“SKINNY,” by Donna D. Cooner, Point, Oct. 1, 2012, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)
Ever Davies is 15 and weighs 302 pounds.
Everywhere Ever goes, people look at her, they talk about her, they laugh at her. She can’t even escape the criticism when she’s alone. Because she’s never alone. Skinny is always there.
Skinny is Ever’s constant companion. Her constant nemesis. Skinny is always whispering thoughts into Ever’s ear.
Huge. Marshmallow monster. Horrifying. Elephant. Pig.
The inescapable thoughts bombard her throughout the day and night. But there’s another part of Ever. The part that loves to sing. It’s been struggling to come out — to give her a voice.
Ever wants to be normal, take part in the school musical, have guys ask her out. It’s the push she needs. Ever decides to undergo obesity surgery in hopes of losing weight and starting her life over.
Surgery, however, doesn’t magically shrink you. And it doesn’t solve all of your problems. Even with the support of her best friend, Ever struggles to make change. Exercise is hard. Wanting food, but not being able to eat it is hard. Other people’s expectations are hard. And worst of all, Skinny is still sitting on her shoulder. If Ever is ever going to succeed, she’s going to have to face that voice head on.
“Skinny” is sad, happy, frustrating and rewarding. It’s also engrossing. Ever is a likable character that I immediately felt drawn to. I’ve never weighed that much, but I could easily identify with her insecurities, her hopes and her dreams.
“Skinny” isn’t the first book about an overweight teen, nor will it be the last. What makes it work is the sincerity in which it was written. There are no easy fixes and there are a lot of other emotional issues that need to be worked through.
Author Donna Cooner underwent gastric bypass surgery herself. She says surgery was a positive experience but not a magic wand. Donna understands negative thoughts come in all shapes and sizes — too fat, too tall, too ugly, too stupid. It’s because of that understanding and honesty that “Skinny” works so well. It’s a beautiful book of growth and personal development that’s well-worth your time.
1 Comment
I just finished up Skinny and wrote a review about a week ago. I just loved Skinny! I too haven’t had much of an issue with weight, but I think the thing that makes Skinny so good is the fact that everyone faces their own demons and have to come to terms with them at some point or another. This book explores that and gives you the courage needed to face your own demons. Such a great read!