A review by anika222
Husky by Justin Sayre

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Despite it's title, this book was not overly centered on fat experiences, but a wide variety of typical pre-teen experiences through the eyes of a chubby boy. Overall, I think I would recommend this book, but it would be best read with a fat positive family member who could help process why the protagonist felt adverse to being labeled husky and gay. I think there's a lot of things people might take away from this one. For me, it was that our labels, the ones we choose for ourselves and the ones that are thrusted upon us, don't define us completely, but they do shape our experiences in the world.

While I think the story is told very well from the main character's perspective, it fell short for me in leaving the fatphobia unaddressed. This young man learned he's seen as less than for his size (and possible sexuality/gender presentation) from something in his life (we're not born knowing this), but it almost felt gaslight-y to me that all his friends and family said they didn't care and fully accepted him as he is (though a wonderful message that people who love you should not treat you differently because of your size.) One possible explanation is he's not actually fat at all but simply in his pre-adolescent growth phase; which would make this book pretty problematic. The other explanation is he is fat, and no one in his life thinks to talk to him about the fatphobia in the world. Which also is not great.

Ultimately, I wouldn't classify this as fat positive, but it is a good portrayal of the world from a fat preteen's perspective.
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