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34th out of 148 books
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413 voters
45 Pounds (More or Less)
by
K.A. Barson (Goodreads Author)
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 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.
Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy A...more
She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.
Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy A...more
Hardcover, 256 pages
Expected publication:
July 11th 2013
by Viking Juvenile
Win a Copy of This Book
45 Pounds (More or Less)
by K.A. Barson (Goodreads Author)
by K.A. Barson (Goodreads Author)
Release
date: Jul 11, 2013
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 2 months, and…more
She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 2 months, and…more
Giveaway dates:
May 01
- May 31, 2013
10 copies
available,
458 people
requesting
Countries available:
US
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45 Pounds (More or Less) is the funniest book I have ever read about an issue that American Teens are facing in this skinny minny world we live in. I have lived Ann's life. I was skinny all my life until I hit 18 years old and then I gained a little weight at college and then I gained weight when I had my children and it is a nightmare. Society sees fat as disgusting and not beautiful but beauty is skin deep because being skinny is not what it is cracked up to be.
Ann is trying so hard to lose we...more
Ann is trying so hard to lose we...more
This book should be required reading for all teenage girls and their mothers. Actually, it should be required reading for all mothers of girls, no matter what the age.
Ann is always on a diet. She’s 16 years old and wears a size 17. This book describes her journey through yet another fad diet and is another book where I cried several times while I was reading. I related to Ann so much, not as a teenager, but as an adult who struggles with my weight. I was lucky as a teenager to be naturally trim...more
Ann is always on a diet. She’s 16 years old and wears a size 17. This book describes her journey through yet another fad diet and is another book where I cried several times while I was reading. I related to Ann so much, not as a teenager, but as an adult who struggles with my weight. I was lucky as a teenager to be naturally trim...more
At 16 years old, Ann doesn't remember a time when she hasn't struggled with her weight.
All of the other women in her family look fantastic and thin, while she fights to fit into something other than baggy pants and t-shirts.
When her aunt announces that she's getting married in just a few short months and Ann is going to be in the wedding party, Ann knows she's got to lose 45 pounds in order to feel confident among the beauties in her family.
On her journey, she tries fad diets, "incentive" clothi...more
All of the other women in her family look fantastic and thin, while she fights to fit into something other than baggy pants and t-shirts.
When her aunt announces that she's getting married in just a few short months and Ann is going to be in the wedding party, Ann knows she's got to lose 45 pounds in order to feel confident among the beauties in her family.
On her journey, she tries fad diets, "incentive" clothi...more
I almost gave up on this sweet, engaging book in the first few pages. I loved the opening scene, where the fat heroine, Ann, goes through the torturous process of clothes shopping with her overbearing mother. Then it descended into what I felt was offensive stereotyping - Ann gorges herself on food to deal with her anger and frustration. I didn't want to read any more at this point. Why perpetuate the idea that fat people are all lazy gluttons who just need some self control to get thin? Why dep...more
I like Ann, she is real. She is struggling with her 5' 4" frame carrying at least 185 pounds, a size 17 at 16 makes for an embarrassing moment or two. Mix this up with a dastardly Dad (estranged), AWOL adored older brother Tony, girlfriend off to another school along with feeling like the odd girl out amid darling step siblings in her mother's new marriage to a nice guy, Mike who has a harridan for a mother.
Her refuge is her grandmother's house- a wacky, wild gran who has stepped in to care for...more
Her refuge is her grandmother's house- a wacky, wild gran who has stepped in to care for...more
In this first person narrative, KA Barson delivers a sassy, upbeat, contemporary look at the life of a teenage girl who has struggled with weight for most of her young life and would like to lose 45 pounds before being a bridesmaid at her aunt’s wedding. In this personal account, the main character, Ann, is sharp-witted, strong, and self-deprecating, but is often hurt by her seemingly perfect, yet clueless mom. In using this point of view, Barson succeeds in helping the reader understand how a p...more
1 like · like · see review
I unexpectedly received this book in the mail a few days ago from Penguin Teen and was curious about it, so immediately picked it up. This is my favorite kind of book-- I go in with no expectations, and come out, moved.
45 Pounds by K.A. Barson is about every girl Ann, who is overweight, wears a size 17, and is incredibly embarrassed about it. She has a stick thin perfect mother who has apparently never worried about weight her entire life, and has difficulty making new friends. She's struggled t...more
45 Pounds by K.A. Barson is about every girl Ann, who is overweight, wears a size 17, and is incredibly embarrassed about it. She has a stick thin perfect mother who has apparently never worried about weight her entire life, and has difficulty making new friends. She's struggled t...more
A little conflicted about this book, although I liked the protagonist's voice and its matter-of-fact treatment of a minor character's homosexuality.
Ann needs to lose at least 45 pounds to be at her ideal weight...and of course, her mother is a perfect size six. There is a lot of body image issues in this book...An gets shamed a lot for her weight, and even shames herself. She is happy when she loses weight and admires her mother's control over her own weight.
And yet....she makes a good friend, l...more
Ann needs to lose at least 45 pounds to be at her ideal weight...and of course, her mother is a perfect size six. There is a lot of body image issues in this book...An gets shamed a lot for her weight, and even shames herself. She is happy when she loses weight and admires her mother's control over her own weight.
And yet....she makes a good friend, l...more
Mar 31, 2013
Rachele Alpine
added it
This is the type of book I wish I could have found in high school (and the type of book I will now make sure finds my high school students!). I loved Ann...I laughed with her and cried with her, but most of all, I rooted for her! Loved this book!
