Rowell is a master of emotional nuance and relatability that isn’t heavy handed. I had somewhat ignored this novel by her even though she’s one of my favorite authors - mainly because all the buzz around it I’d heard centered on the main female character not being thin. I just don’t thrive on “fat girl finally accepts herself” stories (being a relatively fat girl myself who loves myself just fine). BUT! But this wasn’t that! That narrative was so reductive. This story is so much more. Rowell explored what is meant to be a chubby girl in high school in Nebraska in the 80s/90s (a reality I deeply related to) but this isn’t a story about weight. We got race, poverty, and the general shittiness of being 16.

It was beautiful and sweet. Only complaint is that I would’ve loved some more wrap up on her siblings. I enjoyed just seeing and feeling Parks unanswered questions, but is Maisie good?!