STICK FIGURE

How it all began is complicated, but Lori Gottlieb, at age 11, began a free-fall spiral into the deadly eating disorder anorexia nervosa. After finding her diary many years later, Gottlieb painfully compiled the steps that brought her closer and closer to death at such a young age. Beverley Mitchell is perfect as the young Gottlieb, whose high IQ, astute sarcasm, and clever humor are interpreted with realism. She captures the innocence of a girl living in dangerous denial. Also pivotal and insightful is her portrayal of Gottlieb's relationship with her mother, whose own beliefs pertaining to women's bodies and social roles affected Gottlieb's behavior more deeply than she realized. This is a marvelously written story imparted with intuitive wit, sensitivity, and intelligence. B.J.P. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]