Skinny

by Donna Cooner

 

What it is about...

Ever Davies is in high school, she weighs 300 pounds. Deciding to have gastric bypass surgery we witness her transformation from an ugly duckling to a swan. All the teenagers in the book carry with them  deep rooted problems. Ever does not recognize those issues, only her own and the reader is aware of those issues through a character named Skinny.

What I thought...

Spot on about the issue of obesity among teens. Experiencing the interior monologues that go through Ever's thoughts really creates insight into the mind of addiction. The book does not glamorize gastric by pass but presents the nitty gritty of the surgery. The book tackles bigger issues about self esteem and the self doubt that all teens experience. I would recommend this book because of the pace and the honesty the author brings to the issues of teenagers.

Master of Deceit

by Marc Aronson

What it is about...

Aronson tells the story of J. Edgar Hoover and the making of modern America. The book is well written and contains so many primary documents that  a fan of history will relish each page. Aronson tells both sides of the story and allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about 20th Century America.Just reading this book, you understand of the tremendous changes that were swept in by this Century and how we continue to make errors in judgement.

What I thought...

I normally review fiction for this blog but I have to say that this is a work of enormous power. The research alone is impressive but Aronson writes so clearly that the book feels like you are reading a work of fiction. Highly recommended!

Why We Broke Up

 by Daniel Handler             Art by Maira Kalman

WHAT IT IS ABOUT

Min (short for Minerva and a different kind of girl) tells the story of her break up with Ed (co-captain of the basketball team) through a letter and a box of mementos that she saved from their short but intense relationship. In the story, Min loses herself to the relationship but through heartache and a good friend finds her way back to what she was about at the core. This is a good look at high school cliques  as Min begins to navigate waters that she had found a way to avoid.

WHAT I THOUGHT

This is a beautiful book to look at and to hold.  Almost like a picture book for teenagers. The illustrations are striking and help to bring the idea of returning memories as a means of shedding yourself of the reminders of the heartbreak.It is not a quick read and I felt I had to work through parts of the story. Having said that though, I would like a sequel to see how Min gets through the next few months. I would like to know Ed's view too.

Daniel Handler is bet know for his work with The Series of Unfortunate Events.  He does a nice job tackling high school issues and it is worth the read.