Skinny

Ever Garrison struggles with her weight and the constant criticism from an inner voice she calls "Skinny." At 302 pounds, the high school sophomore faces daily challenges with self-image and confidence while navigating social relationships. After deciding to undergo gastric bypass surgery, Ever must confront changes to her body, her relationships, and her identity. Her journey involves exploring her musical talent and participating in the school musical, even as she works to silence Skinny's destructive messages. The story follows Ever's path toward self-acceptance and understanding, supported by her best friend Rat and stepsister Briella. Her experiences in both musical theater and romance test her ability to overcome internal obstacles and external prejudices. This young adult novel addresses themes of self-worth, transformation, and the disconnect between internal and external perceptions. Through Ever's perspective, the narrative examines how negative self-talk impacts personal growth and the complex relationship between physical and emotional change.

Readers appreciate the realistic portrayal of weight loss surgery and its emotional aftermath. Many relate to the protagonist's internal voice of self-doubt and her journey toward self-acceptance. High school students note the authentic depiction of teen social dynamics and dating. Readers praise the exploration of family relationships, particularly Ever's bond with her stepsister Briella. Several reviews highlight the nuanced handling of grief and loss. Common criticisms include predictable plot elements, rushed character development in the final chapters, and some feeling the romance overshadows deeper themes. Some readers wanted more focus on friendship dynamics. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (15,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ reviews) Common Sense Media: 4/5 From reviews: "The inner voice of Skinny hits hard for anyone who's struggled with self-image" - Goodreads reviewer "Wanted more depth from secondary characters" - Amazon review "Too neat of an ending for such complex issues" - Kirkus Reviews reader comment

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🎯 Author Donna Cooner drew from her own experiences with gastric bypass surgery to create Ever's story, making the emotional journey particularly authentic. 🎭 The character "Skinny" represents the protagonist's inner voice of self-doubt and criticism, which many readers have reported relating to their own internal struggles. 📱 The book explores how social media and technology affect body image and self-esteem, featuring Ever's online life as part of her journey. 🎼 Ever's participation in the school musical "Grease" parallels the transformation story of Sandy, adding depth to the novel's themes of identity and change. 🏆 "Skinny" was nominated for the Young Adult Library Services Association's Best Fiction for Young Adults list in 2013 and was selected as a Texas Lone Star Reading List book.