Paperweight summary

Struggling with Grief and Guilt

In Paperweight by Meg Haston, we are introduced to Stevie, a seventeen-year-old girl who is admitted to an eating disorder treatment center. While she struggles with her anorexia, she also grapples with the guilt of her brother's death, which she believes she is responsible for. The novel takes us through her journey of self-discovery and healing.

Stevie's brother, Josh, died in a car accident, and she believes that it was her fault. She feels responsible for his death, and her eating disorder is a way to punish herself. At the treatment center, she is resistant and uncooperative, refusing to eat and participate in therapy. She is counting down the days until the anniversary of Josh's death, which she has decided will be the day she will end her own life.

Connecting with Others at the Center

As Paperweight unfolds, Stevie forms relationships with other patients at the center. She becomes close to her roommate, and also develops a complicated friendship with a boy named Ash. Through these relationships, Stevie begins to open up about her past and her feelings of guilt and grief. She also starts to understand that she is not the only one struggling with pain.

Stevie's time at the center is not easy, and she faces many challenges. She is confronted with her past, and she is forced to deal with her emotions rather than suppress them. She also begins to understand the impact her death would have on those around her, especially her father, who is also dealing with his own grief.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

As Stevie's relationships deepen, she starts to re-evaluate her perspective on her brother's death. She begins to understand that she cannot hold herself responsible for everything that happens in life. She also starts to see the possibility of a future beyond her guilt and eating disorder.

Stevie's journey of self-discovery in Paperweight is a gradual one. She learns to accept help from others and to forgive herself. She also begins to see the beauty in life, despite the pain. By the end of the novel, Stevie has made significant progress in her recovery and has found a new sense of hope and purpose.

A Message of Hope and Healing

Ultimately, Paperweight is a powerful story about the impact of grief and guilt on mental health. It sheds light on the complexity of eating disorders and the importance of seeking help. Through Stevie's journey, the novel also delivers a message of hope and healing, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and forgiveness.

In conclusion, Paperweight by Meg Haston is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of mental illness, grief, and self-discovery. It encourages readers to confront their inner demons and seek help when needed. The novel also serves as a reminder that healing is a gradual process, but one that is always possible.