Fat Cat

Fat Cat
By Robin Brande
2009
327 pages

Summary: When Cat’s science project challenges her to think outside the box, she decides to experiment with a new lifestyle and lose some weight. Not only will she win the science fair beating out her ex-best friend and arch enemy Matt, but she’ll look hot doing it. Yet despite her desire to beat and humiliate Matt, she finds herself wishing he would notice her new transformation, and learns that not everything is black and white when it comes to boys

Review: Fat Cat is hilarious, earnest and totally fresh. Readers will be drawn to Cat’s honesty and struggle as she comes to accept who she is. Everyone is a little insecure, and the character of Cat puts a voice to those insecurities. While I really enjoyed reading about the process the character goes through in changing her lifestyle, I almost wish she hadn’t lost the weight. It would have given the story a better overall message. The pacing was a little slow at times, but the transformation of the character propels you through. Themes of love, friendship and self-awareness in combination with Cat’s witty and sarcastic voice make this novel a winning choice for those who enjoy realistic fiction with an edge.

Also by Robin Brande: Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature

If you liked Fat Cat, you might also enjoy: Pretties by Scott Westerfeld, An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, Honey Baby Sweetheart by Deb Caletti, and Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

Non-Fiction Connection: Okay, So Now You’re a Vegetarian: Advice & 100 Recipes form One Teen to Another by Lauren Butts and Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life by Linda Siversten

Author website: http://robinbrande.com/

Rating: W3/4 C3/4 P3/4 O3/4 PP3/4 CR3/4
Grade Level Interest: S