Author(s): Maggie Ann Martin

Young Adult Fiction

Savannah is dreading being home alone with her overbearing mother after her big sister - and best friend - goes off to college. But if she can just get through senior year, she'll be able to escape to college, too. What she doesn't count on is that her mother's obsession with weight has only grown deeper since her appearance on an extreme weight-loss show, and now Savvy's mom is pressuring her even harder to be constantly mindful of what she eats.

Between her mom's diet-helicoptering, missing her sister, and worrying about her collegiate future, Savvy has enough to worry about. And then she meets George, the cute new kid at school who has insecurities of his own. As Savvy and George grow closer, they help each other discover how to live in the moment and enjoy the here and now before it disappears.

Sasha's Review:

Ever since Savannah's Mum appeared on reality TV show "Shake the Weight", she's a changed woman. Now she's completely obsessed with inspirational phrases, spaghettified zucchini and her 16 year old daughter's appearance. Sav's only ally was her willowy older sister Ashley, who moved into her first college dorm this year and is miles away. Now she's met a sweet, new boy in school but her mother's constant remarks about Savannah's weight has her down. She truly believes that no boy would really be interested in her?

In an age of health-trolling and toxic media messages, it's easy to make abusive and dysfunctional homes look ideal from the outside, but here we see the real human cost in Savannah's decaying family and relationships. She will need to be strong and sure of her convictions to make it through and save her home.

Recommended ages 12+