The Earth, My Butt,  and Other Big Round Things

 
Virginia Shreves lives in the perfect model family. Beautiful, overacheiving, destined for greatness all describe the Shreves family.... except Virginia.  Chubby Virginia is not the family's shining star, which doesn't leave her too happy about herself.  

However this year, right after her sister, Anais, goes to Africa with the Peace Corp,   cracks begin to show in the perfect Shreves family.   For Virginia it also means she can discover who she really is and how she can be happy in herself.

This funny teen novel is well written.  You can almost hear Virginia telling you about the events of this school year.  Author - Mackler has the right balance between humour and seriousness.  A great read!!

On the other hand I must admit to being disappointed in Away Laughing on a Fast Camel by Rennison.  This is the latest in the Angus, Thongs.... series.  I loved the first few, but they seem to be all the same anymore.  Georgia lusting after some boy.  Georgia creating more fabbity fab slang. Georgia being embarassed of her parents.  Not bad.  Just time for Georgia to try something new.