Hunger (Horsemen of the Apocalypse, #1) by Jackie Morse Kessler

Title: Hunger

Author: Jackie Morse Kessler

Series: 1st in Horseman of the Apocalypse series

Published: October 10, 2010 by Harcourt Graphia

Pages: 180

ISBN: 9780547341248

Source: ARC from We Love YA Tours

Description: Lisabeth Lewis is no stranger to starvation. Her life revolves around counting calories, constant exercise, denying herself even the strongest cravings. Lisa is in a constant battle with hunger for control over her body. When, in a moment of desperation, she almost gives up that control completely, she is visited by a wisecracking messenger who turns out to be Death. He offers Lisa a rare opportunity: to become one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse—Famine. As Famine, Lisa travels the world on her black steed, visiting parts of the world where hunger is a painful part of everyday life. She’s horrified to see her own power destroy crops and turn food to dust. But when she finds a way to harness her power as Famine and use it for nourishment rather than deprivation, Lisa finally gains the courage to face her own problem. 

I Give This ...

 

I have to admit this book was completely original.   I loved how the author has taken a biblical reference and made it into something modern.  All 4 of the horseman are included in this book, but we only get a real look at Famine (although Death plays a pretty good role as well).  By the end of the book I truly wondered if Death choose Lizabeth as Famine because she was anorexic.  It was a way to help her see past her problem and see people who were really hunger.  I think it helped put her eating disorder in perspective.  I liked how the supernatural played into this story.  Horses that no one can see, traveling huge distance in the blink of an eye, and the awesome power to create hunger.  I thought it was impressive that Lizabeth managed to find away to use her power for good.  In turn I thought this created an awesome showdown with War.   I was impressed with how the author handled the delicate issue of an easting disorder.  It showed Lizabeth vulnerable.  I liked how the author was able to show that even those who you think are total control of themselves are likely putting on a show.  And sometimes, the ones who care about you the most are saying something you don't want to hear.

So, why the 3 butterflies?   There's two main reasons.  First, I really think the book could have been longer.  At under 200 pages, I just wasn't satisfied.  I know everything ties up nicely, but I wanted more.  I think the author could have expanded on some things.  Second, I hate nitpicking, but when something still stands out in my mind 2 weeks after I read the book, I have to mention it.  I dislike talk about bodily functions.   There's a passage describing Lizabeth's struggle to have bowel movement.  Now maybe this is a real problem with eating disorders, but I just didn't like the way the author presented it.  And, it didn't add to the story.  There's also a part with a very detailed description of Lizabeth's friend and her bulimia.  While, I do think this helped show something important to Lizabeth, it was just really hard to read (I think this might be partly due to my own aversion to throw-up).

I will be continuing this series though.  The author has something to offer her and I want to see were the series goes!