What an utterly beautiful book! I loved every minute of reading this, even though I was frequently moved to tears.

This is the story of two teenagers: Libby and Jack. They have both gone through the toughest of times, Libby very publicly, but Jack more on his own.

Three years ago, when she was thirteen years old, Libby had to be lifted out of her house in a crane because she weighed 600 pounds. She was dubbed America’s Fattest Teen. She got a lot of hate via email, the internet, in person. The world decided she needed to be told how disgusting she was. What the world didn’t do was question why. They didn’t bother to find out her mum had died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage, leaving Libby lonely and suffering horrendous anxiety about everything. She shut herself away in her room until she could no longer leave.

Three years later, Libby has lost 300 pounds and is returning to school, hoping no one remembers her. But then, along comes Jack Masselin.

Jack has face-blindness, but he has told no one about this. He spends every second of his life trying to get straight who different people are. He doesn’t recognise his friends, his family, not even himself in the mirror. He works hard to hide this. He acts like one of the cool kids and is constantly making jokes and trying to fit in. Then, one day, his friend tells him about his thing called ‘Fat Girl Rodeo’. Basically, it involves grabbing overweight girls and clinging to them, on their backs, with the person who can hold on the longest ‘winning.’ The novel opens with Jack doing this to Libby. He doesn’t want to, and he writes her a note beforehand and sticks it in her bag. Once she gets free. She punches him. And there she is, back in the limelight again.

The two of them have to attend a Conversation Circle with a few other kids who have misbehaved at school. They start to talk. They start to fall in love. Expect a few bumps along the way.

What I loved most about this book was Libby. I could relate to her so much. I mean, I’ve never been anywhere near 600 pounds, and I’ve never had to be cut from my house. But I’ve suffered with weight issues my whole life. Some of the observations that Libby makes and the feelings she experiences are so familiar to me. I understand the whole “fat-shaming” thing. People can be so cruel. But Libby grows. She owns her body. She is strong and brave and has the best heart ever. I love the way she and Jack become more than friends. Because, when he is with Libby, Jack can truly be himself. He tells her about his face-blindness, and she gets it. She gets him.

The other big issue in this book is grief. That had me weeping at times. Libby’s mom’s death is heart breaking, and the author deals with the subject with great knowledge and compassion. I loved the comparison between Libby’s loss and Jack’s constant loss of his family every time he looks away. This book really made me think about this disorder. It’s actually really fascinating.

This is a great YA book because it encourages people to be themselves. It teaches us that there is nothing more beautiful than someone who knows who they are and owns it. I would add a cautionary trigger warning for anyone with eating disorders. It may not be necessary, but I’ll give it anyway.

Finally, after reading this, I have bought a copy of “We Have Always Lived In The Castle” by Shirley Jackson. It is Libby’s favourite book, and it’s mentioned a lot in this book. I’m intrigued.

I loved this book. Just loved it. A great big

Its YA audience. But, also, I think a lot of adults will love it, too. I did. It is beautifully written. Libby and Jack are fantastic characters, and their actions and thoughts are so real. This book is also really informative for anyone wanting to learn about face blindness.

Everything. Libby is the ultimate star of the book, though. She is a very mature, grounded young woman. She has had enough of letting other people tell her how she would feel about herself.

Some of the characters, but inly because we aren't supposed to like them.

Talk to my hubby about how my body shame has affected me my whole life. It made me want to open up.

Understood. Happy. Sad. Filled with grief. Positive.

Jennifer. I read her other YA novel, 'All The Bright Places' and I loved that, too. Personally, I preferred this one, although, from what I've read, most people prefer her other book. She definitely understands the feelings young people go through.

It's a beautiful story.

If you are triggered with eating disorders stories, I wouldn't eat this.

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Created Feb 08, 2022 at 6:33am • Submit your own review...