
Virginia's read about stuff like this. It happens sometimes - a nurse accidentally hands the wrong newborn to the wrong couple. Obviously, this is what happened to her. How else could a short, plump blonde like her have ended up in a family full of tall, thin brunettes? Clearly, she was switched at birth.

Then, one night, the phone rings. And changes everything. The caller delivers horrifying, unimaginable news. While the rest of the Shreves are busy hiding the unsightly accusation behind their blemishless facades, Virginia's imploding. Facing the ugly truth about her flawless family means confronting the cold, hard facts about herself. As terrifying as the process is, it might just be the one thing that can free Virginia to be the only person she really needs to be - herself.
Virginia Shreves is one of those characters that girls recognize instantly. With all of her doubts, her self-loathing, and the tremendous pressure she puts on herself to look a certain way, she's an EveryGirl who will jiggle her way into the hearts of all girls, whether they're a size 2 or 20. She's the perfect antiheroine - funny, but self-deprecating; sweet, but sarcastic; sympathetic, but not pathetic; smart, but often clueless. Her story resounds not because it's terribly unique, but because her voice makes it so. While The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things didn't completely blow me away like other Printz Award contenders, it's still an appealing read. In fact, it's a lot like good, old-fashioned comfort food (something Virginia would no doubt appreciate): warm and satisfying.
(Readalikes: Reminded me of The Girl With the Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language, sexual innuendo/making out/sexual references
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Nice. I've seen this one around the library and just never picked it up. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Susan. Think I will put it on hold. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a book I'd really enjoy. I definitely need some comfort food right now. I'll look for it at the library. Thanks!
ReplyDeletesounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the title and your ratings :)
ReplyDeleteYou've made a follower out of me :)