Adversity

There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said by the other (albeit few and far between) negative reviews, but I am going to review it anyway because I hated this book THAT much.

First of all, as others have said, the main character is unlikable. She's a b*tch. And at the end, she realizes she's been a b*tch, which I guess is great, but the author never really managed to make her seem sympathetic or interesting in any way. I get it, she has a great singing voice. Yawn. In every other way, she seems like your "typical" girly girl to the point of being a caricature. Actually, nobody in this book is likable. They're all 2D caricatures of high school "types." The nerd. The fashionista. The mean cheerleader. The bouncy weird theater geek. The (obviously, but not overtly stated) gay guy. In the end, Ever realizes that they were all more complex than she thought, but at that point, it was too late, at least for me. Also, not for nothing, but all the disparaging remarks about "science geeks" and eye rolling about her best friend Rat's intellectual pursuits make me wonder why she even likes him in the end. Is it just because he likes you, Ever, because if that's the case, you're going to have a bad time.

And, again as others have said, WHAT IS WITH ALL THE EMPHASIS ON APPEARANCE? Holy crap. For a book that is supposedly about inner beauty, it sure sounds like it is still saying that beauty is to be valued pretty much above all else. I know I am a bit radical about these things and I'll admit it, but I'd love for a book like this NOT to say "you were beautiful even though you were fat" but instead to say "It doesn't matter if you are beautiful. You are not an object. You are a person." That's what I want in a teen book about this kind of subject. I don't want that final realization to be "wow I *am* pretty!" I want it to be "I don't really care if I'm pretty because it doesn't matter. I am valuable because of who I am inside." But christ on a stick, she is drooling over male classmates abs and going on and on about their physiques and I just wanted to throw the damn book. What a freaking hypocrite. But anyway...

Finally, and this is the big sticking point I think for others who disliked the book as well, WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD GIVE GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY TO A 15 YEAR OLD UNLESS SHE WERE IN FAIRLY IMMINENT DANGER OF LITERALLY DYING DUE TO HER WEIGHT?! The character admits that her attempts at weight loss have consisted mainly of half-assed fad diets. She admits that her overeating is due to her issues surrounding her mother's death. Which is fine! That's understandable and fairly normal. However, what physician in his right mind would do irreversible surgery on a girl who clearly needs to work with a psychologist, a grief counselor, a nutritionist, start a rigorous exercise regimen... I mean, she hasn't *really* tried. I'm sorry. And that's not to say "oh she's a lazy fat girl. If she tried she'd lose the weight easily." No. Obviously, it's hard. Obviously, it takes a TON of hard work and effort. But she needs to try that first, before jumping into surgery that will literally make it impossible for her to eat normally for the rest of her life. Not to mention this schizophrenic hearing of voices she has going on. "Skinny" literally talks to her. She has given her a NAME. I feel like that's reason enough for her to go and get some help, but no. The author wanted this to be a rags to riches, ugly duckling reality show feel good novel. She forgot to pay attention to the fact that she is influencing young girls, though, and selling them a "quick" fix that is not generally appropriate for people who are not yet done growing. What a message. Ugh.

So in conclusion, this book sucks. ( )

If you don't read this, even though I really believe everyone should at some point, at least read/listen to the authors interview. ( )

This book is about a topic that should be discussed more often. - Aida C. ( )

Cover Thoughts: I really like this cover, but I kind of wish the words in gray would have been some of the terrible things Skinny whispered in Ever's ear instead of the same word over and over again in different fonts. I think just by looking at the cover and the title I would guess that this book is about a girl with an eating disorder who was way too skinny.

Why did I read this? It's interesting to me to get a glimpse into the lives and minds of people who are going through life with trials and tribulations that are different from my own. I think reading books like this help me learn to relate to and empathize with people better.

Thoughts: I loved this book so much. Seriously, so much. It's not often that I walk away from a book and feel uplifted and ready to face my demons head-on. I am thrilled to report that this was one of those books.

I went into this read a little worried I wouldn't relate because I've never had an issue with weight. Luckily, I inherited my grandpa's fast metabolism and have remained the same size, give or take five pounds for almost a decade. I have, however, been surrounded by people I love who do struggle and I've had a hard time relating to that struggle. One of those people has told me time and time again that, "I just don't understand" and that this struggle isn't easy. The one thing I LOVED about this book is that it opens your eyes so that you realize that everyone struggles with something and while those struggles may be different in nature we can support one another.

For me, my struggle has been acne. I've had a clear-faced monster on my shoulder whispering phrases as damaging as Skinny's whispers to Ever. I've been to so many dermatologists and have tried all kinds of diets and medicines and guess what? Nothing worked. Then one day I woke up and I realized this is something that seems to be out of my control. The best thing I can do is stop worrying and take those steps to keep my face clean, limit the amount of makeup, moisturize daily, etc. My skin isn't amazing, but it has improved because I try really hard not to listen to that voice.

This book will take you on a journey and along the way you will find and face your demons as Ever faces her. You will laugh and maybe cry but I promise you will enjoy the ride. I would strongly recommend reading this book.

Advisory: I may have shed a single tear. . .keep a Kleenex nearby. ( )