Janice Y. (jai) reviewed The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (Virginia Shreves, Bk 1) on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Story about a high school student in Manhattan who is struggling with weight issues, and with disillusionment of her older brother who has done something terrible and has been suspended from college. There were a few points where I found the book pretty insightful, but I thought that the quickness in which Virginia managed to somehow get over her issues with her family, weight and self-esteem was a little unbelievable. I also found Virginia's interaction with someone at her brother's college a little unbelievable as well. In real life its hard to imagine a teenager (or adult) that perceptive, but I think this book has a good message and I enjoyed reading it.
John O. (buzzby) -
Helpful Score: 3
Larger than average (physically speaking) 15 year old girl is the heroine.
Kristine S. (NHBookLover) reviewed The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (Virginia Shreves, Bk 1) on + 293 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I guess you would call this teen literature. However I am NOT a teen and enjoyed it. Virginia Shreves is the youngest of 3 children. Her parents are over-achievers and fit. Her brother and sister are both good looking and thin. Virginia is not. The book deals with how she learns to accept herself for who she is and, in doing so, gets her family to accept her as well. A family crisis brings them closer. I thought it was well written and deals with issues without getting "preachy" about it. The characters are good.
Suzanne H. reviewed The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (Virginia Shreves, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Earth, My Butt, & Other Big Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler, is a book about a girl's journey toward self-acceptance. I read this book in one day--it's an easy read even though it's about some serious subjects (self-acceptance, personal boundaries, etc).
I thought Mackler's approach to serious issues currently dealt with by teens, such as weight issues and fitting in, was a great one. She gives us a well-written book with likable characters and best of all, a realistic outcome. The main character doesn't become skinny and cool, but rather, learns to love herself and let the rest work itself out.
I wish I'd read this book as a teenager, but even now, as an adult, I think the issues discussed in this book are relevant and it's still good to be reminded of the value of being true to one's self. To take control of our issues and problems rather than becoming a victim of circumstance.
Great book with a great moral, without being 'preachy' or unrealistic. This is one I recommend.
I thought Mackler's approach to serious issues currently dealt with by teens, such as weight issues and fitting in, was a great one. She gives us a well-written book with likable characters and best of all, a realistic outcome. The main character doesn't become skinny and cool, but rather, learns to love herself and let the rest work itself out.
I wish I'd read this book as a teenager, but even now, as an adult, I think the issues discussed in this book are relevant and it's still good to be reminded of the value of being true to one's self. To take control of our issues and problems rather than becoming a victim of circumstance.
Great book with a great moral, without being 'preachy' or unrealistic. This is one I recommend.
