Books for the Teen Age —New York Public Library

2003

School Library Journal

"This powerful first novel is well written and thought-provoking. Teens will appreciate Myrtle's self-deprecating humor and cheer for her as she begins to realize her true strengths and like herself as she is."

Booklist

"A fine ear for language, sharp writing, and the ability to make readers see above, beyond, and through what's happening on the page are all attributes that show O'Connell's promise as a YA author."

Kirkus Reviews

"O'Connell's dialogue and character development are both sharp as a tack, delivering plenty of laugh-aloud scenes that capture the angst of adolescence from the perspective of an intriguing and wryly introspective young woman."

School Library Journal

"This powerful first novel is well written and thought-provoking. Teens will appreciate Myrtle's self-deprecating humor and cheer for her as she begins to realize her true strengths and like herself as she is."

Booklist

"A fine ear for language, sharp writing, and the ability to make readers see above, beyond, and through what's happening on the page are all attributes that show O'Connell's promise as a YA author."

Kirkus Reviews

"O'Connell's dialogue and character development are both sharp as a tack, delivering plenty of laugh-aloud scenes that capture the angst of adolescence from the perspective of an intriguing and wryly introspective young woman."

Horn Book

"Like adolescence itself, the novel is by turns funny and poignant, and the potent theme of the female deity, made suitably incarnate by the character of Myrtle, puts a fresh twist on the journey of self-discovery."

Horn Book Guide

"By turns funny and poignant, a fresh twist on the journey of self-discovery."

Publishers Weekly

"Often witty and even more often provocative, this first novel is arresting … It testifies to O'Connell's talents that she leaves readers wanting more, not less, of her oversize heroine."

Voice of Youth Advocate

"This story portrays an overweight adolescent's anxiety with painful accuracy. Myrtle's quick wit and naturally sarcastic tone get her through many difficult situations. The humorous tone helps tell a story about an important and serious subject —one of body image and sexuality — [T]his book is a story that will connect with female adolescents who have ever felt out of place or at odds with their peers."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Myrtle has a wry voice, an intelligent mind, and an eye for truth."

Book Report

"O'Connell's work is reminiscent of that of Francesca Block. Both are outrageous and fun"