Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have
by Allen Zadoff
Available September 8, 2009
Life used to be so simple for Andrew Zansky–hang with the Model UN guys, avoid gym class, and eat and eat and eat. He’s used to not fitting in...into his family, his sports-crazed school, or his size 48 pants. But not anymore. Andrew just met April, the new girl at school and the instant love of his life! He wants to find a way to win her over, but how? When O. Douglas, the heartthrob quarterback and high-school legend, saves him from getting beaten up by the school bully, Andrew sees his chance to get in with the football squad.
Is it possible to reinvent yourself in the middle of high school? Andrew is willing to try. But he’s going to have to make some changes. Fast.
Can a funny fat kid be friends with a football superstar? Can he win over the Girl of his Dreams?
Can he find a way to get his mom and dad back together? How far should you go to be the person you really want to be? Andrew is about to find out.
Okay, first let me say that this book had me literally laughing out loud...as in: I'm laying in bed reading and my kids keep coming into my room asking me "What's so funny?" Yes, it is THAT funny! Plus, anytime I find a book from a boys perspective that's NOT entirely about sports, well that's nice.
Andrews character is very likable and realistic...and I suspect any teen (or adult for that matter) could relate to him even if they aren't overweight. Very few of us are completely happy with the way we look and most of us have dreamed at one point or another of being that person that everybody admires and envies.
The author gives great insight to what its like to be so self conscious of yourself that it rules your every thought and action. Things like "Will I even fit in that desk in my classroom?" Or "Will I ever have a girlfriend/boyfriend?" Sometimes the desperation kids feel to "fit in" makes them do things they normally wouldn't do...as Andrew soon finds out.
This is a funny, well written book that shines the light on what its like to be that overweight kid in school. A lot of people think its as easy as just watching what you eat or exercising, but really its a lot more than that as we find out in Andrews case. Heartwarming and inspirational without being overly sentimental (which might make boys avoid reading it) I highly recommend this book!
5 comments:
I may put this on my list simply because I don't see too many books YA books at that, that are from a boys perspective. And if it is funny, well that's double points.
Oh, this book sounds fabulous. I am constantly amazed by the terrible attitudes and hurtful things that I hear from supposedly mature adults about weight. I don't struggle with it, but I have a sister who does, and I just can't look at people the same way after they've said things that would crush my sister and make her feel like a lesser human being. It's a serious prejudice problem with some, and I can't help but get angry sometimes. I'll look for this book - it looks like it has a healthy attitude toward weight problems.
Can't wait to read this. Glad you liked it.
I've wondered about this book. Sounds good. It's rare to find a book that actually gets me laughing out loud. I'll be adding it to the pile.
I adored this book. I thought the message it sent (that its ok to be ok with who you are despite your position in the grand scheme of things) was wonderful. The fact that Zadoff made that point in a fun and humorous way was the icing on the cake.
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