The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things
written by Carolyn Mackler
Bibliography
Mackler, C. (2003). The earth, my butt & other big round things. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
ISBN-13:978-07636-1958-9
Brief Summary
Virginia is in high school. As if that fact alone were not enough to make each day stressful, her best friend Shannon (her only real friend) moves to Washington state for the school year, quite a long way from New York. Plus, Virginia, who sincerely believes that she was accidently switched at birth, is the only member of the Shreves family who is not fluent in French and a model look-alike with brunette hair, perfect skin, and a trim body. Virginia is blonde, average looking, and “stout.” The “stout” part is what gives Virginia the most anxiety. She’s a plus size in a single digit sized world.
Virginia develops an eating disorder, partially due to her over-controlling mother and a father who can be rather insensitive with his comments about her body image at times. Virginia’s big sister Anais leaves for a two year commitment with the Peace Corps in Africa. Although Virginia has always worshiped her big brother Byron, who is still a legend at her high school, she becomes estranged after he is expelled from Columbia University for committing date rape. Partially narrated via her personal journaling and emails to her friend Shannon, the storyline focuses on her battle to overcome all the challenges which overshadow her life, and begin to display some independence on her pathway to recovery from her eating disorder.
My Impressions
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book, although I got rather impatient with her parents at times. I found myself rooting out loud for her when she finally began to exert some independence and control over her own life. I’d be interested to read a sequel to find out how Virginia fares with one of the activities in which she becomes involved toward the end of the book, her new webzine Earthquack.
Reviews
“…There's a lot going on here, and some important elements, such as Virginia's flirtation with self-mutilation, are passed over too quickly. But Mackler writes with such insight and humor (sometimes using strong language to make her point) that many readers will immediately identify with Virginia's longings as well as her fear and loathing. Her gradually evolving ability to stand up to her family is hard won and not always believable, but it provides a hopeful ending for those trying stand on their own two feet…Gr. 7-10.”
-- Booklist (September 1, 2003)
Ilene Cooper
Copyright 2003 Booklist
“Mackler (Love and Other Four-Letter Words) occasionally uses a heavy hand when it comes to making her points ("Recently, I've been finding it harder to pretend that everything is A-OK"), and some of the plot elements, such as the overweight teacher who looks out for Virginia, or Virginia's discovery that a popular girl has an eating disorder, seem scripted. The date rape story line, on the other hand, is gutsy; her brother wasn't just accused of date rape, he actually committed the crime. Ultimately, readers will find it easy to relate to Virginia; she loves junk food, gets nervous about finding someone to sit with in the cafeteria and can't believe that Froggy, the boy she has secretly made out with after school, could be interested in her, not just using her. The e-mails she exchanges with Shannon, and the lists she makes (e.g., "The Fat Girl Code of Conduct") add both realism and insight to her character. The heroine's transformation into someone who finds her own style and speaks her own mind is believable-and worthy of applause. Ages 14-up.”
-- Publisher’s Weekly (July 21, 2003)
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information
“…Strong points in the novel are the issue of date rape and its consequences and, however glossed over, eating disorders. Parental pressure is overdone. Mom and dad are stereotypical of adults so involved in themselves that they cannot see their child for who she is. Some passages are very well done, but the book has an uneven quality in prose style and character development. Told through first-person narrative, journal entries, and e-mail, Virginia's story will interest readers who are looking for one more book with teen angst, a bit of romance, and a kid who is a bit like them or their friends…Gr 7-10.”
-- School Library Journal (September 1, 2003)
Gail Richmond, San Diego Unified Schools, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information
Suggestions for Library Use
Concern with one’s body image is so prevalent in our society, far too many pre-teens and teens, both male and female, struggle with eating disorders. In addition, many young people feel alienated from peers and family, especially parents. The humor with which the author tackles some very serious subject matter makes this a good read for upper middle school and high school students.
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