Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: Artichoke's Heart
Author: Suzanne Supplee
Publisher: Dutton Books/Penguin Group
ISBN-13: 9780525479024
Release Date: June 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: YA
Publisher’s Age/Grade Recommendation: 12 and up
OUAR’s Age/Grade Recommendation: 14 and up
Year/Setting: Present day/Spring Hill TN
Overall rating: 4.5
Sexual Content Rating: None (kissing)
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None/Mild
Violent Content Rating: None
Suzanne's Website: www.suzannesupplee.com
A treadmill. Just what any girl would want for Christmas. Right.
Rosemary Goode isn’t any girl, though. She’s an overweight fifteen-year old who loves Mr. Hershey and all his friends and a variety of other sweets and treats. They sooth her hurt feelings and ease the stress of home and school.
After a light bulb moment or two, Rosie resolves she’s going to lose weight. It’s much harder than she thought, though. Her peers disdain and emotional conflicts are crushing. The mental anguish of depriving herself of one of her loves (Mr. Hershey) is overwhelming to say the least.
With relapses and rash diet plans Rosie begins her journey and what she learns along the way is more than she bargained for. What she finds and gains is much better than what she’s trying to lose and much more important.
I know my details are sketchy at best, but you need to pick up the book, turn the pages and walk alongside Rosie to view the world through her eyes. What you see on your walk with her will both touch you and make you smile. Rosie isn’t the usual heroine and kudos for that! The many insecurities she harbored created many set-backs but her sharp wit and mind carried her through. She more than held her own in some touchy situations.
Artichoke’s Heart is written with great sensitivity. It’s poignant, witty, and endearing. It’s fiction that many will be able to relate to and be encouraged by and it may possibly open the eyes and hearts of others.
Ms. Supplee is a great voice for the young adults.
Connie
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