sandrareilly513's review against another edition
5.0
High school sophomore Greer Walsh is a whiz at Math, AP History, and sarcasm. But when it comes to self-confidence and her body, she feels like a failure. Faced with a size-H chest, she struggles to find bras that make her feel comfortable, shirts that make her feel comfortable, and social situations that make her feel comfortable. She's hyper-aware of how she looks and how others may (or may not) perceive her. So she relies on her trusty oversized sweatshirts and her dad's t-shirts to cover herself as much as possible, both physically and psychologically. When she meets new kid Jackson Oates, she finds someone who enjoys her witty banter just as much as her best friend, Maggie, does. But is it possible for him to see past her bra size to really like her for ALL of her? Is it possible for anyone to see past her bra size? She can't find a cute bra at the mall, her volleyball uniform doesn't fit at all, and she's forced to buy a sports bra off the internet with more straps than a straight-jacket in order to bump and serve. High school can be a tough place where emotions run high and judgement is quick and harsh. In a world made for A, B, and C cups, will she be able to fit in?
Thoughts: I ADORED this book! The witty banter, realistic social situations, and way-too-spot-on body image issues soothed my inner teenager who always thought people were looking at her and judging her -- even though they most likely weren't and I didn't have size H breasts to worry about. As a former D/DD cup, life could be difficult when it came to finding flattering clothes and when playing a game of pool. Forget one-piece bathing suits -- who makes those things, anyway?! Clearly people who have no idea how most women's bodies are not exactly proportional. And author Laura Zimmermann captures this life perfectly through 15-year-old Greer Walsh. With lines like, "...you can only touch someone's stomach for so long before you move your hand up and eureka! you've discovered the Rockies. You're lost in the Himalayas, which are inhospitable to life and give you altitude sickness. ...no one vacations at Everest. They scale it, snap a photo, and try to get the hell out alive with a good story to post," and, "I don't have the stiff look I usually do in a picture, when I'm so uncomfortable that someone is permanently recording what I'm wearing and how I'm standing. I look happy. Just plain happy. My hair and face are all 7:06 a.m. on a Sunday, but still, it looks exactly how I feel. It's how I wish I looked all the time," Zimmerman captures humor, realism, and compassion all at the same time. I found myself reading interactions between Greer and Jackson, as well as several lines of Greer's inner monologues, to my husband and friends because there were so many laugh-out-loud funny parts. And Jackson has issues of his own revolving around his family moving so often that both he and his little sister show signs of lingering effects. Jackson is so likable, but he's learned he has to be when he's constantly thrust into new school after new school. His little sister, Quinlan, is in 3rd grade and already suffers from depression and has become a bit of a klepto thanks to separation anxiety issues. This is a very real story with humor but also with sadness and difficult moments many teenagers may find themselves facing. I'm looking forward to sharing this book with my high school students. It's a charming read that so many young adult readers can relate to, regardless of gender identification.
Thoughts: I ADORED this book! The witty banter, realistic social situations, and way-too-spot-on body image issues soothed my inner teenager who always thought people were looking at her and judging her -- even though they most likely weren't and I didn't have size H breasts to worry about. As a former D/DD cup, life could be difficult when it came to finding flattering clothes and when playing a game of pool. Forget one-piece bathing suits -- who makes those things, anyway?! Clearly people who have no idea how most women's bodies are not exactly proportional. And author Laura Zimmermann captures this life perfectly through 15-year-old Greer Walsh. With lines like, "...you can only touch someone's stomach for so long before you move your hand up and eureka! you've discovered the Rockies. You're lost in the Himalayas, which are inhospitable to life and give you altitude sickness. ...no one vacations at Everest. They scale it, snap a photo, and try to get the hell out alive with a good story to post," and, "I don't have the stiff look I usually do in a picture, when I'm so uncomfortable that someone is permanently recording what I'm wearing and how I'm standing. I look happy. Just plain happy. My hair and face are all 7:06 a.m. on a Sunday, but still, it looks exactly how I feel. It's how I wish I looked all the time," Zimmerman captures humor, realism, and compassion all at the same time. I found myself reading interactions between Greer and Jackson, as well as several lines of Greer's inner monologues, to my husband and friends because there were so many laugh-out-loud funny parts. And Jackson has issues of his own revolving around his family moving so often that both he and his little sister show signs of lingering effects. Jackson is so likable, but he's learned he has to be when he's constantly thrust into new school after new school. His little sister, Quinlan, is in 3rd grade and already suffers from depression and has become a bit of a klepto thanks to separation anxiety issues. This is a very real story with humor but also with sadness and difficult moments many teenagers may find themselves facing. I'm looking forward to sharing this book with my high school students. It's a charming read that so many young adult readers can relate to, regardless of gender identification.
