Module 7 - The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

Summary - Virginia Shreeves doesn't feel like she belongs in her seemingly perfect family, not least because she happens to be the only one "who has dish-water blond hair, pale blue eyes, a roundish face, and a larger-than-average body". Moving from a story of a "chubby fat" girl who can't seem to figure out where she fits in through a family drama that impacts everyone in Virginia's life and everything she once believed, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things is a very modern coming of age tale with a resolution that will neither shock nor resolve, but allow the reader to move forward with Virginia towards adulthood.

Impressions - This was an interesting book to read, and I definitely think that there will be people who have strong emotions towards it, either love or hate. While I recognize the importance of discussing the issues involved with children who may be going through similar situations, this book, and its realistic depictions, are not for every reader. It can, however, be a powerful voice for girls who think of themselves as different or 'less' than their siblings, parents, or friends, and the learning process Virginia goes through and her movement towards understanding herself and her family are powerful enough to draw readers in and allow them to empathize. I cannot see many boys enjoying this book, and the disclaimer on the back for "Age 14 and up" should be adhered to, no matter how advanced the reader may be, as a certain level of emotional maturity is necessary before entering Virginia's life. While I cannot say I really enjoyed this book, I understood how important it could be for some girls, and enjoy the idea that there is a realistic portrayal of true life situations and people (at the children's literature level) that doesn't tie things up prettily in a bow at the end completely - but still offers a positive, though somewhat contrived, resolution.

Reviews - On teenreads. com, Norah Piehl (1) offers an insightful look at why this book has such an impact for the teen female reader. Her discussion of the important elements in the book is summed up with the idea that Virginia "at least...can find ways to feel good about herself and her talents", and shows how the process that Virginia goes through in the book towards self-awareness offers one of the strongest lessons to be taken from the text. However, Piehl is quick to point out that "the ending is far from satisfactory" alluding to the problems the text has with resolving the original 'lost' Virginia with the positive 'new' Virginia of the end. Overall, the book is summed up well by Piehl with the idea that "the lessons Virginia learns about self-worth and self-acceptance go down easy and will appeal to anyone who has ever felt like an outside, whether at school or in their own family."

Use - This book would be an excellent personal choice for teen females, but should be approached hesitantly by any school or official reading list as some parents may have problems with some of the issues discussed (i.e. date rape) in the text. Young male readers may find it interesting to see Virginia's viewpoint, and could actually gain more by experiencing the sub-theme surrounding the rape, but it will be a hard sell to get them involved in something that is so obviously 'chick lit'. Teen females who feel like they don't fit in should definitely be advised of it, as well as those who perhaps don't have knowledge of what it is like not to feel like a part of the group.

(1) Piehl, N. (n.d.) The earth, my butt, and other big round things. Retrieved from http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/0763619582.asp