Fat Cat by Robin Brande copyright 2009
For a long time, I had a love affair with young adult novels.
Then along came Harry Potter (LOVE!) and the vampires (HATE!) and all of the dystopian bleakness (SIGH!).
So then I got into middle grade novels more.
Then I got married and didn't have time to read.
Then I got a full-time job and had even less time to read.
Then I became a beekeeper and have time to read beekeeping books and magazines, but little else.
One day, my dear darling friend Denise sent me an email. It read: "Run, do not walk, to your nearest book store and get this book. It's wonderful!" She's a librarian and when she buys something for her personal collection, I know she means business.
The book is Fat Cat, by Robin Brande.
From a writer's perspective, it's got the Triumvirate of Genius: Voice, Characterization, and Authenticity.
From a reader's perspective, it's got the Alliance of Satisfaction: Humor, Intelligence, and Freshness.
The story: Cat engages in a science fair project of unthinkable difficulty: for 207 days, she will live as primitive humans did, in order to see if modern foods and conveniences are causing a reversal in man's evolutionary process. What this means for her is: no cell phone, TV, transportation other than walking, processed foods, make-up or hair products (GASP!), and NO CHOCOLATE. Oh, the horrors.
The motivation: To win. To beat her former best friend Matt. To find out what it's like to be healthy and attractive.
This story is smart, funny, and believable. The characters are beautifully drawn, engaging in their relationships with each other, and likeable. I haven't had so much fun diving into a book in ages, and laughed out loud while reading it.
The author credits Barbara Kingsolver and Michael Pollan -- and their books -- as part of her inspiration to consider healthier eating. Brande also says she follows the "method acting" approach to writing, meaning she engages in the same behaviors as her characters. Since I tried to do the same thing when I was writing my vegetarian YA manuscript (28 days without meat was as long as I could go!), I can only imagine the lengths she went to for this story.
Go read it. You'll enjoy it! You'll probably also end up hungry. Step away from the cookies.
Photo via Borders.com
Then along came Harry Potter (LOVE!) and the vampires (HATE!) and all of the dystopian bleakness (SIGH!).
So then I got into middle grade novels more.
Then I got married and didn't have time to read.
Then I got a full-time job and had even less time to read.
Then I became a beekeeper and have time to read beekeeping books and magazines, but little else.
One day, my dear darling friend Denise sent me an email. It read: "Run, do not walk, to your nearest book store and get this book. It's wonderful!" She's a librarian and when she buys something for her personal collection, I know she means business.
The book is Fat Cat, by Robin Brande.
From a writer's perspective, it's got the Triumvirate of Genius: Voice, Characterization, and Authenticity.
From a reader's perspective, it's got the Alliance of Satisfaction: Humor, Intelligence, and Freshness.
The story: Cat engages in a science fair project of unthinkable difficulty: for 207 days, she will live as primitive humans did, in order to see if modern foods and conveniences are causing a reversal in man's evolutionary process. What this means for her is: no cell phone, TV, transportation other than walking, processed foods, make-up or hair products (GASP!), and NO CHOCOLATE. Oh, the horrors.
The motivation: To win. To beat her former best friend Matt. To find out what it's like to be healthy and attractive.
This story is smart, funny, and believable. The characters are beautifully drawn, engaging in their relationships with each other, and likeable. I haven't had so much fun diving into a book in ages, and laughed out loud while reading it.
The author credits Barbara Kingsolver and Michael Pollan -- and their books -- as part of her inspiration to consider healthier eating. Brande also says she follows the "method acting" approach to writing, meaning she engages in the same behaviors as her characters. Since I tried to do the same thing when I was writing my vegetarian YA manuscript (28 days without meat was as long as I could go!), I can only imagine the lengths she went to for this story.
Go read it. You'll enjoy it! You'll probably also end up hungry. Step away from the cookies.
Photo via Borders.com
Posted by Keri Collins at 5/17/2011 10:12 PM 
Categories: young adult novel, books for teens
Tags: Robin Brande Fat Cat cooking
Categories: young adult novel, books for teens
Tags: Robin Brande Fat Cat cooking
Thanks for this recommendation! I read it one sitting (last night, yawn!) and I really enjoyed it.
It's fun to see Cat grapple with the new diet (oh, I know those woes!) and also with forgiveness. I even shed a tear near the end.
Thanks. I always love the YA novels that you find.
Tabitha
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So glad you enjoyed it! I got weepy too.
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I don't know if you're interested in Africa or not, but there is a new YA novel out called "This Thing Called the Future" by J.L. Powers. I just finished it today and I really liked it. The author really weaves a lot into it. Disclaimer: I know the author, but this isn't as "edgy" as her first novel.
I'm not sure about sharing it with Abby...the spiritual nature of the book is more for a 15 year old than a 12 year old, I think. But it really tackles some tough issues really well (HIV in South Africa).
Had to share since I know you like YA novels, as well. (I'm anxiously awaiting the last movie installment of my favorite boy wizard next week!).
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