Libby Strout returns to high school years after she was labeled America’s Fattest Teenager following a public rescue from her home. Having grieved her mother’s death and stabilized her health, she wants to be more than a viral news story. Her life intersects with Jack Masselin, a popular student hiding prosopagnosia, a neurological condition that prevents him from recognizing faces, including those of his brothers. After a cruel high school prank brings them together under disciplinary supervision, they form an unexpected alliance. Libby faces bullying about her size while Jack navigates the internal isolation of his hidden disability, leading both to stop performing for their peers and start acknowledging their actual identities.
Teenagers interested in realistic fiction about social identity and physical disability will find this narrative useful. It appeals to readers looking for a depiction of body neutrality and the logistical realities of living with face blindness. The book illustrates how private vulnerabilities shape public behavior and social hierarchies. Readers walk away with a perspective on how chronic conditions influence self-worth and a reminder that individuals often carry invisible burdens that dictate their social interactions. It provides a look at the trade-offs between maintaining a curated reputation and seeking genuine human connection.
Inward-looking; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2016
- Language
- EN
