Hope Road

Feeling for Bones [Bethany Pierce]

Feeling for Bones by Bethany Pierce *****

This is the best Christian fiction book I’ve read since Adelaide Piper. There are plenty of cliches in the book’s publication and description - “Christian fiction” being one, “anorexia” being another. But Bones masterfully avoids cliched storytelling. Olivia, a sixteen-year-old anorexic, experiences the ins and outs of body image, family relationships, and ultimately her relationship with God. It’s vividly told, and worth reading in and of itself. If you struggle with similar issues, it’s even more meaningful. It definitely evoked tears in me.

I can’t possibly put it better than Faithful Reader - “If you enjoy beautiful writing and rich, dark, intriguing inspirational fiction, then you’ll love Feeling for Bones.”

Recommended age level: 15+. This book is so valuable for young girls, but whether they are ready for it depends on their maturity level. Some girls would benefit greatly from it at 12 or 13, others at 17 or 18. There are a few “boy” situations in the book, nothing graphic but possibly suggestive of temptation for the characters. As far as the self-image issues go, the book is disturbing in a good way.