While the subject of anorexia and bulimia is not an easy one to tackle, Kessler adds a touch of levity to the topic by bringing in a fantasy element.  Lisabeth Lewis is NOT an anorexic – she just watches what she eats.  Or so she convinces herself until she nearly overdoses on her mothers’ prescription medication, is visited by Death (who bears a surprising resemblance to a certain deceased rock legend), and is bequeathed the title of Famine.  In her newly appointed role as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Lisa begins to realize that her relationship with food is unhealthy.  Kessler does not shy away from unpleasant depictions of eating disorders, but Lisa’s sardonic personality shines through and gives the reader a reason to root for her.  The novel is not as powerful as Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls, but the supernatural tint will pull in readers who may not otherwise read about the topic.  Look for the sequel, Rage, coming out April 2011.