Go Figure by Jo Edwards

Ryan began to get fat in fifth grade after her brother was diagnosed with lukemia and has been a fat girl ever since. Seven years later, 5'1" Ryan weighs in at 206 pounds and is completely obsessed with her weight. She measures everything- every relationship, every goal- by how much her fat interferes. Ryan's life is far from where she wants it to be, her BFFF (best fat friends forever) is in California at her father's house leaving her to face senior year without her, her brother, while in remission, has become a pot-head bum, and she's currently single, while Noah, her ex-boyfriend has become a huge pop star that is currently gracing the cover of Rolling Stone, and writing songs about Ryan that make her look like a suicidal, food obsessed freak. Things start to look up when she is accepted into an exclusive photography summer program taught by a world renowned photographer and discovers that her old best friend and next door neighbor Josh is in the class and they begin to reconnect.

Ryan is a strong-minded and very likeable character and teenage girls will connect with her and her insecurities. Her obsession with all things related to her weight is taken to a bit of an extreme, but this reader is certain that most teen girls will understand where Ryan is coming from, even if at times they want to shake her silly. Ryan is very aware of the psychological aspects behind her weight and though at first reluctant, finally begins to address them with the help of her psychiatrist. The story is standard chick lit fair but has enough of a problem to drawn in those looking for more than just a predictable, light-hearted quick read. Everything is resolved and wrapped up neatly by the end and Ryan is on her way to becoming confident and happy the way she is.