manstealing for fat girls

Reader Response to Manstealing for Fat Girls by Michelle Embree

Publisher's Synopsis: "This off-kilter novel centers on three girls who are definitely not part of the in crowd: one's fat, one's a dyke, and one is missing a breast. Nicknamed "Lezzylard" by her classmates, Angie is seduced by the prettiest girl in school, an anorexic who just wants to make imaginary grocery lists. Inez, the school's pot dealer, can't shoplift because security guards are mesmerized by her single enormous breast. Shelby and Angie can't be together, because then everyone will think Angie's only a dyke because she's too fat to get a guy. Manstealing for Fat Girls explodes the locus where patriarchal and class violence intersect, while embracing all that is magical -- and dangerous -- about adolescence. Set in a working class suburb of St. Louis in the 1980s, the book is replete with music and pop culture references of the era, but the bullying, lunch table treachery, and desperate desire to fit in ring true for every generation. "

My response:
I can REALLY relate to the protagonist in this story. I was instantly hooked. They style is witty and realistic, and it sucks you into the action immediately. The action is so speedy that you're done with the book before you know it! The protagonist deals with stereotypes, drug abuse, eating disorders, a broken home- new stepdad and missing father, a love interest, and sexual assault. It's a fast-paced action story about revenge and doing what's right. Despite all of the crap that surrounds her, Elizabeth is able to end the story on a positive note. Embree leaves readers hanging with the idea that Liz may have found her real father.

Some of the situations are scary. The book contains a lot of swearing and very graphic scenes. Anyone who has witnessed or experienced any of these kinds of situations would cling to this book, but I think girls would go for it more than guys. I would NOT recommend this for use in the classroom, but it is a great book!