R-r-read

4.5/5 - I love love loved this book. It made me cry no less than four times. I think the main reason I had such an emotional reaction to this book is the fact that I can completely relate to Ann. I've struggled with weight issues all my life and I have tried it all: Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Adkins, Special K--you name a fad diet out there and you can almost guarantee that at one point or another I have had their books/food/nonsense sitting in my house. That being said, there was also a very dark time in my life where I didn't eat much of anything at all. I lost about 80 pounds in a very short period of time, and then developed a very unhealthy relationship with food in general. The multiple perspectives on diet and exercise that Ann navigates throughout the book and the way she is able to maneuver her way through unscathed is wonderful and triumphant to me in a way that I simply cannot put into words. This is not just another teen book about weight loss and being comfortable with yourself and learning to eat right and exercise--these characters feel real, and their lives don't feel exaggerated or carbon copied at all. If you have a teen daughter, buy this for her. I don't care if she has issues with food/weight/diet/exercise or not. The way this book is able to impress its message upon the reader in such a powerful way is not an experience that should be missed.

Thank you to Netgalley.com and Viking Juvenile for allowing me to review this book! Review copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.