THIN VEILS
by
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PROLOGUE
Before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Erica lay facing the ceiling, embracing her arms. She stroked the sleeves of her satiny nightgown while thinking her prayers. God bless Mom and Philip and Grandpa Flanagan. Take care of Daddy, Grandma and Kim. And Kim. Erica paused. Had she actually been expecting Kim's death that her name found its way onto her prayer list so easily?
Erica had searched anxiously for the nightgown she now wore, finding the almost-forgotten present crumpled in the corner of her seldom opened bottom dresser drawer. Normally she wore a tee-shirt to bed, but tomorrow was Kim's funeral and Erica needed to clothe herself in something soft and formal though she didn't know why.
The flannel lining caressed her body as she drew each breath in. And out. Its delicate touch would have comforted her had she been willing to accept comfort. I tried to help you Kim, I swear. You wouldn't let me, why wouldn't you let me? Erica hurried to her feet, her breaths now unsteady heaves. She grabbed at the carefully set comforter and sheet and thrust her body beneath them. The shivering, so sudden, frightened her. She drew her knees toward her chest, clasped them tightly and rocked.
Oh Kim, Kimmy, I miss you. The tightness of the nightgown's sleeves pinching Erica's armpits forced her to release her knees. Nightgown's a little snug, huh, Kimmy? Think I need to lose a little weight? Tears Erica could barely believe remained wet the pillow she now used to smother her sobs. "Oh, Kimmy, you're dead. You're dead."
Erica turned and wiped her eyes roughly with her fist. She found her original position, righting her nightgown and tugging at the wrinkled sleeves until they fit her arms once again. She stared at the ceiling, then at the dress draped over her rocking chair. The sensible dress she had planned to wear to the dance. Now she would wear it to Kim's funeral. Her eyes moved to the picture hanging above the chair. She recalled the time when she had studied that picture, hoping to interpret its clues to the puzzle she solved too late. The time when she first suspected Kim was in trouble. It really wasn't that long ago.
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About the Book
Hanson definitely has her finger on the pulse of adolescent issues and relationships. Not only is
the subject matter timely and relevant, but the message is of extreme importance. This book
would be an excellent source for a literature-based classroom reading experience.
Marguerite Hartill, Editor, Learning Express, Educational Consultant
It's obvious from reading the dialogue of Thin Veils that the author knows kids well. The energy and
vibrancy in the writing carried me throughout the book.
Pam Spencer , author of What Do Young Adults Read Next?
Because I deal with young people with eating disorders like Kim, I value a book like THIN VEILS.
Many of Erica's issues -- caretaking and denial, for example, are also significant and worth exploring.
Eleanor Gross, C.I.S.W., Eating Disorders Specialist
Eating problems need to be talked about -- I felt compelled to continue reading Thin Veils.
Dr. Meredith McGowan, Youth Library Director
What happens to friendship when dieting becomes deadly?
Quite suddenly, tragedy became a part of Erica Shepherd's life. Her best friend, Kim Spencer, died yesterday. Kim, a high school freshman, was too young to die.
Erica might have helped if she had found Kim's diary sooner. Words written privately in her journal detailed an eating disorder and painted a picture of a young girl in serious trouble. If only Erica had known. Now it is too late. The funeral is tomorrow.
About the Author
A teacher of adolescents for seventeen years, Anne Hanson believes it is critical to explore the facts behind the fiction of Thin Veils to understand the physical and emotional damage caused by the eating disorders that victimize our nation's youth.
In addition National Board Certification in Early Adolescence/English Language Arts, Anne has garnered recognition as a member of Who's Who in America, Teacher of the Year 2000 finalist in Arizona, and Middle School Teacher of the Year 2002 in Scottsdale, where she currently resides and teaches.
Anne is also an educational consultant who has published two nonfiction books, one for teachers - - Write Brain Write (The Brain Store, 2002), the other for students -- Visual Writing (Learning Express, 2001).