crabber's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
Honestly kinda disappointing, the entire book just kinda didn’t flow well, things felt not planned and rather on a whim, I wanted to read upon a perspective from someone who is different from me but this was just not interesting or engaging in my opinion. The characters were mostly dull and the story was rather predictable. It’s ok.
Honestly kinda disappointing, the entire book just kinda didn’t flow well, things felt not planned and rather on a whim, I wanted to read upon a perspective from someone who is different from me but this was just not interesting or engaging in my opinion. The characters were mostly dull and the story was rather predictable. It’s ok.
arikohan's review against another edition
2.0
Greer claimed she did not want her entire life to be about her bra size, but she singlehandedly made her life revolve around just that when no one else paid it any mind. Her relationship with her brother was particularly infuriating because she kept making comparisons between herself and her brother based on his lack of boobs - totally irrelevant and unnecessary.
Also - this book exhausted every single boob metaphor you could ever imagine reading.
Also - this book exhausted every single boob metaphor you could ever imagine reading.
beautifulpaxielreads's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I enjoyed this on the whole, although I did have a disjointed reading experience which meant I didn't perhaps enjoy it as much as I might have.
It's snappily written, with good pacing and humor. I had some issues with the FMC Greer, mainly to do with her actions towardsJackson . I loved the character of Greer's best friend Maggie, her pettiness, and her passion for social justice - I wish there was more of her.
I thought that author Laura Zimmerman's explanations of the problems that Greer experiences with her larger-than-average breasts - the physical discomfort, not being able to find clothes that fit properly (including bras!), the bullying, and sex jokes by immature boys - were exceptionally well-done. There was one particularly excruciating scene whenGreer accompanies her friends to a dress shop and a too-eager saleswoman ropes her into trying on various different dresses, none of which fit . I really felt for Greer here, her humiliation and shame were palpable.
This was an overall good read, but maybe I read it at the wrong time.
It's snappily written, with good pacing and humor. I had some issues with the FMC Greer, mainly to do with her actions towards
I thought that author Laura Zimmerman's explanations of the problems that Greer experiences with her larger-than-average breasts - the physical discomfort, not being able to find clothes that fit properly (including bras!), the bullying, and sex jokes by immature boys - were exceptionally well-done. There was one particularly excruciating scene when
This was an overall good read, but maybe I read it at the wrong time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Body shaming
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual content
Minor: Cursing and Medical content
Brief description of breast reduction surgery, and some scenes of sexual harassment. Some brief nudity (non-sexual).shineofthebook's review against another edition
4.0
Coś innego niż dotychczas, czyli "Oczy mam tutaj" to nie jest typowa i łatwa książka do zrozumienia, bo porusza dość mocny temat jakim jest BODY POSITIVE, a także braku samoakceptacji siebie co przekłada się na problem z nawiązaniem relacji z rówieśnikami... do czasu.
Ale do rzeczy i od początku, gdyż cała historia opowiada o nastolatce, Greer Walsch, którą dotyka problem z za dużym rozmiarem piersi co powoduje narastający strach przed znajomymi ze szkoły. Wszystko zmienia się gdy spotyka Oatesa, który przeprowadził się niedawno. Chłopak jednak jest inny niż wszyscy co ciągnie za sobą szereg pozytywnych konsekwencji jego działania... W tym samym czasie w szkole trwa nabór do drużyny siatkarek, do którego zgłasza się właśnie Greer i ... co było dalej i jak potoczą się losy naszych bohaterów dowiecie się czytając książkę.
