45 Pounds (More Or Less) by K.A. Barson

45 Pounds (More Or Less) by K.A. Barson

Release Date: July 11, 2013

Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 256

Summary: 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 8 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.

So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in two

months.

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, terrifying wedding dance lessons, endless run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.

And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin -- no matter how you add it up!

My Thoughts: If you’ve struggled with weight or just don’t like the way you look, this is the book for you. I could totally relate! I’m not as skinny as I used to be.

We are introduced to Ann who is a teenager and she has struggled with her weight. She’s lost weight and gained it back. Nothing seems to last forever. She is sick of wishing she could wear a smaller size or look better so she goes on another diet. This diet costs a lot of money per month and Ann doesn’t have much. So, she gets a job. They sell pretzels and other goodies. Its hard being there and not eating the pretzels.

Ann really struggles throughout this book. She meets a boy who is adorable but finds it hard to believe that he might actually like her. Her mom doesn’t outright make fun of her weight but she acts like she wants Ann to lose it. Its hard. Nobody quite understands Ann.

Ann is determined to lose weight by the time a wedding comes about with one of her family members.

The package she gets has icky food and a hard weight loss DVD. Ann does eat the food but she really struggles and she does her best!

45 Pounds was funny at times but also very serious. It goes to show how uncomfortable in your skin you can be and how much you want to change. Ann was a very likable character. This one had some deep moments. But I could totally feel where she was coming from, especially trying to find clothes that fit her and that she could wear without it being too tight.

I thought this was a must read for every girl! I really liked the plot and the characters. It was neat!

Overall: I really enjoyed it. It had laughable moments but also very serious ones. A good story about being true to yourself and accepting yourself and believing in yourself.

Cover: Like it! It stands out especially with her holding so many clothes! 

What I'd Give It: