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July 15, 2013

Review: 45 Pounds by K.A. Barson



Title: 45 Pounds (more or less)
Author: K.A. Barson
Publisher:
 Viking Juvenile 
Publication date: July 11, 2013
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary)
Source: NetGalley 
Format: Digital ARC
Pages: 272
Here are the numbers of Ann Galardi’s life:

She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.

Welcome to the world of infomercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother.

And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!
If you have been following our blog for a while, you would have remembered this book from our previous Waiting on Wednesday pick. All over the world, teens are having problems with weight. The media puts a lot of pressure on teens, and how the "perfect" image is to have the "perfect" body and the "perfect" face. That's where a lot of girls either starve themselves or go on extreme diets, but they never really think about their health. I come from an extremely healthy family, and reading books that help teens understand the importance of health makes me happy. Ann is a size 17. Ann's mother is a perfect size 6. Ann's parents are divorced, and she lives with her mother and her stepfather. Ann also has two step siblings. Being the only one who is overweight, Ann struggles to really be able to feel comfortable. Her mother constantly talks about weight. She talks about weight in front of her, when they're eating, and even when they're shopping. Escaping her mother's drama once in a while, Ann goes to hang out at her grandmother's house. There, she watches an infomercial about weight loss, and Ann decides to buy the package that includes frozen meals and exercise CD's. I really liked that Ann really did want to lose weight not only for her mother, but for herself. What really gives Ann a push is that her Aunt's wedding is in 10 weeks, and her aunt wants her to be her bridesmaid. 
After receiving the S2S weight loss packages, Ann really starts setting her goals. I like how determined Ann was, and I was thrilled that she was doing it without anyone knowing. I felt really happy when Ann started to actually lose the weight. She tried to change her whole lifestyle step by step. Ann got a new job, and even got new friends. I just loved how a simple change can really change you into a positive person. All that aside, there is that cute guy Ann met on her day working. I loved the romance that was included in this book, and I have to say, it was one of the cutest, most adorable romances I have read in a while. 45 Pounds really talked about all sorts of things, but there was a very important thing as well. K.A. Barson didn't just want Ann to "lose" weight, she also wanted her to change her lifestyle. Ann decided to be a role model to those around her, and start eating in a healthy way. I hope I didn't give much away, but I just had to say how much of a good message this would be to a lot of teenagers out there.
Overall, 45 Pounds was a fantastic read. It was full of friendship, hardships, family, love, and daily struggles. It wasn't just a read you fly through, but a read that actually teaches you a thing or two about life. I really would love to see more teenagers out there picking this one up, because I know a lot of girls would be able to relate to Ann and her struggles. This book really is beautiful. I may have expected a chill, funny read, but I'm glad I was able to get more than just that. I will definitely be looking forward to future books by K.A. Barson. 

16 comments:

  1. This is the first review I've seen for this one and I'm really glad it's such a good one. I personally struggle with my weight so I think this will be a book I can really relate to. Great review!

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  2. Ooh yay! This book sounds different from anything else that I've heard of, and it truly sounds like an uplifting read. Ann seems like a character that really grows and progresses, which I love! OOH, the romance sounds so so cute and I'm totally in the mood for that. Thanks for the amazing review, Farah!

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  3. This book sounds like a cute and fun novel that also deals with real world issue. It sounds like this one can be beneficial to teens. Great review! :D

    Alise @ Readers In Wonderland

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  4. I can definitely relate to dieting and how it is a lot of work and changes and they definitely are not easy. I'm glad this puts a good message out there about being healthy and not necessarily just looking good. And an adorable romance on top of it! I am even more excited.

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  5. I's so glad that this book isn't just about a girl wanting to lose weight, but has a great message too. I love that she wants to change her lifestyle and it isn't just about the pounds and her family. I have been wondering about this book, but hadn't seen much about it. Thanks for the lovely review. This is definitely a book that I will be putting on my TBR list.

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  6. I remember when you have this on your Wow! This sounds like a story that gives great lessons and message that could be applied not only to teenagers but to everybody as well. This book is right up my alley. Thanks for the brilliant review, Farah! :)

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  7. This sounds great! I was recently diagnose with extreme high blood pressure so the dieting has begun and it is not easy giving up food that I love especially when those around you don't have too, so I think I could definitely relate to Anna. Wonderful review.

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  8. Fantastic review! Its wonderful to hear about a book where a character makes a change dealing with body image for herself and not for other's opinions to become positive.

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  9. I'm going to have to pick this one up! I haven't read any books with a topic like this and from your review, it sounds amazing. I'm glad you liked it and great review!

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  10. I love it when books live up to your expectations! 45 Pounds sounds like so much fun and Ann a really relatable character. I hadn't considered picking this book up before but I think your review definitely has me convinced! Fab review Farah! :)

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  11. I REALLY want to read this one! I love those books that you can relate to, and with cute romances!

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  12. I'm so happy you reviewed this book! I've been waiting for someone to read and write about it for a while now and was kind of bummed that nooone seemed interested anymore! The way you describe it, 45 Pounds sounds like a really good book that I would enjoy SO much! So I guess I have to pick it up now... :D

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  13. This sounds wonderful. So glad to hear it's not just a fluff piece about losing weight but living a healthy lifestyle.

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  14. This sounds fantastic! I love books that send a strong message and this one definitely does. I can't wait to meet Anna and see all the struggles she has to go through and finally experience her achieve that. Glad you enjoyed this one, Farah!

    Awesome review! :D

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

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  15. I have to read this! I'm kind of in the plus size so any novel with a protagonist as such is a must-read for me. Great review AS ALWAYS, Farah! :D

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  16. I personally enjoyed the first half more than the second but had fun with the plot line and the ideas behind it. If you are a paranormal fan I would suggest you check it out and see for yourself!

    Mica
    Bowers and Wilkins P5 Series 2

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