Helpful Score: 5
Less than a page into "Moose: A Memoir of Fat Camp," I knew I had discovered a new favorite writer "voice." Author Stephanie Klein is hysterical - she writes with a self-depricating, slightly baudy humor that really reeled me in. The story -- a composite of Klein's own teen experiences at five years worth of fat camps -- may not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it. I wasn't an overweight kid, but I was a camper, and Klein's recounting of "chunky dunking", sneaking out after lights out to visit the boys camp, prank raids and other summer camp milestones are pretty universal.
However, readers should know that there are some meaty issues tackled here, too. Klein dabbles in bulemia to control her weight, and is taught by another teen exactly how to make herself throw up. (I found that part especially cringe-worthy.) She encounters a lot of cruelty from her peers and even from her parents. And as a grown-up, now-thin pregnant mom, Klein still struggles with her weight -- although now, she struggles to allow herself to gain the weight she needs to for her babies without guilt about getting fat.
Many of us have weight issues -- whether they're in our heads, or on our bodies. I think "Moose" is a great read, but it's not exactly a triumphant story of a fat girl that got thin and lived Happily Ever After. Of course, if you're looking for a story like that, there's lots of great chick lit out there that should fit the bill. [close]
However, readers should know that there are some meaty issues tackled here, too. Klein dabbles in bulemia to control her weight, and is taught by another teen exactly how to make herself throw up. (I found that part especially cringe-worthy.) She encounters a lot of cruelty from her peers and even from her parents. And as a grown-up, now-thin pregnant mom, Klein still struggles with her weight -- although now, she struggles to allow herself to gain the weight she needs to for her babies without guilt about getting fat.
Many of us have weight issues -- whether they're in our heads, or on our bodies. I think "Moose" is a great read, but it's not exactly a triumphant story of a fat girl that got thin and lived Happily Ever After. Of course, if you're looking for a story like that, there's lots of great chick lit out there that should fit the bill. [close]
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