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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I really liked this YA book, precisely because it put into words so many of my own thoughts about being overweight and struggling with food addiction as a teenager. Most of the events Virginia experienced as related to her weight I, in some form or another; have dealt with as well. The end was a little too neatly wound up for my tastes, but still I think it's an important read for any girl with body issues... which is most everyone, no?
Cute junior adult novel. While reading the book I felt like I was back in Middle School.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is very much reflective of the time it was written in, though a lot of the issues of weight and body image a lot of teen girls still struggle with. I appreciated that Virgina learns confidence throughout the book, allowing herself to speak up about what she wants. It will for sure make for interesting conversation at book club this week!
Also, I ended up listening to the audiobook and I think they changed some of the pop culture references? Because they mentioned La La Land at one point, and I was like wait...didn't this come out way before that? And yes, I was correct.
Also, I ended up listening to the audiobook and I think they changed some of the pop culture references? Because they mentioned La La Land at one point, and I was like wait...didn't this come out way before that? And yes, I was correct.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault
Minor: Vomit
Mackler writes with a very pure and raw voice. Her main character, Virginia lives in a family of picture-perfect high-achieving siblings and parents. However, Virginia does not fit in as she is not thin and beautiful. Her whole wide seems to be crashing down when her older brother (whom she idolizes) commits date rape while in college and is sent home. (The young lady gets through the trauma by listening to "Gratitude" by Ani di Franco. I love that her music is even mentioned because I was obsessed with her.) Virginia struggles with the loss of her best friend who has left to live in Washington and her new crush, Froggy whom she fears is embarrassed to be seen in public with her. I could relate to this novel on the fact that I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Unlike Virginia, I did not binge-eat or "eat my feelings" (as she calls it). It was nice to read a book where the heroine resembles the normal teenage girl. This novel also touches upon some very serious issues for teens and young adults.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Find my full review (with some spoiler information) at my teen book review
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
This book's kinda meh. It didn't do anything special for me. I wish this book was willing to go more in depth onto literally anything. Everything is pretty surface-level in this book.
Still an enjoyable read, and I flew through it.
Still an enjoyable read, and I flew through it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Eating disorder
Minor: Rape
I listened to this book on audio. Its a book about female empowerment written from the perspective of an overweight girl who's parents are pressuring her to loose weight and who's brother recently date raped a girl. The narrator is authentic and sincere, but the story is lacking something. At points it drags on and at others it moves over things too quickly. If you're looking for books about female empowerment, there are better titles out there.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Look at the person on this damn cover. Who designs this shit? Does that look like a plus size butt to you?