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Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
Author: Chris Crutcher
When Sarah Byrnes was three years old, her condition became synonymous with her surname. Her face and hands were badly burned in a mysterious accident, and her father refused to allow reconstructive surgery. She developed a suit of cold, stainless steel armor to defend herself against the taunts of a world insensitive to her pain. You enter into...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780688115524
ISBN-10: 0688115527
Publication Date: 4/15/1993
Pages: 224
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 4.6/5 Stars.
 7

4.6 stars, based on 7 ratings
Publisher: Greenwillow
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

blackeyedsusan avatar reviewed Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is my second Crutcher title. I read it because it was recommended and because my first reading of Crutcher was better than I expected; better because Im not big on sport novels. Whats great about Crutchers work is he uses sports in such a way the sports reader and non-athlete alike are caught up in the sports because we are caught up in the characters. In _Staying Fat for Sarah Bynes_, Eric, Moby tries to stay fat during his freshman year swimming because he cant stand the idea of losing his best friend, Sarah whose last name is synonymous with her disfigurement. She in turns threatens to beat the lard off him for being so lame-brained. These social misfits are connected and grow because of each other strengths. When Sarah goes into a catatonic state and is hospitalized, Eric is desperate to save her. The story is full of testosterone battles, a bully turned comrade, maniacal educator, the liberal teacher, brainy, hot mom and bible thumping teen as much at-risk and not-quite-fitting-in as our main characters. Crutcher gives us hope and resolution but he doesnt make it Disney. Sarahs mom who abandoned her doesnt save her, and Moby is hospitalized thanks to his friends crazy father. Through it all, they manage to stay buoyant in the turbulent waters (pun intended; couldn't resist). To learn how they navigate through their personal and shared troubles, youll have to read the book.
WestofMars avatar reviewed Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on + 162 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I've quit reading YA because I thought I was too old, but this book, simultaneously powerful, horrific, predictable, and full of surprises, proved me wrong.

A moving, powerful (did I say that already?) novel that everyone can relate to while no one can say, "hey, that's MY story."
reviewed Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on + 103 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoyed this YA book. Dealt with som etough issues in a understanding and real-life way.
reviewed Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I love happy endings. I love, love, love authentic happy endings that are only reached after adequate difficulty and heartbreak. Crutcher's books are always full of all three.
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reviewed Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on + 31 more book reviews
Interesting book, but a great read!
reviewed Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on + 31 more book reviews
excellent for teens I would say 16 and up
dbo avatar reviewed Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes on + 74 more book reviews
After reading Whale Talk, I had very high expectations for this book, and I was not disappointed. Thought-provoking and profound, with an engaging story line.


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