Since the death of her mother, Zelah Green has been increasingly obsessed with cleanliness, and she has certain rituals she needs to perform to get through her day. Other than that, though, she's coping well with life - she goes to school, has a best friend, misses her dad since he disappeared, hates her step-mother... Until her step-mother announces that Zelah is going away for treatment of her condition. Then Zelah finds herself sharing a house with other troubled teenagers, and even worse for her, the Doc, whose treatment of Zelah's disorder will require great courage.
Zelah's voice has clarity and simplicity and it's easy to get drawn into her view of life. Even though she initially resists treatment, Zelah has many troubles to overcome, and overwhelming grief to cope with. Some disturbing details of the other teenagers' disorders and illnesses are also in the novel, but they are not dwelt on for long. Zelah continues to focus on her own journey in a way that's almost selfish, but that you feel is in keeping with her obsessive character. And then there are the genuinely touching moments when she does start to reach out to others and realise that she's not alone.
There are also lighter moments and humour among the serious issues. The story is very loosely based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and it's fun to see how each character fits with a fairy tale character. I did sometimes feel that I wanted to know more about the other inmates of the house. But of course, this is Zelah's story, and it's an honestly told one. Highly recommended.