Skinny
Donna Cooner
Point/Scholastic,
ISBN 978-0-545-42763-0
Hardcover
High school is hell. I remember the horror of being a teen-aged girl. Few of us were comfortable in our skin, justifiably so. We felt ugly. We had uni-brows, bad skin, horrendous hair and less-than-perfect bodies.
Ever Davies’ high school experience is worse. She has struggled with her weight for as long as she can remember, but she did it alongside her cherished mother. Five years after losing her mom, it is clear that Ever stopped fighting. She is 5’ 6” and weighs 302 pounds.
This is why people think terrible thoughts about her. Ever knows what everyone is thinking, the Goth fairy on her shoulder (named Skinny), tells her. People are disgusted by her obesity. Her two step-sisters acknowledge her only when her assistance is needed. Jackson, a boy that was one of her best friends growing up, stopped speaking to her years ago. Ever wants him back, as more than a friend, but she knows her weight is the issue. Determined to reclaim Jackson, Ever has gastric bypass surgery.
Her other best friend since childhood, the one that didn’t abandon her as she gained weight, went through the surgery and healing process with her every step of way. That was Rat, always there, always dependable, and always, her Rat.
As the pounds melt away, The Beautiful People start to speak to Ever. Are they being kind, or calculating? With Skinny whispering in her ear, Ever can’t be sure. One thing Ever is sure about: Jackson has noticed. Clearly, the surgery was worth it. Now, she can have everything she’s dreamed of. As her “new friends” get closer, Rat seems further away. She’ll address that soon, it’s Rat, he’s always there for her.
Ever begins to hear things for herself, rather than through Skinny. Is it possible that her weight wasn’t an issue? If she appeared to be angry and hateful, it was only in defense………wasn’t it? Shouldn’t she be ridiculously happy right now, instead of feeling confused, as if something was missing? Being smart, Ever is quick to realize that she has lost more than just extra pounds, but is it too late?
Ms. Cooner perfectly captures teen angst, attitude and dialogue. Anyone that has felt left out due to a physical trait will relate to and root for Ever. The story is sometimes sweet, sometimes hilarious and sometimes very sad; but it is a fantastic story from beginning to end. The characters were very realistic. I quickly became attached to Ever—I wanted to yell at her, to hug her and sometimes, to shake her. I enjoyed this book tremendously, and I will certainly be looking forward to whatever Ms. Cooner writes next.
Reviewed by jv poore, February 2013.
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