This book handled the issue of healthy (or unhealthy) eating habits with sensitivity and insight. Barson created realistic characters who had to learn to look outside of themselves and see the effect their words and actions had on others. I loved the cast of supporting characters, too, especially the grandmother and Raynee. The best part about this book was the imperfect ending, the way it left you feeling like not all goals had been met, but the goal wasn't as important as learning how to make...more
Ann has struggled with her weight for years, dieting and then gaining the weight right back. This summer Ann will be a bridesmaid, so she plans to lose 45 pounds in order to fit in the largest size offered at the cool store Snapz! She orders a diet plan from an infomercial and gets a job to pay for the subscription.
Ann's parents are divorced and each have new spouses and kids, which leaves Ann feeling somewhat left out. She realizes that when there is discord in the family dynamic, she turns to...more
Ann's parents are divorced and each have new spouses and kids, which leaves Ann feeling somewhat left out. She realizes that when there is discord in the family dynamic, she turns to...more
It was really interesting to read this book nearly right after I read EMPTY by KM Walton as they both deal with weight in very different ways. While EMPTY brought me down a deep dark hole, 45 POUNDS had me wandering around the top of a hole and wondering which way I was going to go before ultimately marching me away, and it was nice to have a different outcome.
Ann is having a really rough time with her weight. She doesn't feel comfortable in her clothes, and she has tried seemingly every diet wi...more
Ann is having a really rough time with her weight. She doesn't feel comfortable in her clothes, and she has tried seemingly every diet wi...more
Feb 01, 2013
Liesl Shurtliff
added it
Ann wants to lose 45 pounds before her Aunt Jackie's wedding, but Mondo Burger sometimes gets in the way.
I adore this book! While it addresses some tough issues about eating disorder, weight loss, nutrition, weight discrimination, divorce and family life, it doesn't get bogged down in the intensity of those things, but addresses them in a very authentic way with lots of humor. I laughed in so many places. The book is full of orignal, vivid characters and Ann's voice is spot on.
I adore this book! While it addresses some tough issues about eating disorder, weight loss, nutrition, weight discrimination, divorce and family life, it doesn't get bogged down in the intensity of those things, but addresses them in a very authentic way with lots of humor. I laughed in so many places. The book is full of orignal, vivid characters and Ann's voice is spot on.
I adored this book. The moments when I cringed for Ann in her struggle toward a newer and "better" self were matched by the moments when I laughed out loud. The prose was crisp and energetic, and there was a nice momentum from "goal identified" to "goal (maybe) achieved" (I don't want to give anything away).
Barson dives into the (sadly, too common) swamps of negative body image and low self-esteem in a way that is both relatable and heartfelt. However, the story of Ann's struggle and her battle...more
Barson dives into the (sadly, too common) swamps of negative body image and low self-esteem in a way that is both relatable and heartfelt. However, the story of Ann's struggle and her battle...more
Sixteen year old Ann decides to lose weight before her aunt's wedding and succeeds while beginning to understand her seemingly perfect mother's problems and trying to help her 4 year old sister avoid eating troubles. The novel is humorous and serious with teen voices which ring true.
Oh, I loved this book. Ann is awesome, and her weight struggles are realistic and funny. Let's just say, I have been where she is and I understood every uncomfortable moment. A brilliant book!
Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary
This book really hit home. It’s not just for teens that have struggled with their weight, but for anyone who has ever had a problem in life they felt they had no control over. Ann’s just happens to be her weight. She thinks that all of her troubles will be solved if she can just lose 45 pounds. Even with the low self esteem, she’s a very likeable MC, easy to relate to. She’s also a bit clueless. I love how Ann’s character develops throughout the book, as s...more
This book really hit home. It’s not just for teens that have struggled with their weight, but for anyone who has ever had a problem in life they felt they had no control over. Ann’s just happens to be her weight. She thinks that all of her troubles will be solved if she can just lose 45 pounds. Even with the low self esteem, she’s a very likeable MC, easy to relate to. She’s also a bit clueless. I love how Ann’s character develops throughout the book, as s...more
This was such a great book! The voice of Ann reminded me of Celeste from "Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies" by Erin Dionne. Highly reccomend!
Apr 24, 2013
Ashleigh Paige
marked it as to-read-own
...Did I request this? I can't even remember, honestly. Oh well! I have it, so I'll read it.
This was actually way better than I expected it to be. Somewhat predictable, but not entirely so.
I loved this book! Great characters and good message.
Review to come closer to release date
With both humor and depth, the story of Ann's resilence, determination, and strength will inspire readers on their own journey toward a sparkly new life.
Apr 05, 2013
Amy Parker
added it
If you have ever struggled with your weight you will so identify with Ann. I know I did. She says/thinks everything I've ever thought about food and overeating, but never said out loud. A well-written story with characters so real, you'll be convinced that they were stolen right out of your own life. A quick read with a deep message about body issues and coming to terms with food.
I love this debut! It was sweet and snarkily funny, with a body-positive message that I think all girls should be exposed to! Give this to any tweens or teens you know - but read it for yourself first :)
I really loved this book! It was so character driven and honest. I went to girls night an hour late just so I could finish. This is huge, people.
Very real issues. Many teens can relate, no doubt. Sweet and realistic. Well done.
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K.A. Barson graduated from Vermont College of Fine Arts with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She and her husband live in Jackson, Michigan, surrounded by kids, grandkids, unruly dogs, and too many pairs of shoes.
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May 01, 2013 05:34am