Goodreads Book Description: Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.
Welcome to the world of infomercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.
And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!
"Deliciously relatable with a lot of laughter on the side." -- Rita Williams-Garcia, New York Times best-selling author
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
My Review: I unexpectedly received this book in the mail a few days ago from Penguin Teen and was curious about it, so immediately picked it up. This is my favorite kind of book-- I go in with no expectations, and come out, moved.
45 Pounds by K.A. Barson is about every girl Ann, who is overweight, wears a size 17, and is incredibly embarrassed about it. She has a stick thin perfect mother who has apparently never worried about weight her entire life, and has difficulty making new friends. She's struggled through many different diets, but this one is different-- her aunt has a wedding coming up, and Ann is determined to fit into a cute bridesmaid dress. This all seems very stereotypical to teen literature, but this book takes a generic idea and makes it new.
I admit that the first 100 pages were very painful for me to read on so many different levels. Ann is the perfect teen protagonist-- very insecure with many flaws, but with so much room to grow. She's like any of us were when we were at the awkward teenager stage where all we wanted to do was belong. I'll be honest-- I almost wanted to put it down because reliving those years was not my idea of relaxation. But then midway, something changes. Ann realizes that her sphere is larger than just around herself and that everyone has their own history, their own insecurities, their own fears. Barson introduces some really wonderful supporting characters-- Raynee, Ann's new friend, was probably my favorite of them all, and they take this book to a new level. The writing is crisp and the pacing makes absolute sense.
The resolution of this book is perfect-- and it brought tears to my eyes. In contemporary YA, the characters are the center of stories, and this book is chock full of it.
Overall, a book bursting through the seams with heart, courage, and depth that I was not expecting. A must read.
Now enter to win this great book! Tune in tomorrow for an interview with the author! :-)
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so many movies terrified me as a child. seriously, even some DISNEY movies. totally embarrassing! i'm a wimp. haha.
ReplyDeletenone that I can remember.
ReplyDeleteI got an ARC for an author interview. I don't read much contemporary novels but really loved this one. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteI think this book sounds really interesting and as someone who has been thinking about diet, fitness, and appearance a lot in the past few weeks, I think it will really tie into those musings.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story. :) Although like you, I would probably find it painful to read in the beginning. Most girls have enough insecurities of their own to REALLY relate to the heroine, I think!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading this book whether I win it or not. And passing it along to my teens.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely relate to the subject matter
I just started seeing reviews for this, but I HAVE to read it. It looks so good and I can't wait to see for myself how great it is!
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to read this for so long. I even had it as a WoW when I first heard about it. I'm so happy to see you loved it. Can't wait to read it myself!! :)
ReplyDeleteI never heard of this book but I am loving the plot. Seems like an amazing book. Your review is very nice.
ReplyDeleteNaz -♡
Hm. An embarrassing story you say? Well in third grade I threw up (on my birthday, no less) on my best friend's brand new designer boots in the middle of the school hallway.
ReplyDeleteAn embarrassing moment from my child hood is when I was 8 I was dared by my friends to stick my head in between the slots of a railing that was on the second floor of the apartments we lived at and they said it would not get stuck. So me, not able to say no to a dare, my head went in fine, but I did not figure in my ears on trying to get my head out. My parents had to call the Fire Department and they were able to bend the bars enough so I could get my head out.
ReplyDelete45 Pounds sounds like such of an inspiring story... And the fact that it got five stars and a wonderful review from you is very reassuring ^_^ I can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! And this sounds like something I'd like to read. Thanks for putting it on my radar--on my must read list now. :)
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