45 Pounds (More or Less)

I was a fat fat kid and teenager and this book hit a home-run for me. Almost everything Ann went through or felt, I had went through and felt. It was like reading a journal. I also started working out and eating better in Junior year of HS and lost all the weight and found who I really am. That triumph of something finally working and success was amazing at the time and just as great to read in this book. It was quite funny too. I loved Gram. She cracked me up again and again. I wanted to strangle Courtney as I've met girls like that in my fat past too who are just mean for no good reason. And that guy at the pretzel stand!!! I would of broke his nose! Not really, in my mind, but I would have shot him a look to let him know if he wants to keep all his teeth he better walk away. I just think Ann was perfect and I think soo many people can relate to her. At first I got a little annoyed with Ann because I thought she should stand up for herself more, SPEAK UP! (like I wish I did at the time), but now I see this book is about Ann learning to be strong and stick up for herself, fat or not. I love Ann's Aunt and partner Chris, I thought that was a nice element in the book and it was nice seeing a family so close and open.Ugh it was just so good.I had a baby a year and a half ago and all the old habits came back to me when I was pregnant and I gained 70lbs. Thin to 70lb gain put me in a miserable situation, like taking a 10 year step back but thebookables from youtube said she was going to read this because sometimes it's nice to have a good motivational book and I completely agree! This book is perfect for that. Seriously my problem was sweets and when I want to have one (every 5 minutes) I don't because now I think of how strong Ann was and how she stuck to her diet so well, even if it included cardboard lasagna! I love it!Sorry if this is TMI, I just had a lot of thoughts! :D <3

Weight issues - always a concern for so many of us. I have read many, many novels on the subject YA and adult, not to mention a ton of non fiction and I am always very interested in how the author tackles such a serious topic.45 Pounds was a great read. I loved the main character from the beginning and felt for her at every turn (almost).The author did a great job of detailing the issues with weight, especially if you are a young adult struggling to find yourself. Its hard enough as an adult!I also thought the slight "twist" towards the last end of the novel was also very interesting and put everything else in a totally different context for me.My heart ache for much of this book - as I kept asking myself why certain people could be so mean. However, this book is actually quite upbeat and is all about acceptance of people as they are.The only little thing that bugged me was that the main character's voice was not heard very much here. I got a tad frustrated with her when she would have all these "internal" conversations with herself and never managed (for the most part) to ever speak up for herself. I found myself frustrated and yelling at her - "come on, say it, say SOMETHING".This is minor though to the wonderful message found throughout this book. I also want to give a huge shut out to the "grandmother/grand daughter" relationship here - it was one of my favorite parts.

I was only on page two when I decided I liked Ann. Right off the bat, she was realistic and relatable. Pretty much the entire time I was reading, I was going “Yup!” “Yes!!” “Mmhmm!” “Been there, thought that.” I mean, I could go on and on. I literally took eight pages of notes, and over half of them are just me agreeing with things Ann thinks, says and does.Buying incentive clothing. Finding something cute in your size, but walking away because you’re ashamed to try it on. Wanting to try on an item of clothing, despite knowing it won’t fit. Wondering, just for a second, if that infomercial is for real. Knowing you’re fat, hating it, but wanting to eat when stressed. Again, I could go on and on.I absolutely hated Regina and Courtney, more so since there are really people in this world who act like them and think like them. This includes the guy in the pretzel line. And I instantly loved Aunt Jackie, Chris, Jon and Raynee. People like them make people like Regina and Courtney easier to tune out.Throughout most of the story, I hated Ann’s mom. It was impossible not to. Her double standards were frustrating beyond words. She was like one big contradiction. Of course, we eventually get her side of the story, and the insight makes you reconsider everything you know about her and everything you thought about her.The most heartbreaking part of 45 Pounds (More or Less) was the storyline involving Libby. I can’t say too much without going into spoiler territory, but it really makes you stop and consider the consequences of your actions in regards to the people around you.The end was amazing and incredible. Overall, 45 Pounds (More or Less) is the kind of book I would recommend to anyone and everyone. It’s one giant life lesson, without being in your face. It’s not preachy or judgmental – It’s life, plain and simple. Ann was realistic and likable, from every single thought that goes through her head, to every triumph and stumble she experiences along the way.

Hilariously funny book - I was laughing out loud but touching too. Lovely easy read which I finished over a weekend.