One Fat Summer (Ursula Nordstrom Book)
by Robert Lipsyte
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Book Summary Information
Author: Robert LipsyteEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1991-08-16
ISBN: 0064470733
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: HarperTeen
Book Reviews of One Fat Summer (Ursula Nordstrom Book)
Book Review: Finding a Shape; Coming of Age
Summary: 5 Stars
On the surface, One Fat Summer is the story of a pubescent boy learning to stand up for himself and, in the process, shedding the fat that has plagued him for most of his childhood. This is what young readers will see and admire.
If this were as far as the novel took its readers, it would be merely quite good. However, what Robert Lipsyte really gives us is an almost textbook example of the coming-of-age story. Bobby's learning to speak up, to do the jobs that need doing, and to say no to the overeating that serves as an escape from his own weaknesses are not the story; rather, they are the outward displays of Bobby's growing awareness that the friends you think are beyond reproach are never as good as you imagined, while the enemies you're sure are the devil's children are never as bad as you thought.
The world is neither as good nor as bad as in Bobby's wild fantasies, and that's okay with him. This is what makes One Fat Summer the richly rewarding experience that my students from seventh through twelfth grades have raved about since I first began reading it with them. I give it my highest recommendation; however, parents and teachers should read it ahead of time before sharing it with younger teens or older children. It is warm, funny, clever, and utterly believable, and I've yet to encounter the middle-schooler or high-schooler who didn't enjoy it.
Teachers of literature and reading often have a Magic Book, a go-to title they KNOW will get unanimous, positive responses. This is mine.
Summary of One Fat Summer (Ursula Nordstrom Book)
For Bobby Marks, summer does not equal fun.
While most people are happy to take off their heavy jackets and long pants, Bobby can't even button his jeans or reach over his belly to touch his toes. Spending the summer at Rumson Lake is sheer torture.
This particular summer promises to be worse than usual. His parents can't stop fighting. His best friend, Joanie, goes home to New York City and won't tell him why. Dr. Kahn, a rich, stingy estate owner who hires him to manage an enormous lawn, is working him to death. And to top it off, a local bully won't stop torturing him.
Bobby is about to find out just how terrifying and exhilarating one fat summer can be.
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