Book Review: Plus by Veronica Chambers

Summary:
"This is the unbelievable story of how I went to college, gained twenty-five pounds, got dumped by my boyfriend, failed physics and became a world famous supermodel."

So begins the Cinderella story of Beatrice Wilson, whose life changes overnight when she’s discovered by a scout for the oldest, most prestigious modeling agency in America—for their plus-sized division.

Now she must find the confidence to vanquish skinny rivals, fend off sleazy photographers, and banish scheming frenemies in her rise to superstardom, all while trying to get her ex-boyfriend back. But Bea learns that to win prince charming, you first have to find a way to love yourself. 

Release Date:  August 5, 2010
Publisher:  Razorbill
Age Group:  Young Adult
Pages:  304
Source: YA Addict ARC Tours

Review:
This was a light-hearted, fun read with a good message for young women.  I really enjoyed it!  

Plus is told in the first person (my favorite type of narration) and the story starts with Bee's relationship with Brian, who does not appreciate her and treats her badly.  He ends up dumping her and in her post-breakup depression, she gains 25 pounds.  

Bee is discovered by a plus-size modeling agent and goes to the interview after being encouraged by her friend Chela (whom Brian also dumped).  Bee never expects to get chosen for the modeling campaign and when she does, her life becomes a sudden whirlwind of travel, photo shoots, hair and makeup and most of all, great clothes.


This book has a lot to recommend it: a strong heroine with believable flaws and insecurities, a love story with a nice twist, the heroine learning to stand up for herself, and an insider's look into the plus-size modeling industry.  I enjoyed all of these aspects about Plus, but my favorite thing about the book was Bee finally standing up for herself.  It takes her some time to see certain people for who they really are, but when she does---look out, world!


I would recommend this book to anyone, especially YA fans, and will definitely read more from Veronica Chambers in the future.  Be sure and check out the Plus by Veronica Chambers blog here.  

Win an ARC of Plus!  Enter here.  


Just One Gripe: 
Hmm, I guess my gripe would be that I wanted to shout at Bee at one point (this was before she learns to stand up for herself), but then I remembered that she is only 17 and still had some growing up to do.

The Best Thing About This Book:
Chambers' characterization of Bee.  She writes in such a way that you feel like Bee is just like you.


Appropriate for a younger audience: 
Yes

Score:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Setting/Imagery: 3/5
Originality: 4/5
Ending: 5/5
Total Score:  20/25





6 comments:

  1. I was tempted to buy this but I decided not to in the end. Fab review and I'll definitely be on the lookout for it!

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  2. I'm really looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the great review! :)

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  3. This sounds like a good read, I only hope it had a positive message which judging by your review it did. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  4. Thank you this is a great review. I am a new follower from the hop. I really enjoy the look and feel of your site. I hope you get a chance to stop by and check me out at http://www.wrighton-time.blogspot.com

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  5. I love that you wanted to yell at her but had to remind your self she has some growing up to do. :)

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  6. This book is one of my favorites! Great book and good read!

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