Louder Than Hunger
books by John Schu
Revered teacher, librarian, and story ambassador John Schu explores anorexia—and self-expression as an act of survival—in a wrenching and transformative novel-in-verse. But another voice inside me says, We need help. We’re going to die. Jake volunteers at a nursing home because he likes helping people. He likes skating and singing, playing Bingo and Name That Tune, and reading mysteries and comics aloud to his teachers. He also likes avoiding people his own age . . . and the cruelty of mirrors . . . and food. Jake has read about kids like him in books—the weird one, the outsider—and would do anything not to be that kid, including shrink himself down to nothing. But the less he eats, the bigger he feels. How long can Jake punish himself before he truly disappears? A fictionalized account of the author’s experiences and emotions living in residential treatment facilities as a young teen with an eating disorder, Louder than Hunger is a triumph of raw honesty. With a deeply personal afterword for context, this much-anticipated verse novel is a powerful model for muffling the destructive voices inside, managing and articulating pain, and embracing self-acceptance, support, and love. This book is often praised for its ability to maintain reader interest through consistent storytelling. Rather than relying on dramatic twists alone, it builds tension gradually, allowing emotional stakes to develop naturally. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives will likely find this approach appealing, as it provides ample opportunity to connect with the story on a personal level. The story’s conclusion aligns well with the journey that precedes it, offering resolution without unnecessary excess. This thoughtful ending contributes to overall satisfaction. Reading this book provides a deep and immersive experience that gradually unfolds through a well-structured narrative. The author carefully builds the storyline by combining character development with meaningful conflicts that feel relevant and realistic. Each chapter contributes to the overall progression of the story, allowing readers to remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The writing style balances clarity and depth, making the book accessible to a wide range of readers while still offering substantial insights that reward close attention.