Welcome to my stop on the How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love blog tour! Today I'm sharing my review of the book - and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post! To follow along with the rest of the tour, click on the banner above.
How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love
Author: Ken Baker
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: April 22, 2014
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Description:
"Thick. Heavy. Big
boned. Plump. Full figured. Chunky. Womanly. Large. Curvy. Plus-size.
Hefty." To sixteen-year-old Emery Jackson, these are all just euphemisms
for the big "F" word—"fat." Living on a Southern California beach with
her workout fiend dad, underwear model sister, and former model mother,
it is impossible for Emery not to be aware of her weight.
Emery is okay with how things are. That is, until her "momager" signs her up for Fifty Pounds to Freedom, a reality show in which Emery will have to lose fifty pounds in fifty days in order to win the million dollars that will solve her family's financial woes. Emery is skeptical of the process, but when the pounds start to come off and the ratings skyrocket, she finds it hard to resist the adoration of her new figure and the world of fame. Emery knows that things have changed. But is it for the better?
Emery is okay with how things are. That is, until her "momager" signs her up for Fifty Pounds to Freedom, a reality show in which Emery will have to lose fifty pounds in fifty days in order to win the million dollars that will solve her family's financial woes. Emery is skeptical of the process, but when the pounds start to come off and the ratings skyrocket, she finds it hard to resist the adoration of her new figure and the world of fame. Emery knows that things have changed. But is it for the better?
How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love is a hilarious young adult contemporary novel that also deals with deep topics in a brutally honest way. The book speaks of obesity, our society, self image (especially among females), confidence, and being yourself - no matter what. The story revolves around Emery Jackson and her family as they embark on a reality TV show featuring Emery as she attempts to lose fifty pounds in fifty days. The cameras and crew are always on, regardless of what Emery or anyone else in the house may be doing. I love Emery as a main character because she's bold, honest, witty, and smart. She's also aware of her flaws, like her weight issues, as well as the bigger problems in her life - including her family and their issues, her lack of self confidence, and hiding behind snarky comments to hide her real feelings. She's the true picture of an American teenage girl - an honest picture that just about any reader can relate to. I loved her witty dialogue and sarcastic observations - I was laughing throughout the entire book at her comments and situations - a couple of times I was laughing so hard I had to stop reading until I calmed down. Everything that Emery talks about, from Hollywood messing with girls' self image to slutty Halloween costumes - it's all true and and messed up, but she talks about it in a snarky, witty way that blew me away and totally won my heart. I have to say I'm very impressed that the author was able to create such a realistic teenage female character that the reader can identify with. A lot of authors have problems with originality in their characters - and the fact that the author is male makes it all the more impressive in my mind.
The story is a roller coaster of emotions - sad, funny, inspiring, introspective, and honest. I keep referring to the honesty of the book and the characters because it really stood out for me the entire time and I feel that it gives the story depth. Going alongside Emery in her journey to losing weight and what ensues afterwards was exciting and eye-opening. The story's told from Emery's point of view, so the reader gets an inside peek into her mind and feelings the entire time. It was a fantastic way to present the story and definitely helps to immerse the reader into the story and to identify with Emery right away. Overall, I found this to be a highly entertaining as well as enlightening novel - and I normally don't read YA contemporary fiction. I highly recommend it for fans of the genre as well as those looking for a fantastic realistic story that just about everyone can relate to on some level.
Ken reports breaking news, conducts celebrity interviews, delivers investigative reports and hosts a range of news segments for E! News, E! Online, E! International, E! News specials and the network’s live events.
Baker has published six books. His newest work is a novel due out in April 2014 titled “How I Got Skinny, Famous and Fell Madly in Love,” a story about an obese teen who is pressured by her family to go on a reality show to lose weight and, in so doing, learns the real meaning of freedom.
His debut novel, “Fangirl” (Running Press, 2012), told the story of a pop star who falls in love with a fan amid a sensational tabloid drama. Ken is adapting “Fangirl” into a movie in collaboration with Converge Media.
Ken is currently at work on a series of Hollywood-themed thrillers set for release in 2015.
You can purchase How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love at the following Retailers:
(3) Winners will receive a Copy of How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love by Ken Baker.
(1) Winner will receive an iPod Shuffle.
(1) Winner will receive an iPod Shuffle.
Must be 13+ to Enter / INT Giveaway
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thanks for the giveaway!
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