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Never Enough
By Denise Jaden
Table of Contents
About The Book
From the author of Losing Faith, a novel about two sisters and the eating disorder that threatens to destroy their family.
Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special…even if that means betraying her sister.
But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. And Loann is frightened she could lose the sister she’s always idolized.
As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship—and her sister—before it’s too late?
Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special…even if that means betraying her sister.
But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. And Loann is frightened she could lose the sister she’s always idolized.
As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship—and her sister—before it’s too late?
Reading Group Guide
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A Reading Group Guide for
Never Enough
By Denise Jaden
About the Book
Loann has always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend, Josh, starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special even if that means betraying her sister.
But, as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship—and her sister—before it’s too late?
Themes
• Eating Disorders
• Body Image
• Self-esteem
• Bullying
• Domestic Abuse
• Sibling Rivalry
Discussion Questions
1. Loann and Claire may appear to be significantly different (in personality and physicality), but they are more alike than it may seem. How are the girls similar? How are they different? Compare and contrast how each girl handles body image.
2. The author infuses both bullying and domestic abuse into the story. Describe and discuss how these two additional thematic elements impact the larger theme of eating disorders. Are there connections between these situations?
3. Loann regrets not acting upon her suspicions of Claire’s eating disorder. If you found yourself in the same circumstance, how would you communicate your concern to Claire or third parties?
4. Marcus, much like Claire, has a secret he is hiding. Is it more appropriate for Marcus to stay quiet about his circumstance than it is for Claire? Why or why not? Is Loann’s response to his situation reasonable? What would you do differently?
5. Loann has very different relationships with each of the people in her life. How is each relationship unique and how does each help or hinder her as she deals with the result of Claire’s eating disorder?
6. How would you describe Loann’s family? In what way is Claire’s eating disorder impacting how they relate to each other?
Guide written by the author.
This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.
Never Enough
By Denise Jaden
About the Book
Loann has always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend, Josh, starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special even if that means betraying her sister.
But, as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship—and her sister—before it’s too late?
Themes
• Eating Disorders
• Body Image
• Self-esteem
• Bullying
• Domestic Abuse
• Sibling Rivalry
Discussion Questions
1. Loann and Claire may appear to be significantly different (in personality and physicality), but they are more alike than it may seem. How are the girls similar? How are they different? Compare and contrast how each girl handles body image.
2. The author infuses both bullying and domestic abuse into the story. Describe and discuss how these two additional thematic elements impact the larger theme of eating disorders. Are there connections between these situations?
3. Loann regrets not acting upon her suspicions of Claire’s eating disorder. If you found yourself in the same circumstance, how would you communicate your concern to Claire or third parties?
4. Marcus, much like Claire, has a secret he is hiding. Is it more appropriate for Marcus to stay quiet about his circumstance than it is for Claire? Why or why not? Is Loann’s response to his situation reasonable? What would you do differently?
5. Loann has very different relationships with each of the people in her life. How is each relationship unique and how does each help or hinder her as she deals with the result of Claire’s eating disorder?
6. How would you describe Loann’s family? In what way is Claire’s eating disorder impacting how they relate to each other?
Guide written by the author.
This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.
About The Author
Photograph © Cory Permack
Denise Jaden lives just outside Vancouver, Canada. When she’s not writing, she can often be found homeschooling her son or dancing with her Polynesian dance troupe. Losing Faith was her first novel. Find out more at denisejaden.com or follow her on Twitter at @denisejaden.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (July 10, 2012)
- Length: 288 pages
- ISBN13: 9781442429086
- Grades: 9 and up
- Ages: 14 - 99
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Raves and Reviews
“Denise Jaden positively nails the love-hate relationship between two polar opposite sisters who share a single quest: the desire to be perfect, regardless of the cost. A compelling, often gut-wrenching coming-of-age novel, Never Enough will haunt you long after the last page.”
—From Jeannie Garsee, author of Before, After and Somebody In Between
“Denise Jaden's Never Enough is honest, gut wrenching, and oh so beautiful. It's a book you can't wait to share.”
—Eileen Cook, author of Unraveling Isobel and The Education of Hailey Kendrick
“A poignant, important book, Never Enough tackles self-esteem and body image issues while always remaining true to its three-dimensional characters. Denise Jaden has created a cliché-free zone filled with hurt, heart, and personal strength. Jaden's tender sympathy for her characters and dedication to honest storytelling shine through every page.”
—C.K. Kelly Martin, author of I Know It’s Over
“Raw and unforgettable, Never Enough is an authentic portrait of a teen girl faced with an impossible situation. Loann’s relationship with her sister is beautifully drawn and heartbreaking.”
—Tara Kelly, author of Amplified
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Never Enough eBook 9781442429086
- Author Photo (jpg): Denise Jaden Photograph © Cory Permack(11.0 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
Never Enough
By Denise Jaden
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