the guilt she feels for events which were actually beyond her control. She is initially damaged by her mother's rejection of the family. She also feels betrayed by her loving but ineffective father's reactions. Stevie now relies on her brother, Josh as her support. When her deepening relationship with Eden, her best friend, is threatened by Josh's interest in Eden, tragedy results. Stevie blames herself, and she ends up in residential therapy.

Stevie's story is revealed through flashbacks as she approaches a significant anniversary. Sometimes harrowing, Haston's novel offers an insightful, deeply thoughtful account of Stevie's journey to self-knowledge.