Review of Former Fat Boy
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Tejas Koli
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Review of Former Fat Boy
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Former Fat Boy" by Maretha Marais.]
“Former Fat Boy,” the second installment in Marétha Marais’ new young adult series of the same name, introduces readers to its protagonist Davey Zacharias as he begins his final year of primary school. Overweight and struggling with body image issues, Davey finds himself faced with new challenges as he works to lose weight and come into his own.
Marais deftly handles the sensitive topic of childhood obesity. Readers get a raw, authentic glimpse into Davey’s mindset and daily struggles. His insecurities and discomfort in his own skin are palpable. At the same time, Marais takes care to avoid stigma. She depicts Davey’s family and community as generally supportive. Through it all, Davey’s determined spirit and good humor shine through. The book also functions well as a coming-of-age story. Davey grapples with transitioning into adolescence and all the changes that entail. He questions friendships, navigates sibling dynamics, and begins to assert his independence from parent’s wishes. Adam and Amelia, his closest friend and sister, feel three-dimensional. Their relationships with Davey ground the story and drive Its interpersonal conflicts.
Marais crafts a realistic setting in Davey’s neighborhood and school. Minor characters like Tannie Kotie and Perfect Amelia’s exercise class are memorable in their own rights. Details about South African culture enrich the reading experience for both domestic and international audiences. The editing of “Former Fat Boy” by Maretha Marais is commendable, delivering a compelling storyline with well-crafted character development. The absence of grammar mistakes ensures a polished reading experience, and the book maintains a nice flow from start to finish. Impressively, there are no negatives to mention; it stands as a well-edited work that seamlessly combines a captivating narrative with strong character building.
Over the course of the novel, Davey begins to learn healthy habits and accept himself. While his journey is just beginning, readers will find themselves rooting for his personal growth. The engaging plot and likable characters make “Former Fat Boy” difficult to put down. It leaves many questions unanswered, laying excellent groundwork for future installments. Fans of contemporary YA will find a lot to appreciate in Marais’ very promising debut. I would rate it 5 out of 5.
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Former Fat Boy
View: on Bookshelves
“Former Fat Boy,” the second installment in Marétha Marais’ new young adult series of the same name, introduces readers to its protagonist Davey Zacharias as he begins his final year of primary school. Overweight and struggling with body image issues, Davey finds himself faced with new challenges as he works to lose weight and come into his own.
Marais deftly handles the sensitive topic of childhood obesity. Readers get a raw, authentic glimpse into Davey’s mindset and daily struggles. His insecurities and discomfort in his own skin are palpable. At the same time, Marais takes care to avoid stigma. She depicts Davey’s family and community as generally supportive. Through it all, Davey’s determined spirit and good humor shine through. The book also functions well as a coming-of-age story. Davey grapples with transitioning into adolescence and all the changes that entail. He questions friendships, navigates sibling dynamics, and begins to assert his independence from parent’s wishes. Adam and Amelia, his closest friend and sister, feel three-dimensional. Their relationships with Davey ground the story and drive Its interpersonal conflicts.
Marais crafts a realistic setting in Davey’s neighborhood and school. Minor characters like Tannie Kotie and Perfect Amelia’s exercise class are memorable in their own rights. Details about South African culture enrich the reading experience for both domestic and international audiences. The editing of “Former Fat Boy” by Maretha Marais is commendable, delivering a compelling storyline with well-crafted character development. The absence of grammar mistakes ensures a polished reading experience, and the book maintains a nice flow from start to finish. Impressively, there are no negatives to mention; it stands as a well-edited work that seamlessly combines a captivating narrative with strong character building.
Over the course of the novel, Davey begins to learn healthy habits and accept himself. While his journey is just beginning, readers will find themselves rooting for his personal growth. The engaging plot and likable characters make “Former Fat Boy” difficult to put down. It leaves many questions unanswered, laying excellent groundwork for future installments. Fans of contemporary YA will find a lot to appreciate in Marais’ very promising debut. I would rate it 5 out of 5.
******
Former Fat Boy
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: The Miracle Ladies by Jean-Michel Desire
The way it delves into Davey's struggles with obesity and adolescence sounds super relatable and well-handled. Thanks for the heads up on Former Fat Boy.
