I can feel the struggle of the character so much! Eating discourse can range from what others consider not as some disorder that seems normal to extremes where nothing much can help.

This story speaks to me with the loudest voice that a book can ever speak to me.

The lines hit hard. The bullying and the body shaming are as real as it gets.

I feel for you. This is hard to read as everything is so relatable.

Thank you so much, author and publisher West 44 Books, for the advance reading copy.

It means so much.

Thank you #NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

After the "happy ending" of "Not Hungry", I wasn't sure where this story would go. I was pleasantly surprised that the story not only picked up right where the first book left off, but it continued to tackle eating disorder recovery in an honest and realistic way. June isn't living her best life or the hero but she continues to deal with her eating disorder and other teen issues. The book moves at fast pace like its predecessor but dives into new themes and adds new character. June continues to find her self and her way. This continues to be a relevant and engaging story.

June struggles with an eating disorder amid the turbulent environment of high school and changing home life. Through the worst of it, June find herself surrounding by a group of people that help to lift her up and out of the darkest parts of her mind.
What first stood out to me about "Always June" was how much of a visual story it was without the presence of any images. Kate Karyus Quinn is incredible at molding the verses that flow in a manner that form a clear image on the page and in the reader's mind. Being thrown into the dark corner's of June's mind leaves the reader feel her shame and guilt has she works towards acceptance of being a fat girl with an eating disorder.
This pair, an overweight person with an eating disorder, is rarely acknowledged in any form of media. There is a stereotype of how people with these illnesses should appear. June comes onto the scene to rewrite that standard and sends the message that *anyone* can struggle the way she does.
Such few words leave a huge impact on the reader. At the age of kids attending middle school, exposure to this story will be invaluable in molding how they perceive others so close into entering high school. This book will absolutely be joining its sister in the library.

I read the first one last year and loved it, and I loved this one just a much.
I will put a warning- if you struggle with eating, have an ED, or anything of that sort please be cautious reading this review and book.
The main character June struggles with keeping her stomach full, and not binging and throwing up what she’s eaten.
This book is written in verse which is cool, you get to follow the words and read in between the lines. Overall I relate to this book, and I love how far June has come through these books.

Another great novel in verse dealing with body image for teen readers! Short, sweet, and an easy read. Perfect for reluctant readers who just want something fast but good.

I really enjoyed this book! The story was really good and I loved the characters! I hope to read more by this author in the future. I enjoyed the poems!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and to the author for the ARC!

Going back to June's story was definitely more intense with the aftermath of her video.
The story not only picked up right where the first book left off, but it continued to tackle eating disorder recovery in an honest and realistic way. She doesn't really have any friends to connect with until she stumbles into the girls on the bowling team.
This time we see more of June's family story, her mother also deals with something similar to eating disorder.
Towards the end she begins to form friendship with her bowling team and also goes on a date with someone who actually cares for her.

Such a realistic and relatable expression of eating disorders. I truly appreciate this collection and the authors tone with their work.

A continuation of June's story from Not Hungry, again focusing on her eating disorder, except this time there is a light at the end of the tunnel, in the form of all things: Bowling! June still struggles with her disorder, fights with her sister and mother and now mother's fiancee', who truly seems to be the only one with his eyes open to June's addiction. I was surprised at the addition of Bowling to the mix. An interesting way to distract her from her addiction and a path to a healthy life.

In this stunning sequel to 'Not Hungry,' we see June continue to find herself, and deal with her ED ... which I'm glad doesn't just magically disappear at some point, as if all you need is a friend or whatever.
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I actually enjoyed this more than the first book (though I also gave that 5 stars) - it just seemed to have more depth to it, and I dunno whether it's because it's a sequel or not, but the author seemed to dig deeper in this story, and I really appreciated that!
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As always, I love how these stories are short and to the point. No wasted words.
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I kinda want a book three haha

Always June
by Kate Karyus Quinn
Pub Date: 01 Feb 2023
Had to purchase for my high school library. Not Hungry is one of our most popular novels in verse. This sequel did not disappoint.

I was slightly confused as I hadn't realizes or read any of the others which made me feel like i'd missed out on some of the story (so I will be going back and reading the other) but on it's own i really enjoyed the story of June, focusing on her eating disorder, there was time where she struggled, but knowing about her and seeing it through June's eyes really got me feeling for anyone who suffers from an eating disorder. I loved the Bowling aspect of the story, interesting distraction for her to try and help her onto a healthy life.