Book Review: Dancing With Ana

Knight Ridder/Tribune

Dancing with Ana was a surprising book for me. Definitely in the teen category, it is a book about four close friends: Melanie, Beth, Rachel and Jenny. For them there's high school to deal with, boys of course and family. But even though the girls have been best friends since forever there are some things that are too painful to share.

Beth, the main character decides to diet after wishing she were more like Christine McCady who is the most popular girl in school. Her appetite had changed anyway after her dad had left the family for someone else but the diet was something that she was going to do for herself-she wanted to pretty -- like Christine. All of her friends decide to support Beth and diet too but as time goes on, they each make their own decisions to keep going or stop. For Beth something changed along the way and that's where Ana steps in. Jeremy, her best friend since they were three helps Beth find her way. With all four girls it's friendship and love that saves them from some pretty bad decisions.

Dancing with Ana deals with many issues that young girls face today. This book is just right in telling their story, without becoming too complicated. It's a book written especially to be read by teenage girls but parents or teachers would find it helpful as well. For teachers it would be helpful to have on hand a copy to give to someone who may be in their own dance with Ana.

This book had just the right mix of fun, boys and the real deal, it also might prove helpful in starting a conversation with someone you love who may be suffering from anorexia.

About the Author

Nicole Barker grew up in Portland, Oregon and attended Southern Oregon State College in the town of Ashland. Nestled in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains. Nicole took to writing while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities with a strong emphasis on early childhood development. Shortly after graduation, she spent several months traveling around the US and parts of Canada. Nicole now lives in South Florida with her husband, two kids, two dogs, toads, frogs, hermit crabs and fish. She is currently working on her second YA book.

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