A Mixtape of Big ’80s Style, High School Angst, and a Classic Jane Austen Tale
It’s 1984 and after moving to Northenfield, Texas, with her family, Elyse Nebbit faces the challenge of finding her place in a new school, one dominated by social status and Friday night football. When Elyse’s effortlessly beautiful older sister Jayne starts dating golden boy Charlie Bingley, Elyse finds herself curious about Charlie’s popular and brooding best friend, Billy Fitz. Elyse’s body insecurities eventually complicate her relationship with Billy, leaving Jayne and Elyse’s exceedingly blunt friend, Lottie, to step in and help Elyse accept herself for who she is, pant size and all.
Written with wit and considerable insight into the highs and lows of first love, this coming-of-age twist on the Jane Austen classic had me laughing out loud, singing ‘80s lyrics in my head, and cheering on the brilliant, yet self-deprecating heroine. Pudge & Prejudice is a joy to read from beginning to end! —Lorie Langdon, author of Olivia Twist and the Disney Villains series
Allison Pittman will have readers laughing (and singing) on every page of this delightfully tenderhearted novel for all ages…[She] crafts a particularly savvy character who learns that beauty really is soul-deep…. —Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Perennials
I can’t remember the last time I loved a book as much as I love this one. It’s an instant classic I will return to time after time. —Bethany Turner, Award-Winning Author of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
Allison Pittman is an award-winning author of thirteen novels, including the Christy-nominated Sister Wife series and the critically acclaimed The Seamstress. An enthusiast for all of the writing world, Allison holds active leadership in her local American Christian Fiction Writers chapter, and she heads up a thriving critique group in the San Antonio area. When not writing, Allison teaches middle school English, working as a conduit to introduce her students to new, fresh literature. You can follow her around on Instagram or Twitter and keep up with her writing news on her Allison Pittman Author Facebook page. Here you’ll learn what’s going on with new books, next books, and day-to-day life with Allison and her husband, Mikey. You’ll also get a peek at Snax, the world’s worst dog.
Rating :★★★★★
Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of a finished book from Lone Star Literary Life partner in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copies used in this review are finalized copies sent to me in exchange for my honest review. #partner #LSBBT
This book follows the life of main character Elyse. A sophomore in high school who has been forced to relocate to Texas after her dad gets a new job. Elyse is one of five children and she isn’t the one that is the most accepted but the one who wishes to disappear off the family’s radar. Her size isn’t quite what others would call “normal,” but to Elyse, she’s comfortable the way she is. Will Elyse find love or even get a boyfriend?
Elyse is developed as a strong female character who aims to not fit into society’s view of normal. Throughout the book she challenges authority, societal norms, and her parents. It can be tough to not look like others but it is even tougher when your family points that out constantly. The greatest act of rebellion is to do the exact opposite and live her life the way she wants to. The author does a wonderful job developing the main characters and supporting characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the family dynamic and the teenage angst. It reminded me of many times when I was in junior high and high school. It is hard to deal with those emotions and I loved how this book brought a humorous and empowering approach to them. I only wished I was as determined as Elyse.
The author spends time highlighting the challenges that Elyse faces with her weight but also encourages the reader to feel empowered by the way Elyse handles the backlash from others. This reminds us to embrace who we are and to not focus of what others think of us but embrace your own individual characteristics. This book has love, loss, family, and forgiveness as the author dives into relatable topics. Although, the book setting is based in Texas during the 1980s, the story reads as if the events were happening today.
I highly recommend this book for anyone middle grade and up. The humor will have adults feeling nostalgic and younger kids gaining tools to face their fears of social interaction. Once you begin, you won’t want to put it down. I am curious if there will be a book two, if so, I can’t wait.
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I like that this book works for multiple audiences, and that no matter what age the reader, there’s something for each to take away from the story. Thanks for sharing your review!
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