My Demon’s Name Is Ed

Teenage author Khalil debuts with a fictionalized version of her own battle with Ed, the personification of her eating disorder. Told entirely through diary entries, the novel begins after Danah’s eating disorder is well underway, as she attempts to wrest control of her life back from Ed and his constant criticisms. She often aims her anger and frustration at her family and resorts to secrecy to maintain her unhealthy compulsions, including demanding workouts and meticulously planned meals. Many novels that tackle eating disorders feature characters who strive to be thin, but Danah is obsessed with appearing fit and athletic, which highlights the body dysmorphia that accompanies many eating disorders: Danah is far from fit at her goal weight of 97.89 pounds. The diary entries—which include poems, meal and workout regimens, and recurring italicized commentary from Ed—are rigid and come across as scripted as opposed to genuine, which, coupled with the repetition of thoughts and outbursts, adversely affects the story’s pacing. But the immensity of Danah’s struggle certainly comes through in her deeply conflicted ruminations and inner debates. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)