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sruthi_1992's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn't get through more than 50 pages of this book. Horrible, horrible work. Would have given it a zero if I could. I honestly don't understand what all the hubbalubba around this book is all about. It claims to be body positive. But in reality, it is about a sixteen year old obese girl who considers herself superior to everybody because she is what, fat? Now, that is ridiculous. Curvy girls do not behave like this. The main character calls everybody rude and judgmental while, she is the most judgmental person in the book. A lot of parts that were meant to be funny are simply flat out offensive. To top it all off, I have lived in London for a year now and nobody throws chips at a curvy person asking them to "Eat it, fatty" like this book claims. Honestly, some books should be banned and this one is definitely one of them.
Ps. There is no story, the character development is crude and slapstick, the dialogues are downright silly (nobody talks like that in real life). A sad, horribly written, extremely judgmental book. DON'T BOTHER READING! I did not complete it and I don't plan to do so in the future either.
Ps. There is no story, the character development is crude and slapstick, the dialogues are downright silly (nobody talks like that in real life). A sad, horribly written, extremely judgmental book. DON'T BOTHER READING! I did not complete it and I don't plan to do so in the future either.
melbsreads's review against another edition
3.0
Trigger warnings: fatphobia, fat shaming, injury to a loved one, poop, mention of eating disorders.
So here's the thing: I was sold on this by the first page, where the protagonist gushes about how much she loves crumpets. Because SAME, GIRL. SAME. But with the exception of a couple of hilarious scenes, I mostly found myself let down by this.
It's the story of a fat teenage girl who's instructed to keep a food diary. And instead of just using it to track what she eats, she treats it more as a literal diary, where she writes down everything that's happening to her. Each chapter is named after a different type of food and starts out with her thoughts on that food. Which, don't get me wrong, I quite liked.
However. This was VERY light on plot. Like, until about the 50-60% mark, this was literally just BB talking about all the different kinds of food she loves and how she wants her boss to sign a piece of paper granting her an apprenticeship. Which got pretty boring pretty quickly.
In contrast, the second half of the book had almost TOO much going on. And it turned into a weight loss story, which wasn't really what I was expecting given how much the book focused on body positivity and being happy as a fat girl. I think the intention was more of a "you can be fat AND fit" sort of a deal, but it didn't really come across that way to me.
So I wanted to love this book, I really did. But ultimately, I found the format a little repetitive and I almost would have preferred if it had been in more of a Bridget Jones format - a literal food diary at the start of each chapter, followed by all BB's thoughts on what's been happening lately. I also found BB not the most likeable of characters at times. She's very...extra. And 90% of the time, I preferred her little sister, Dove.
All that said, I laughed more than I should have when she faked an asthma attack to get out of spin class, because that was literally how I got out of swimming classes in PE for most of high school. Swim a couple of laps, then suddenly start wheezing. So...same, girl.
So here's the thing: I was sold on this by the first page, where the protagonist gushes about how much she loves crumpets. Because SAME, GIRL. SAME. But with the exception of a couple of hilarious scenes, I mostly found myself let down by this.
It's the story of a fat teenage girl who's instructed to keep a food diary. And instead of just using it to track what she eats, she treats it more as a literal diary, where she writes down everything that's happening to her. Each chapter is named after a different type of food and starts out with her thoughts on that food. Which, don't get me wrong, I quite liked.
However. This was VERY light on plot. Like, until about the 50-60% mark, this was literally just BB talking about all the different kinds of food she loves and how she wants her boss to sign a piece of paper granting her an apprenticeship. Which got pretty boring pretty quickly.
In contrast, the second half of the book had almost TOO much going on. And it turned into a weight loss story, which wasn't really what I was expecting given how much the book focused on body positivity and being happy as a fat girl. I think the intention was more of a "you can be fat AND fit" sort of a deal, but it didn't really come across that way to me.
So I wanted to love this book, I really did. But ultimately, I found the format a little repetitive and I almost would have preferred if it had been in more of a Bridget Jones format - a literal food diary at the start of each chapter, followed by all BB's thoughts on what's been happening lately. I also found BB not the most likeable of characters at times. She's very...extra. And 90% of the time, I preferred her little sister, Dove.
All that said, I laughed more than I should have when she faked an asthma attack to get out of spin class, because that was literally how I got out of swimming classes in PE for most of high school. Swim a couple of laps, then suddenly start wheezing. So...same, girl.
ijustkindalikebooks's review against another edition
4.0
I knew I’d be into this story as going on the synopsis, I’ve seen some of the story in real life, and Laura Dockrill with these thoughts creates a story that feels raw and honest, but also confident and funny in it’s moments with an ending that’s touching but also one I can imagine happening, that’s real talent.
I was worried that BB’s happiness in her body would change, but thankfully this book is very much one about positivity and being happy with who you are and the writing is pretty good. BB’s descriptions of food are in particular really are mouthwatering (The crumpets at the beginning!) and do kind of make you hungry reading this book which I guess says the writing does get to you!
As a character Bluebell is sassy and a little egotistic, however she is probably one of my new favourite characters and I wish I was a dash like her myself and how the book is written is great too. I really enjoy diary form books and Dockrill uses it incredibly well in this book making for a fun read.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for a honest review).
I was worried that BB’s happiness in her body would change, but thankfully this book is very much one about positivity and being happy with who you are and the writing is pretty good. BB’s descriptions of food are in particular really are mouthwatering (The crumpets at the beginning!) and do kind of make you hungry reading this book which I guess says the writing does get to you!
As a character Bluebell is sassy and a little egotistic, however she is probably one of my new favourite characters and I wish I was a dash like her myself and how the book is written is great too. I really enjoy diary form books and Dockrill uses it incredibly well in this book making for a fun read.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for a honest review).
rebecca_hedger's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars but I rounded down. Loved this book, full review to follow!
pineapplestitches's review against another edition
5.0
Bluebelle is asked to write a food diary that turns into so much more. BB’s voice is refreshing. So confident about herself and her self worth. I wish I had this book when I was 16! Thanks to @laurenandthebooks for the rec.
lucychanning's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
laura_s1985's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
jessicasophie's review against another edition
5.0
I actually love this. It's incredible. I wish I had the kind of self-confidence that BB does.
It's an incredible look at body positivity from the eyes of a fat teen who loves her body and loves food just as much - and she isn't ashamed. When an appointment with a nurse leads to her promising to keep a food diary to apease her mum, she begins to write out her entire summer holiday: from working shifts at Planet Coffee, getting googly-eyed over barista Max, handing out with her darling, daring sister Dove, and the mountainous climb of joining the gym, every page is filled with a delightful narration of what it's like to be sixteen and in love with yourself when nobody else is. It’s the most beautiful ode to food and loving yourself no matter what.
It's an incredible look at body positivity from the eyes of a fat teen who loves her body and loves food just as much - and she isn't ashamed. When an appointment with a nurse leads to her promising to keep a food diary to apease her mum, she begins to write out her entire summer holiday: from working shifts at Planet Coffee, getting googly-eyed over barista Max, handing out with her darling, daring sister Dove, and the mountainous climb of joining the gym, every page is filled with a delightful narration of what it's like to be sixteen and in love with yourself when nobody else is. It’s the most beautiful ode to food and loving yourself no matter what.
bethrebecca's review against another edition
2.5 stars
DNF :( First time in a while.
rtc closer to release date
DNF :( First time in a while.
rtc closer to release date
vanessasedgwick's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this ! Such an easy read, very funny, I found BB to be quite relatable. There were some plot points that I felt were a bit rushed or skimmed over, but overall I really liked it !