I really liked the way this one was written. It was such a unique and great idea to mix a common social issue with the concept of the Four Horsemen. It's certainly different and I liked it. It made a whole lot of sense,and did put a lot of things in perspective.

What I liked the most? is the Kurt Cobain version of 'Death' he was just plain awesome. I loved it whenever he appeared, he always had some sort of ironic witty comment to contribute. I'd have to say, he was one of my favorite characters in the book.

The way Lisa's hunger is described, especially during a scene where she's on a date with her boyfriend, the description of the food, the smells, especially the fries! I was almost hungry myself! this, I thought was a great way of writing. It was so well done, you could almost taste and sense of what Lisa is feeling and what she's missing out on. What I liked the most about Lisa is, she grows and develops as a character. She finally sees what she's doing to herself in a rather eye opening revelation (so to speak)

This book was a great way of tackling a very common issue among teenage girls and I most definitely recommend this. It's put in an interesting manner by using the Four Horsemen and taking a problem plaguing young girls and putting it together. It's different and makes an interesting read. I say give it a try, it's worth a look through - it's a fast read and worth the time.

Hunger may deal with a serious disorder but it uses a fascinating supernatural element in helping the main character overcome it and find her inner strength and self confidence. It's definitely unique and it was very fascinating. If you're a fan of issue books, check this one out!
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Hunger is such an interesting spin on the issue books I'm used to reading. Yes it deals with a serious disorder--in this case anorexia--but it also has a supernatural element that I've never seen before with the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It's certainly something I'd never thought about but after reading Hunger (and Rage which I'll review soon) I can definitely see how the individuals would fit into those big, creepy shoes.

Lisabeth is an anorexic teenager, struggling with food every day of her life. Having taken a course on eating disorders, and then finding out the author herself dealt with bulimia, I was impressed at how realistic Lisa came across. You really get how much she struggles and suffers with herself and how she looks and feels. From the voice in her head that's always calling her fat or counting calories, to the strength and control she's constantly looking for. It was all there and it felt real.

The wording in this book is incredible. Ms. Kessler has a way of making them seem alive. Everything is described in detail and with so many meaningful metaphors and all sorts of literary devices. I loved it, it was so rich.

The whole Horsemen angle plays a big role, not really in the actual bringer-of-the-apocalypse sense, but in helping Lisa. As the Black Rider, Famine, she's responsible for starvation around the globe. But she doesn't want people to suffer because of her, so she needs to find a less damaging way to use her powers. This and an altercation with another Rider have an impact in getting Lisa to find her own inner strength and balance. Balance on the battlefield and in her own life. It was pretty amazing how it all came together so beautifully. And it was logical too!

On top of all that, there's Death. Death isn't like the dark, creepy, guy in a black robe carrying a sickle you're imagining. He likes taking the persona of a certain legendary grunge rocker and playing the guitar. He's witty, darkly humorous, and seriously mysterious. He's by far my favourite character. There's such a morbid curiosity surrounding him and I can't wait to learn more about him in the future books.
Review also here: http://allofeverythingforyou.blogspot.com/2011/07/review-hunger-by-jackie-morse-kessler.html

I was immediately drawn to Lisa's character. I felt her character was a very graphic portrayal of what someone with anorexia looks like and feels like. Everyone around her knows what is happening, yet she is in denial still that anything is wrong with her. That is until Death comes along and asks her to become Famine, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Lisa at first doesn't understand what is required of her to fulfill Famine's shoes. As she travels the world on her steed, Midnight, and witnesses the various communities that are dealing with huger and death, she slowly begins to realize that she could actually help the people instead of causing the horrible outbreak of famine. With that being said, she had to learn that the hard way, by realizing that you can't change unless you truly want to. By seeing the world hunger and choosing to help instead of hinder, she finds the strength that was always insider her. Lisa then has the courage to ask for help for herself to get better.

Honestly, my favourite character in the book was Death. His dialogue, "Thou art Famine, yo. Time to make with the starvation.", his philosophical comments and his style of wearing old school Converse high tops make him seem more approachable than the traditional black cloak and scythe. He brings some humour to an otherwise intense topic.

Also, the use of War, one of the Horsemen, being represented as having control over many aspects of people's thoughts and actions, such as Lisa's Thin voice telling her she is weak. It shows that Lisa has been at war with herself over her battle with anorexia and only once she figures out she is strong enough to fight back, is she able to control the outcome instead of letting the Thin voice win.

Overall, it is a very well written novel. Kessler also adds some personal experience in the notes at the end of this book. I think it adds that much more to the story as she has personal experience with this topic.

I'm looking forward to the next installments of the Horsemen novels.

"You are full of fear," Death says, "when instead you should be comfortable with your own strength."

Jackie has created a novel that I believe with touch the heart of every girl that reads it. Any girl who has an eating disorder or has thought about it should read this novel. I guarantee it will change your prospective and will give you your second chance just like Lisa got her second chance. Throughout reading the book I felt the pain both Lisa and Tammy were feeling. I don't suggest eating anything while you're reading...there is a pretty graphic scene one of the character puking. Let's just say my Chicken McNuggets did not like reading that and I was almost sick. I know very ironic that I was eating a super unhealthy meal while reading about two girls that can't bear to eat anything. I felt pretty guilty.
Jackie also shows her character Lisa that she does have people that care about her well being. Even though at first Lisa is pissed and thinks they are just being insulting. Lisa is lucky that Death has given her a second chance to live her life. Most girls don't get a second chance. Lisa realizes throughout the book that she does have a problem and has a support system behind her.
Two thumbs up to Jackie for writing a novel based on one of the biggest problems among teen girls. I hope that it will open the eyes of many and will help them to ask for the help that they need. Remember you will always have a support system behind you even if you don't believe it. Your family and friends would rather have a happy and healthy daughter/friend then a sad and unhealthy or possibly dead daughter/friend.
The Results:
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Would I let my 15 year old sister read: Yes, I may force some of her friends with low self esteem to read it as well.
Minimum course language (If I remember correctly there is 1 or 2 swear words) and no inappropriate sexual references.


Please check out my blog for more reviews www.vampsweresandcassay.blogspot.com