*REVIEW* 45 Pounds (More or Less)

Synopsis:

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 8 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in two months.

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, terrifying wedding dance lessons, endless 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!

45 Pounds (More or Less) by K.A. Barson is a funny and touching look at a topic that many women can relate to: the struggles we face with weight, body issues, and meeting societal ideals of beauty and attractiveness. I think it's interesting that I read this book in the aftermath of the Abercrombie & Fitch scandal where their less-than-attractive-himself CEO got diarrhea of the mouth and basically said he's anti-fat and "uncool" people *eyeroll*. Maybe he needs to read this book to see inside the mind of a teenage girl dealing with body and self-esteem issues. In fact, anyone who has ever made fun of a "fat girl" should read this book!

45 Pounds (More or Less) introduces us to Ann, an overweight teenage girl who has struggled with her weight her entire life. Not helping matters is her perfect size 6 mother who has never been shy to criticize the way Ann looks. A hilarious, but horrifying, encounter in a dressing room at a ultra-hip store, coupled with the fact that Ann will be a bridesmaid in her aunt's wedding, leads Ann to order a diet plan off an infomercial.

As Ann battles the bulge, and the lure of her food addiction, readers will be taken on her journey and will find themselves rooting for the girl inside. Add in a new potential best friend, a possible love interest, and some shocking realizations about Ann's mother, and this book will have you sold.

I really enjoyed this book. As someone who has struggled with weight for the past ten years (most of my adult life), I could really relate to what Ann was going through. I challenge you to read this book and NOT root for Ann, it's impossible. This book is very touching and relevant, but it also has a great deal of humor and hope. Just writing this review is making me want to read it again! I really think there's something in this one for everyone, whether you've struggled with weight or not. Because most of us have something we're insecure about, some family member that makes us feel less-than sometimes, or friends who aren't really friends at all.

Seriously, READ THIS BOOK. You won't regret it! It'll be a perfect addition to your beach read pile come summer. Enjoy! *XOXO*

Expected publication date: July 11, 2013 by Viking Juvenile