Trick of the Light

By Lois Metzger | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

Telling a story of a rarely recognized segment of eating disorder sufferers—young men—A Trick of the Light by Lois Metzger is a book for fans of the complex characters and emotional truths in Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why.

Mike Welles had everything under control. But that was before. Now things are rough at home, and they're getting confusing at school. He's losing his sense of direction, and he feels like he's a mess. Then there's a voice in his head. A friend, who's trying to help him get control again. More than that—the voice can guide him to become faster and stronger than he was before, to rid his life of everything that's holding him back. To figure out who he is again. If only Mike will listen.


  • Anorexia in Teen Boys: A raw and honest look at a rarely seen struggle, as fifteen-year-old Mike Welles battles a disorder that is too often misunderstood in young men.
  • The Voice in His Head: Meet the most dangerous kind of friend—the one who lives inside your mind, promising control while demanding absolute obedience.
  • A Family in Crisis: As his parents’ marriage falls apart and his mom retreats into her own grief, Mike is left feeling isolated and desperate for something—anything—to hold on to.
  • Hard-Hitting Realistic Fiction: A powerful and unflinching story perfect for readers of Jay Asher and Laurie Halse Anderson, exploring the emotional truths of mental illness with profound empathy.

Editions of Trick of the Light

Paperback
ISBN 9780062133090
EBook
ISBN 9780062133106

Read an Excerpt

Telling a story of a rarely recognized segment of eating disorder sufferers—young men—A Trick of the Light by Lois Metzger is a book for fans of the complex characters and emotional truths in Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why.

Mike Welles had everything under control. But that was before. Now things are rough at home, and they're getting confusing at school. He's losing his sense of direction, and he feels like he's a mess. Then there's a voice in his head. A friend, who's trying to help him get control again. More than that—the voice can guide him to become faster and stronger than he was before, to rid his life of everything that's holding him back. To figure out who he is again. If only Mike will listen.


  • Anorexia in Teen Boys: A raw and honest look at a rarely seen struggle, as fifteen-year-old Mike Welles battles a disorder that is too often misunderstood in young men.
  • The Voice in His Head: Meet the most dangerous kind of friend—the one who lives inside your mind, promising control while demanding absolute obedience.
  • A Family in Crisis: As his parents’ marriage falls apart and his mom retreats into her own grief, Mike is left feeling isolated and desperate for something—anything—to hold on to.
  • Hard-Hitting Realistic Fiction: A powerful and unflinching story perfect for readers of Jay Asher and Laurie Halse Anderson, exploring the emotional truths of mental illness with profound empathy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trick of the Light about?

Telling a story of a rarely recognized segment of eating disorder sufferers—young men—A Trick of the Light by Lois Metzger is a book for fans of the complex characters and emotional truths in Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why.

Mike Welles had everything under control. But that was before. Now things are rough at home, and they're getting confusing at school. He's losing his sense of direction, and he feels like he's a mess. Then there's a voice in his head. A friend, who's trying to help him get control again. More than that—the voice can guide him to become faster and stronger than he was before, to rid his life of everything that's holding him back. To figure out who he is again. If only Mike will listen.


  • Anorexia in Teen Boys: A raw and honest look at a rarely seen struggle, as fifteen-year-old Mike Welles battles a disorder that is too often misunderstood in young men.
  • The Voice in His Head: Meet the most dangerous kind of friend—the one who lives inside your mind, promising control while demanding absolute obedience.
  • A Family in Crisis: As his parents’ marriage falls apart and his mom retreats into her own grief, Mike is left feeling isolated and desperate for something—anything—to hold on to.
  • Hard-Hitting Realistic Fiction: A powerful and unflinching story perfect for readers of Jay Asher and Laurie Halse Anderson, exploring the emotional truths of mental illness with profound empathy.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Trick of the Light?

Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Emotions, moods, feelings and behaviours

Where can I read a sample of Trick of the Light?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062133090

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Trick of the Light?

Lois Metzger

Who is the Publisher of the book Trick of the Light?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Trick of the Light is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062133090) and ebook(ISBN 9780062133106)

Where can I buy Trick of the Light online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Trick of the Light from below

Where can I buy Trick of the Light?