Books › Kessa
Kessa
First published 1986 · 247 pages
An earnest, psychologically grounded journey into the mind of a teenager navigating the difficult path of eating disorder recovery.
What it feels like
Set against the backdrop of early 1980s New York City, this steady, introspective novel offers a deeply empathetic look into the psychological realities of anorexia nervosa. The narrative feels earnest and psychologically intense, focusing heavily on the internal conflicts, fears, and emotional hurdles of recovery rather than fast-paced plot twists. Through grounded, realistic prose, the reader is invited into intimate therapeutic spaces and fraught family dynamics, fostering a profound sense of compassion for its teenage protagonist. It is a heavy but ultimately insightful reading experience, perfect for those who appreciate serious, character-driven fiction that treats adolescent mental health struggles with the gravity and understanding they deserve.
- Mood
- introspective
- heavy
- psychologically intense
- Tone
- earnest
- compassionate
- serious
- empathetic
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- eating disorder recovery · psychological conflict · teenage struggles · therapeutic healing · family dynamics
- The writing
- Direct and psychologically grounded, focusing on internal emotional landscapes and therapeutic dialogue.
- The arc
- Moves from the isolating grip of fear and internal conflict toward a compassionate understanding of oneself and the beginnings of recovery.
- Who it's for
- Readers looking for a realistic, empathetic exploration of teenage mental health struggles and the difficult journey of recovery.
Content notes
- anorexia nervosa
- eating disorders
- mental illness
About the book
From School Library Journal:
A compelling sequel to The Best Little Girl in the World (Warner, 1979) that can be read independently. Here again readers are drawn into the world of a teenage girl suffering from anorexia nervosa. Kessa's character is strongly believable as Levenkron describes her encounters with family, friends and therapist that provide insight into the conflicts and fears that anorexics face. Kessa's struggles to understand the emotions and happenings that led to her anorexia are made real for readers, who will feel compassion toward Kessa as they gain understanding of the disease.
Description from Open Library.
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