Lektura zabawna, pełną humoru i obowiązkowa dla wszystkich. Przybliża nas do tego, że nieważnie jak duże macie kompleksy... liczy się to co mamy w sobie i jakimi ludźmi jesteśmy. Nie ma sytuacji bez wyjścia, bo czasem może być trochę gorzej lecz po burzy zawsze wychodzi słońce.
Nie ma ludzi idealnych, i tak jak bohaterka znalazła złoty środek na swoje problemy, tak wy znajdziecie rozwiązanie na swoje mankamenty, bo ważne żeby się nie poddawać.
Ale do rzeczy i od początku, gdyż cała historia opowiada o nastolatce, Greer Walsch, którą dotyka problem z za dużym rozmiarem piersi co powoduje narastający strach przed znajomymi ze szkoły. Wszystko zmienia się gdy spotyka Oatesa, który przeprowadził się niedawno. Chłopak jednak jest inny niż wszyscy co ciągnie za sobą szereg pozytywnych konsekwencji jego działania... W tym samym czasie w szkole trwa nabór do drużyny siatkarek, do którego zgłasza się właśnie Greer i ... co było dalej i jak potoczą się losy naszych bohaterów dowiecie się czytając książkę.
Lektura zabawna, pełną humoru i obowiązkowa dla wszystkich. Przybliża nas do tego, że nieważnie jak duże macie kompleksy... liczy się to co mamy w sobie i jakimi ludźmi jesteśmy. Nie ma sytuacji bez wyjścia, bo czasem może być trochę gorzej lecz po burzy zawsze wychodzi słońce.
Nie ma ludzi idealnych, i tak jak bohaterka znalazła złoty środek na swoje problemy, tak wy znajdziecie rozwiązanie na swoje mankamenty, bo ważne żeby się nie poddawać.
sbookybrain's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
stay_truetoyourshelf's review against another edition
4.0
This book gave me a different outlook on body negativity as well as body representation in modern YA books. I feel like these kinds of books have really broadened my horizons on how other girls feel about their bodies. Some feelings I can relate to, and others I can’t. That’s the beauty of these kinds of books— you can learn something new from them. I really liked this one!
hiii_ris's review against another edition
2.0
The concept was relatable and it started off well but it got a bit repetitive. I do understand being obsessive over an insecurity but Greer legitimately relates any comment, any event, and any thought back to her breasts. It isn't that she just relates it back, it's that she goes on a 5 sentence or more diatribe about it and there were so many unnecessary breast metaphors.
Also, while there were many supportive female friends and great platonic relationships, Greer is pretty unkind to any girl that is a rival for Jackson's affections. His German classmate especially never gets more characterization than some girl trying to steal her crush away. But also Greer constantly pushes Jackson away because she's insecure, so what is this girl really doing wrong?
Also, if I have to read one more comment about what her inner butterfly is doing, I will actually smash my head against the wall. It was just kind of weird and I personally don't think that way so it was pretty unrelatatable. I wanted to like this book because even though I can't relate to Greer's specific problem, I was also a teenage girl full of insecurities regarding my appearance. And I could be too old for this book, but I would like to think I wasn't that obsessive and self-centered in high school.
Jackson was fine, but wasn't really presented very well for a love interest. I can see that he is a sociable and likeable guy but Greer really never describes her feelings for him as a result of his personality. She just talks about his appearance a lot, especially by the end. If it were the opposite, where she notices how attractive he is and then slowly starts squeeing over how fun he is to talk to and how she appreciates his vulnerability, that would have been better.
Greer is just also not ready for a relationship considering how even by the end she's only just begun to accept herself. She literally spends the entire book hating her body and not talking to anyone about it. I would have like to see an emphasis on opening up to her mom and friends because it would have helped her out a lot if she'd just talked to someone. I think therapy would have been great for Greer.
