**Book Review: *Girl, Ultra Processed* by Amara Sage**

In *Girl, Ultra Processed*, Amara Sage crafts a thought-provoking and nuanced narrative that examines the pressures young women face in an image-obsessed, hyper-digital world. The story follows 17-year-old Lia, who is struggling to navigate the often toxic world of social media, societal expectations, and the concept of "perfection" that seems increasingly unattainable yet relentlessly pursued. This book tackles complex themes around body image, self-worth, and the darker side of our culture’s fixation on appearances.

Lia’s journey is intensely personal but highly relatable, particularly for readers in the digital age. Through Lia’s eyes, Sage invites readers to question how technology, media, and consumer culture shape our identities and priorities. Sage does not shy away from exploring the mental health implications of online life, as Lia’s inner turmoil reflects the difficult balance between self-expression and the desire for external validation.

The novel’s style is engaging, with sharp prose that moves briskly yet allows for introspection. Sage’s approach is both empathetic and critical; she handles Lia’s struggles with sensitivity, making readers empathize deeply with her while prompting them to think critically about their own engagement with digital culture.

While the book is marketed as young adult fiction, its themes resonate beyond that demographic, making it suitable for readers of all ages who want to understand the profound impact of social media on self-identity. For those familiar with contemporary issues of body positivity, mental health, and the performative nature of online life, *Girl, Ultra Processed* is both relevant and resonant.

In essence, *Girl, Ultra Processed* is a powerful and necessary exploration of the challenges young people face today. It’s a wake-up call to rethink how we measure self-worth in a world that often feels over-curated and ultra-processed.

I really enjoyed read this book and found it to be quite healing as I thought over the own diet cultures I've been sucked into. Saffron's story is empowering yet messy and it's exactly the kind of story that teens need to read.

An important exploration into diet culture and the media we consume.

For a long time first year university student Saffron has hated her body, comparing herself to her slimmer and apparently happier friends and to her mum who is a spokesperson for Slimit. Her belief that people will not like her as she is, has been reinforced by her experiences with online dating apps. As New Year rolls around, she resolves to re-join Slimit, lose weight and improve her social life by moving away from home and into a shared student house.
I loved this book. A whole melting pot of issues is explored; body image, toxic relationships, eating disorders, catfishing, the perils of online dating and the value of true friends. Can Saffron find herself in amongst all the challenges that are going on in her life? This is a very hopeful and life affirming read for a YA audience.

This isn't my usual type of book but it was a really impressive young adult novel that I think will speak to a lot of young people