MARNI
written by Marni Bates
edited by Deborah Reber
HCI Teens
Memoir
ISBN: 9780757314124
162 pages

HCI’s Louder Than Words series features stories about serious issues from real teens who have experienced them.

Marni Bates’s story is about how she developed trichotillomania, a disorder that causes her to pull hair from her head, eyebrows and eyelashes. This sounds unusual, but when reading her words, it’s easy to see how she became afflicted with “trich.” The stress she experiences both at home and in school has turned a bad habit into a real problem.

In her introduction, Marni writes, “Whether I am a freak, an inspiration, a nut case, a survivor, a mess, or a combination of all of the above is for you to decide.” Marni is about a lot more than her disorder. She is funny and observant, especially about the people around her. When they see bald patches or a face with eyebrows gone, they don’t understand.

When Marni discusses how she actually pulled out her eyelashes, or tried to disguise the bald patches on her head, it is very hard to take. But her account would merely be another after school special without these powerful details. Having the story in her voice makes it resonate in a way that other teens can relate to. The issues leading up to Marni’s disorder could happen to anyone. Her father does not handle the divorce well and treats his children unequally. Marni is the favorite for a while, but then he becomes disappointed in her. She tries to reach a point where that doesn’t bother her, but she and her sister fight frequently.

Marni struggles to find her place in school. While she loves reading, she has trouble making friends. When things change in junior high, she becomes so miserable that she transfers to an alternative school, only to find that issues involving friends can happen anywhere. While high school brings her some social success, this is when her hair pulling turns out of control. This frank, brutal story of how Marni learns who she is through her struggle with trichotillomania is thought-provoking, realistic and --- most importantly --- hopeful.

    --- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

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