Also, while there were many supportive female friends and great platonic relationships, Greer is pretty unkind to any girl that is a rival for Jackson's affections. His German classmate especially never gets more characterization than some girl trying to steal her crush away. But also Greer constantly pushes Jackson away because she's insecure, so what is this girl really doing wrong?
Also, if I have to read one more comment about what her inner butterfly is doing, I will actually smash my head against the wall. It was just kind of weird and I personally don't think that way so it was pretty unrelatatable. I wanted to like this book because even though I can't relate to Greer's specific problem, I was also a teenage girl full of insecurities regarding my appearance. And I could be too old for this book, but I would like to think I wasn't that obsessive and self-centered in high school.
Jackson was fine, but wasn't really presented very well for a love interest. I can see that he is a sociable and likeable guy but Greer really never describes her feelings for him as a result of his personality. She just talks about his appearance a lot, especially by the end. If it were the opposite, where she notices how attractive he is and then slowly starts squeeing over how fun he is to talk to and how she appreciates his vulnerability, that would have been better.
Greer is just also not ready for a relationship considering how even by the end she's only just begun to accept herself. She literally spends the entire book hating her body and not talking to anyone about it. I would have like to see an emphasis on opening up to her mom and friends because it would have helped her out a lot if she'd just talked to someone. I think therapy would have been great for Greer.
biblioemily's review against another edition
4.0
Will recommend to 8th grade & up (even some 7th graders with a caveat about language). I really enjoyed this, though I did find myself constantly questioning why Greer didn't do her bra shopping online, since this seems to be set in the present. Though I'm sure she wanted to shop in mainstream stores at the mall like her friends could. However, I found it very believable that Greer didn't want to talk to her mom or anyone else about her bra/clothing issues, and that she obsessed over her breasts in a way that felt out of proportion--these are very teenage feelings and emotions. I loved that Greer found the volleyball team and that some awesome adults at school came through for her with the Stabilizer and her team jersey, etc.
Like others have mentioned, this book isn't a wealth of body positivity. I'd like to think that Greer gets to that eventually, but right now, it seems pretty realistic that she at least realizes she is more than her breasts to other people.
Like others have mentioned, this book isn't a wealth of body positivity. I'd like to think that Greer gets to that eventually, but right now, it seems pretty realistic that she at least realizes she is more than her breasts to other people.
angelsbookstaloves's review against another edition
3.0
I would like to thank Penguin Teen for giving me a e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Heyyyyyy. Okay so this is like REALLY good. I'm actually wanting to buy the physical copy to add it on my shelf. Also, I looooove this cover. Not only is it pretty, but it's also powerful.
So, where should I start? Let's start with Greer. I am in love with this character. I love how she handled some of the situations she was put through. Sure, she has her moments where I'm like, "girly, just say somethin'". But, I understand why she acted that way, it also suits her character a lot. So overall, Greer is quite the amazingly powerful character.
The storyline of this was incredible. I loved following along! For my fellow audiobookers, this book is perfect to listen to while you do your stuff, I listened to this entire book while I cleaned out my closet, it was a very enjoyable experience!
So If you haven't added this to your tbr yet, what are you waiting for? Go for it! It's most definitely worth the read!
Heyyyyyy. Okay so this is like REALLY good. I'm actually wanting to buy the physical copy to add it on my shelf. Also, I looooove this cover. Not only is it pretty, but it's also powerful.
So, where should I start? Let's start with Greer. I am in love with this character. I love how she handled some of the situations she was put through. Sure, she has her moments where I'm like, "girly, just say somethin'". But, I understand why she acted that way, it also suits her character a lot. So overall, Greer is quite the amazingly powerful character.
The storyline of this was incredible. I loved following along! For my fellow audiobookers, this book is perfect to listen to while you do your stuff, I listened to this entire book while I cleaned out my closet, it was a very enjoyable experience!
So If you haven't added this to your tbr yet, what are you waiting for? Go for it! It's most definitely worth the read!