#lucy frank

[chronically-reading]

It sucks being sick. Truly.

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling” by Lucy Frank

[kingsbridgelibraryteens]

Middle School Monday: Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling by Lucy Frank

This is the story of two girls named Francesca and Shannon who have one terrible thing in common.  They are both living with chronic diseases, wondering just how many days they have left.  They become roommates in the hospital, and they begin their relationship by talking to each other through the curtain that hangs between their two beds.

This book is written as a poem-format novel, and there are poems in each girl’s voice on different sides of the page.  Give this book to teens who are interested in poetry, realistic fiction, survivor stories, tearjerkers, sicklit, and overcoming odds.  

[chronically-reading]

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling”by Lucy Frank

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling” by Lucy Frank

5/5 Stars

Disclaimer: I do not have Crohns disease.

Frank beautifully tells the story of two high school age girls admitted to a hospital for Crohns disease through verse. She follows the girls through a seven day period at the hospital depicting two sides of handling chronic illness, being loud about your pain, or hiding it away and being quite.

This was the story I needed when I first got sick. Never have I not felt so alone in being sick at such a young age. Many of Frank’s lines resonated with me even though I don’t have this specific illness. It is very clear from Frank’s writing that she understands what it means to be chronic ill because she is. 

Frank encapsulates what it means to be sick and how other people treat you incredibly well. She hits many key points such as: guilt, shame, the importance of taking your medications, and so much more. Her book is a must read for any young chronic ill teen looking for any bit of guidance. I would recommend it to anyone with any kind of illness.

While the verse can be a little challenging to follow at times, it is beautifully done. If you have no interest in poetry you may not enjoy the writing but it is well worth the try. I’ve read it multiple times and it’s become one of those books I go back to on my hardest days. 

[chronically-reading]

It's okay to be pissed, right? Pissed is good.

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling” by Lucy Frank

[chronically-reading]

I thought the thing about being young is that... you don't have to think about your body.  You're not supposed to have to worry if it's gonna make it through the day

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling” by Lucy Frank

[chronically-reading]

Only reason I'm telling you is so if you ever think about stopping your meds, no matter how much you hate taking them, you'll think of me and know it's the dumbest stupidest, most asinine thing you cold do.

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling” by Lucy Frank

[chronically-reading]

How do you not hate your friends for being well? How you know who you are when you are when you can't trust your own body? How do you act when you're so mad, so scared of what's inside?

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling” by Lucy Frank

[chronically-reading]

And hopefully, we can continue to manage your disease medically. Hopefully? Does that mean you don't know?

“Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling” by Lucy Frank