I Should Have Worn a Curtain

A Psychological Fiction Novella

De: Samyra Alexander

Narrado por: Nikki Barnes

"I Should Have Worn a Curtain" is a gripping psychological novella that explores themes of self-worth and the challenges that shape our lives. Shaena's life is falling apart. Struggling with bulimia, she decides to attend Overeaters Anonymous in hopes of regaining control. However, before she can even step into her first meeting, she meets Mike, a charming personal trainer who offers free workouts and an opportunity for a fresh start.

At first, Mike appears to be the perfect support system. He encourages Shaena to follow his strict diet plan, and as the pounds drop, she feels a sense of achievement—and his approval. But when her progress begins to stall, Mike's kindness starts to feel more like control. As Shaena's doubts deepen, so do her fears. Is Mike genuinely trying to help her, or is he exploiting her struggles for his own satisfaction? And if she can't trust him, can she even trust herself?

©2022 Samyra Alexander (P)2023 Samyra Alexander

A story that must be told.

Rating 3.25

This novella focuses on a very serious topic that so many people around the world have to work through in their life - being overweight and eating disorders.

I know this is a novella but I wanted more from this story. I would have loved to hear more about Shaena’s life growing up and her parents; how she dealt with her eating disorder while having a mother who does not see it as a disorder and a father who just wants to love her. I would also have loved more on her friends.

I loved that the author highlighted her struggles with honesty to Ava at Overeaters Anonymous (OA) when she started. The journey with OA was insightful. While there should be a villain - Mike I would have loved some more character development on him as I got in chapter 1 on Shaena however his role still showed the impact of his behavior on her life.

I look forward to reading Part 2.

Short & Powerful Journey

This book was such a powerful and emotional ride. I Should Have Worn a Curtain dives deep into Shaena’s journey with her weight, trauma, and healing, and I honestly found so much of it relatable. The story doesn’t just talk about going to OA (Overeaters Anonymous)—it explores what led her there, what she was carrying emotionally, and how those things showed up in her everyday life. That level of honesty was refreshing.

One of the things I really loved was how authentic and vulnerable the writing felt. Shaena’s thoughts and struggles weren’t sugar-coated—she was flawed, overwhelmed, and at times a little naive, but that’s what made her feel real. Her character development was strong, and while I didn’t always agree with her choices, I respected how she kept trying to do better and reflect on her life. She made real efforts to grow, and I was rooting for her the whole time.

Another highlight: the sound effects in the audiobook. That graphic audio style made everything feel more immersive and brought a lot of emotion and depth to the scenes. It added something unique that really helped the story stand out.

The narration, though, was a little underwhelming. The narrator’s tone was pretty flat throughout, and I wish there had been more inflection and emotion in her delivery. It didn’t ruin the experience, but I do think the story would’ve hit harder with a more dynamic performance.

When it comes to Shaena and Mike’s relationship, I wasn’t the biggest fan. I understand that Mike had his own trauma and probably meant well, but his tone often came off as condescending instead of supportive, which made it hard to connect with him as a partner.

My only other complaint? It was too short! I wanted more of Shaena’s story. I wasn’t ready to let go of her by the end, so I’ll definitely be reading the next novella in this series. I want to see where she goes from here.

Overall, this is an emotional, introspective story that really makes you think about the connection between trauma, food, self-worth, and healing. It’s not a perfect audiobook, but the writing and message make it more than worth your time.

A relatable tale

A beautifully written story about the oh so common challenges of weight loss and body image. Such a full, rich story in such a short amount of time. Well done!

Raw storytelling

This novella was raw. It felt real, and it was moving. It felt like I had a birds eye view of the real struggles facing a disease - bulimia. @author_samyraalexander gave a captivating look at what unaddressed childhood trauma can look like, how we identify self, and the things we say to self that help to fuel these struggles. This was a deeply emotional story, but also a necessary one as it helps to shed light on a condition that can be so easily judged. I am looking forward to reading or listening to book 2.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen to this novella Samyra.

relatable in so many ways

great storyline. the only reason I gave it 3 stars was due to the narration.

5 Stars, and I’m looking forward to the sequel!

This story of Shaena and her struggle with emotional eating, yo-yo dieting and going back and forth on the scales, I could relate to as a formal BBW who still deals with it all, just on a smaller level. This story is real, and relatable with a healthy dose of humor, especially when Shaena acquires an unlikely love interest who is a fitness trainer with a few screws loose. This man seems like he is a blessing until he ends up having more issues than Shaena. I tell you, after this psycho showed out, I was with Shaena and had to eat a little too to calm my own nerves, especially when she started calling out the food on her binge menu, lol. 5 Stars, and I’m looking forward to the sequel!

Relatable

I really enjoyed this novella. This book is relatable, raw and authentic. Reading this book, I immediately related to the main character, Shanna. She battles the overeating disorder and obesity. She doesn't want to be an over eater but lacks the support and motivation to stay on a healthy course of life. Mike enters her life and their seems to be a ray of hope and support. Although, Mike has good intentions, he fails to understand the psychological support that is needed to be successful.
This book is so refreshing to be honest and real about eating disorders and obesity. I can not wait to read the sequel. The author did a fabulous job.

Food Nazi

Eating disorders are a nightmare and this read as the honest, diary of the feelings, denial and delusion that come with it. Mike was wrong because he never wanted to be with her, he wanted a project to build his ego and portfolio...but again..her delusion allowed her to think he wanted something other than that when all the signs said otherwise. Thank goodness for Ava's kindness and consistency.

Shaena and her issue

I liked that it told a story so that others that have the same problem can relate to this story and it may also help others.