Louder Than Hunger

Jacob Edward Stacey known as Jake is thirteen in 1996. He is being bullied mercilessly at school. He also has anorexia nervosa which he terms ‘the voice’. The ‘voice’ tells him repeatedly that he is unworthy of the food, love and affection which all humans need. He is admitted to Whispering Pines Hospital Anorexia Treatment Programme which initially he abhors. This is a verse novel account of his journey to recovery. Schu’s poetry is satisfyingly brutal and non- linear.

If anyone has ever experienced anorexia or severe anxiety and depression which Jake also has, this book will resonate with them deeply. It will make them feel that their struggle in all its many facets is visible and validated. It is possible that this verse novel could be triggering to someone in the early stages of recovery but that might be exactly when they need it. Schu’s work should be in every high school library as quickly as possible and the message of self-worth that Schu gives his reader will be underlined for every reader who accompanies Jake.