2.45k reviews for:

Starfish

Lisa Fipps

4.5 AVERAGE


This is the story of a girl whose mother, classmates, and siblings bully her her for literally taking up too much space. With her friends, dad, and a wonderful therapist, she learns how to take up even more by becoming someone who loves herself. The lessons are deep and powerful, and the words are sometimes shocking and deeply painful to read. A thoughtful read, for all the people who feel unlovable because of their size, and the ones who make them feel that way. We can all learn something from this one.

habgirl's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 0%

I got through the first 25% but this was just way too much. It made me so sad for younger me.
hopeful fast-paced

 This is a great collection for younger audiences who might be struggling with weight issues, bullying, or who don't understand the impact of their own actions on others. I appreciated that the take was nuanced enough to address why some people treat others poorly but does not condone the behavior, and fights for self acceptance and equality. That said, there was an air of over perfection to the interactions between the characters. As much as this book would be great for the healing and acceptance process of its designated audience, it didn't hold much more for a seasoned or older/mature reader. 
csanto's profile picture

csanto's review

5.0

I think every human should read this book starting as soon as you can read a book. As someone who dealt with body image issues, an eating disorder, and disordered eating it really hit home. While I was fortunate enough to not get bullied (much) for my weight it just shows the worst but also best people have to offer.

A quick read and very powerful. Many people need to hear this story about the power of words. The ending seemed a bit rushed for me.
inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Everyone should read this book!! Now!
emotional funny hopeful inspiring fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated