45 Pounds (more or less)

Details

Title: 45 Pounds (more or less)

Author: K.A. Barson

Publisher: The Penguin Group
Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Rating: 10/10

Continuation: No continuation yet.

Pages: 264

Review

Ann Galardi is on a mission. She is 16 and a size 17. Her mother is a perfect size 6. Her aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid. Ann makes up her mind to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in two and a half months.

Here's a novel set in the world of infomercial diet pans, endless wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann's ever seen and some surprises about her perfect (yet not-so perfect) mother. No matter how you add it up - the last part of the equation is all about feeling comfortable in your own skin.

All I could say when I finished with this novel was "Wow!" Barson has written an enjoyable novel with a great cast and a sense of self-confidence and joy settles upon the reader when he/she snaps the book shut. 

I feel that empathizing with this novel will come easily to teenagers. I feel that the Ann's character was created perfectly. She was insecure with several flaws, but had plenty of room to grow. The way Barson handles Galardi in this book is truly amazing. Ann doesn't give up on weight loss and sit on her haunches pretending it doesn't bother her. Neither does she end up continually starving herself to reach her target. This very moral is the inspring aspect of this novel. The protagonist ends up feeling comfortable in her own skin and finds support where she thought she had none. 

What I loved about the book was the new friend Ann made. Barson introduced an incredible supporting cast and my favorite was Raynee. She was supportive, interesting and unique. The plot line didn't follow a generic teen novel's. Instead, it took something old and put a fresh twist on it. I found this aspect quite interesting. 

Weight issues are usually very poorly handles in novels. Either the protagonists and perfect and skinny or they accept their flaw and remain insecure about it. This novel approaches the topic with a fresh perspective and a non-shaming tone. It introduces a character - Ann's mom - who is seemingly perfect but struggles with issues of our own. Every teen has a person in his/her life - or several - who are so perfect, they cannot be measured up to. This novel helps teens shatter their perception of perfection and come closer to achieving a healthy balance of happiness. 

A minor sub-plot in the book is Ann's romance with a cute guy who shows interest in her. I find this aspect of the story handles very well. The boy's interest in Ann contributes to her success in finding herself, but definitely doesnt overshadow the importance of other aspects. Barson doesn't let the romantic plot line take over the essence of the story - which I find commendable.

This novel is heartwarming and full of courage and strength. I will recommend it to all young adults. Novels like these need to be read at some point as a teenager to make us feel better. It's like a self-help book without any of cheesy drama and uncomfortable questions. Instead, it's a simple, humorous and very relatable story of a girl just like us. I will definitely recommend it.