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ninan20's review
4.0
A decent read that I’d recommend to most teens as you rarely hear about how body dysmorphia impacts young boys. David is a penis and his development in the book is kind of awkward. The flow of the book wasn’t great but it did convey an important message so that’s nice. The climax was decent but not great. But I do love how the number of pages in a chapter appear to correlate with what happens in David’s life. Like when he finally confronts his dad, the chapter and the make up is quick and sweet. But overall, not the best read but pretty decent. I’d say a good 3.5.
rainystast's review
4.0
This book is a very realistic tale of what happens when a teen abuses steroids and the effects bullying and drug use can take on a young teen's mind. Body image issues is a struggle for both women and men and I'm so glad this book exists to shed light on an often untalked about issue.
Now onto the actual review of the book:
I liked the book. I was frustrated at the choices the main character was making, but the reader is supposed to be frustrated. I'm glad David isn't immediately forgiven for all his actions by the people he's hurt. I'm glad that the bully wasn't immediately subservient and not a bully anymore once David started working out.
The only thing I felt wasn't addressed enough was David's treatment of his girlfriend. He drools at other girls, balled his fist in anger at her. Invited her alone to a house full of 30 year old drug addicted men she has never met before. He starts thinking stuff like "Since I've been working out, I'm worth more than her now". Girls have been killed over less than stuff like this. His complete lack of regard for her safety and his lack of respect for her is realistic, but her saying "let's mark us down as a maybe" is, to me, not acknowledging all of the turmoil and obstacles she faced dating him. I felt he wasn't punished or called out nearly enough for all he had did to her.
That was the only overarching problem I had, but otherwise this book is a solid depiction of teen life, and I'm so happy I was able to grab a copy of this. My librarian actually gave me this book for free and now I can finally give my honest review.
Now onto the actual review of the book:
I liked the book. I was frustrated at the choices the main character was making, but the reader is supposed to be frustrated. I'm glad David isn't immediately forgiven for all his actions by the people he's hurt. I'm glad that the bully wasn't immediately subservient and not a bully anymore once David started working out.
The only thing I felt wasn't addressed enough was David's treatment of his girlfriend. He drools at other girls, balled his fist in anger at her. Invited her alone to a house full of 30 year old drug addicted men she has never met before. He starts thinking stuff like "Since I've been working out, I'm worth more than her now". Girls have been killed over less than stuff like this. His complete lack of regard for her safety and his lack of respect for her is realistic, but her saying "let's mark us down as a maybe" is, to me, not acknowledging all of the turmoil and obstacles she faced dating him. I felt he wasn't punished or called out nearly enough for all he had did to her.
That was the only overarching problem I had, but otherwise this book is a solid depiction of teen life, and I'm so happy I was able to grab a copy of this. My librarian actually gave me this book for free and now I can finally give my honest review.
laurenb's review
Oh man, I so badly wanted to like this book, but the writing is just not good.it reads extremely young, and the inner monologue is super cheesy. Just can’t do it.
majd_98's review
3.0
This was a satisfactory book. My main issue with it is the main character, who was getting on my nerves most of the time. I understand this was deliberate to help readers know the severity of Muscle Dysmorphia, but unfortunately it made me enjoy the book less. On the other hand, I do appreciate the awareness that comes with the story about this disorder, which isn’t widely known or easily diagnosed.
vidya_is_vidya's review
2.0
i was dying the entire time reading this. genuinely it was so bad i was like contemplating my life choices
i liked the last 30 pages of the book but like seriously at that point it’s not even good
this book has a great message and all, i just could not get through it. i skimmed through the ending of the book and was like “oh look.alpha’s going to die ! i now have something to look forward to in this novel other than the actual end of the book”
also i just found some of the characters to be unrealistic at times. also a lot of them weren’t really developed, with the exception of david and alpha
also david is actually so fucking annoying. i understand he is suffering with a mental disorder. but genuinely he is such a piece of shit to everyone. “but character development” it’s one thing to make a character flawed and another to make them fucking insufferable
seriously there has to be better books on this topic out there. or maybe i’m just a hater. either way i did not enjoy this book
i liked the last 30 pages of the book but like seriously at that point it’s not even good
this book has a great message and all, i just could not get through it. i skimmed through the ending of the book and was like “oh look.
also i just found some of the characters to be unrealistic at times. also a lot of them weren’t really developed, with the exception of david and alpha
also david is actually so fucking annoying. i understand he is suffering with a mental disorder. but genuinely he is such a piece of shit to everyone. “but character development” it’s one thing to make a character flawed and another to make them fucking insufferable
seriously there has to be better books on this topic out there. or maybe i’m just a hater. either way i did not enjoy this book
zach_off's review
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Good quick read on a topic rarely talked about in mainstream media. "Alpha" disgusted me throughout the book, and I felt very little for what happened to him. It made me really not like the book, since David never had the full circle moment of realizing how disgusting and predatory he was. But I think the overall message is important, and I hope this reaches the audience it's supposed to.
Definitely more telling than showing which made it less impactful.
Definitely more telling than showing which made it less impactful.
lindsreadsbooks's review
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
briannethebookworm's review
4.0
David has been bullied for years for his naturally skinny build. When an incident in the PE locker room goes viral on YouTube, David has had enough and decides that he will lift weights over the summer so that no one will mess with him ever again. He joins a gym and is taken under the wing of the owner, Alpha. David is quickly disappointed at how slowly his results are showing, and Alpha has a solution that will speed up his progress: steroids. David vows to only take them for the summer, but the results are addicting. Though his goal is now within reach, the steroids begin doing irreparable damage to his true self and to the relationships with people he cares about the most.
I was really excited when this one was released because it’s not a subject matter that is often written about. I know from my experience as a teacher and coach that body image issues often stem from bullying, and even if kids aren’t going to extreme measures like David did, the pressure to look a certain way definitely damages a kid’s confidence and self-esteem. David’s struggle is one that many can relate to, me included. His story is an important reminder that being healthy and getting in shape is important, but that it needs to be done safely and over time.
I was really excited when this one was released because it’s not a subject matter that is often written about. I know from my experience as a teacher and coach that body image issues often stem from bullying, and even if kids aren’t going to extreme measures like David did, the pressure to look a certain way definitely damages a kid’s confidence and self-esteem. David’s struggle is one that many can relate to, me included. His story is an important reminder that being healthy and getting in shape is important, but that it needs to be done safely and over time.
sunnyd76's review
4.0
If you’ve ever fought with your brain over extreme negative thoughts about your body, this book sees you. It’s a masterclass in how we can convince ourselves to repeatedly make choices that are in direct opposition to our best interests — and make those decisions in the name of our “health.”