Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

by Carolyn Mackler

Feeling like she does not fit in with the other members of her family, who are all thin, brilliant, and good-looking, fifteen-year-old Virginia tries to deal with her self-image, her first physical relationship, and her disillusionment with some of the people closest to her.

• ISBN10: 0606343938
• ISBN13: 9780606343930
• Publish Date: 1 June 2005 (first published 14 July 2003)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 28 May 2021
• Imprint: Turtleback Books
• Edition: Turtleback School & Library ed.
• Format: Hardcover (Library Binding)
• Pages: 244
• Language: English

Reviews

[Sam@WLABB]

I heard this book had been updated in anticipation for the sequel release, but I borrowed it from the library, and am pretty sure I read the original version, since they talked about the colored iMacs (which I loved!).

That said, I found it really incredible and sad, that the events and issues explored in this book are still in the forefront today. The book focuses largely on body image, but there was also a date rape subplot, which had a huge impact on Virginia.

I was a fat kid, thin teen and twenty-something, but have struggled with my weight as I got older, so I related to Virginia in so many ways. I felt all those feelings, and thought all those things. I understood where she was coming from, and thought her portrayal was very realistic. Therefore, I cheered with each positive step she took. I was excited when she spoke up for herself. I loved being part of her journey, and even though it wasn't complete, she made a great deal of progress.

Her family also undergoes some big changes, and that was also where I saw a lot of growth in Virginia. Her brother fell from the pedestal she set him upon, and she sort of started to notice all his cracks, that were there well before. She also began to call her father out on his behaviors, and it's not like he did an about face, but at least she made her point of view known. Her family was a work in progress, and still need time for all the changes they need to undergo.

I don't know. I feel like a black sheep, because I liked this book. As someone, who struggle with my weight and disordered eating, I related to Virginia, and I enjoyed seeing her find her power.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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