Her sister was captured in Iraq, she’s the resident laughingstock at school, and her therapist tells her to count instead of eat. Can a daring new girl in her life really change anything?Publishes in US: March 12th 2013 by Candlewick Press
Angie is broken — by her can’t-be-bothered mother, by her high-school tormenters, and by being the only one who thinks her varsity-athlete-turned-war-hero sister is still alive. Hiding under a mountain of junk food hasn’t kept the pain (or the shouts of "crazy mad cow!") away. Having failed to kill herself — in front of a gym full of kids — she’s back at high school just trying to make it through each day. That is, until the arrival of KC Romance, the kind of girl who doesn’t exist in Dryfalls, Ohio. A girl who is one hundred and ninety-nine percent wow! A girl who never sees her as Fat Angie, and who knows too well that the package doesn’t always match what’s inside. With an offbeat sensibility, mean girls to rival a horror classic, and characters both outrageous and touching, this darkly comic anti-romantic romance will appeal to anyone who likes entertaining and meaningful fiction.
Genre: contemporary
Source: Candlewick Press
Buy it:
Fat Angie has a rough start, and I had some issues connecting with Angie, but I overall liked this one.
It reminds me so much that kids are mean, and how much bullying can really effect us all. It also shows the importance of family, because Angie was heart broken about her sister, and held out hope far longer than anyone else that she would be found. It also speaks to the powerful emotions and their total impact on someone, because when she thought her sister's body had been found, she tried to kill herself too.
The coach really supported Angie and that was a bright spot for me in the beginning, especially when I still hadn't gotten a hang of Angie's voice.
KC was also mysterious and I liked how she saw within Angie and didn't let the outside effect things.
I also appreciated the growth of Angie's character and how she ultimately learned to do what she loved and how she stood up for herself and learned about her as well as those around her.
Bottom Line: This is a touching book, with a narrator who grows and learns a lot.
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever been picked on because of your weight? (I have!)
I feel like I'm seeing more and more books that deal with body image issues, and I like that. I think it's something that so many teen deal with and it's good to shed some light on what the bullying does to people.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to discuss!
DeleteKids can be so cruel..this sounds like a tough read with hope laced trough it.
ReplyDeleteI know, I am almost scard to send mine to school
DeleteGreat review, Brandi. I wouldn't normally go for something like this, but I'm glad it worked out well for you, especially after not connecting with Angie at first. I don't think I've ever been picked on because of my weight, but I know people who have. It's never justified, and you're right, people can be very cruel sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI think it was just the way she referred to herself, I dont know
DeleteGreat review! This sounds like an intense read, I always get emotional when I pick up books that deal with bullying.
ReplyDeleteVery intense. effects so many but so many are quiet about it
DeleteI've never heard of this book before. it sounds like an interesting read :)
ReplyDeleteJanina @ Synchronized Reading
Delete:)
On that no, well in a way yes. One girl asked if I was anorectic once
ReplyDeletePoor Angie it's sometimes so sad...
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've been picked on because of it, some have said I was too skinny but I never saw it as a mean thing. But kids can be mean, I wonder where they learn that. It has to come from someone
ReplyDeleteI don't know... Some parents maybe, or just from media?
DeleteI've always had weight problems, so I know how Angie feels. This book sounds so sad but inspirational too. Great review.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love how inspiration and hope are woven in
DeleteI wasn't being picked on my weight but I'd say it's not right to target anyone with ill-intent. I'm so glad that Angie learns to love herself and stand up for herself in the story. What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing, Brandi!
ReplyDeleteDef not okay to target others, it hurts
DeleteThis kind of reminds my of SKINNY by Donna Cooner, minus the sister who was captured in Iraq. Glad to hear that you liked it, Brandi! I always find that books like these - dealing with teenage issues - are quite difficult to write, but I'm happy that this worked out for you. The coach definitely sounds like a great person!
ReplyDeleteLovely review!
I have been wanting to read Skinny
DeleteI always tend to be fond of or partial to the odd ball out kid. It sounds pretty girl. Thanks for stopping by my TT.
ReplyDeleteJess@FueledbyFiction
I have always been that kid :)
DeleteExcellent review, Brandi. Bullying is such a hard issue to tackle. I never got picked on for my weight. I was pretty small growing up. But I am short (5'2")..add that to never going to the same school for more than 2 years and I was a target of bullies. I stood up for myself though and they quickly backed off and we generally became friends. I agree with Rivie...I hope I'm teaching my son not to be that way to other kids as well as how to handle being made fun of for his red hair. It's the best I can do. Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven
ReplyDeleteI am teaching mine the best I can.
DeleteAnd power to the shorties, I am 5 2 as well
This sounds like an important story, one that many teens would be able to relate to. It's too bad it took a bit to warm up to her though.
ReplyDeleteI was never picked on for my weight cause I was skinny until I started having babies. Now I'm not huge or anything, but MUCH larger than I ever was before.
Oh gosh, I feel you. I weigh more after giving birth than I did the day of. So hard.
DeleteAnother emotional book, I see! Why much you torture yourself so? LOL. Kids are mean. I was never made fun of because of weight, until I got to high school-someone said something to me. "You should have seen her in middle school, she was huge." A surprise, of course, because I never heard such a thing before, and never thought I was heavy then. Oh well, part of growing up, I guess.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love the emotional books.
DeleteSorry they said stuff like that. Society and what considers heavy is ridiculous
I didnt gain alot of weight until my 30's. No one has ever made fun of me to my face, but I feel so insecure now. I have been told "oh you gained weight" ugh.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid my Dad's clothes for me got me teased. Once in 1st grade he had me weat a white shirt with a HUGE from in the middle and the pants had frogs ALL over them!
It was AWFUL. I was teased ALL flipping day :( BUT now I'd probably wear the shirt..lolz..
Aw, Dad's have no clue
DeleteI've read few things about bullying and it's really hard to get over. I mean I grow up in different country and yes of course we have bullies here but I think that in USA the problem is much, much bigger.
ReplyDeleteThat's sad to hear, I wonder why its worse?
DeleteGreat review! Actually, I was far too thin for most of my life and I was picked on a lot, but I guess most people do fir one reason or other. This doesn't sound like a good read for me, but I'm glad you enjoyed it, despite a few problems.
ReplyDeleteGeez. Can't win. Too thin, too fat, too poor, different race.
DeleteGood point about people not fitting in some form or another though
This sounds like an emotional read! I was never bullied because of weight, but when I was a kid, I remember bigger kids bullying everyone on the playground, including me. If it's not weight, it's always something else. Bullies are always looking for a weak spot. Great review!
ReplyDeleteTrue! They will find any weakness
DeleteAh, people are stupid sometimes. But that's why it's good to have outlets like this book for anyone who is being bullied to turn to and find comfort in. Glad you liked this one and appreciated Angie's character growth! I was bullied pretty badly growing up though never for my weight.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs!
DeleteYes, finding support is so important
Glad you enjoyed the read and thanks for taking the time to blog about it.
ReplyDeletee.E. Charlton-Trujillo
author
Fat Angie