Fat Cat [Hardcover]

Robin Brande (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 2009

You are what you eat. . . .

Cat smart, sassy, and funny—but thin, she’s not. Until her class science project. That’s when she winds up doing an experiment—on herself. Before she knows it, Cat is living—and eating—like the hominids, our earliest human ancestors. True, no chips or TV is a bummer and no car is a pain, but healthful eating and walking everywhere do have their benefits.

As the pounds drop off, the guys pile on. All this newfound male attention is enough to drive a girl crazy! If only she weren’t too busy hating Matt McKinney to notice. . . .

This funny and thoughtful novel explores how girls feel about their bodies, and the ways they can best take care of their most precious resource: themselves.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up—Rotund brainiac Catherine "Cat" Locke, a junior, becomes her own science-fair project "guinea pig," trying to live a prehistoric lifestyle for seven months. Out for revenge on former best friend/crush and detested rival Matt McKinney, she gives up cars, phones, TV, computers, and processed foods in her determination to win this year's competition. Cat's slimmed-down body attracts several boys' attention, and she expands her project to observe the effects on herself and others, coached in the social graces by her beautiful, brilliant girlfriend Amanda. Delightful character depth and humorous plot twists make this a satisfying read as Cat confronts the real issues separating her from Matt. Brande precisely captures the different psyches of teenage guys and girls, weaving fitness, friendship, and forgiveness around the scientific method.—Joyce Adams Burner, National Archives at Kansas City, MO
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About the Author

Robin Brande is a former trial attorney who is also the author of the young adult novel Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature. Robin was herself an overweight teen, and knows that a smart girl can figure out a smart way to be fit. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037584449X
• ISBN-13: 978-0375844492
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.4 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #357,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robin Brande is the award-winning author of EVOLUTION, ME & OTHER FREAKS OF NATURE (2007), FAT CAT (2009), DOGGIRL (2011), the PARALLELOGRAM series(2011-2012), and the SECRET SECURITY SQUAD series (2012). She is a former trial attorney, community college instructor, yoga teacher, black belt, entrepreneur, outdoor adventurer, Wilderness First Responder, Girl Scout leader, and state spelling bee judge. Her books have been named "Best Fiction for Young Adults" by the American Library Association.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by Robin Brande!, October 30, 2009

By 

The Book Scout - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fat Cat (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed Fat Cat. I loved Robin's last book, Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature so I was really excited to get this one for review! Robin's books always deal with unique issues, and always are packed full of characters I love. Cat was a great main character, but my favorite has to be her best friend- Amanda. Amanda was sweet, loyal, funny, poetic, stylish- everything you could want in a best friend. The best part was she stayed friends with Cat even before she lost weight. It was interesting to be a part of Cat's struggle to stick with the rules she assigned herself, and at times I felt myself wishing I could do what she did. She was very strong, because I don't think I could give up chocolate and the computer for as long as she did. Since Fat Cat was a first person narrative, I enjoyed it that much more. The reader got an inside look at Cat's life and everything she felt. I'm glad Cat stayed true to herself. She didn't just abandon her friends or anything now that she was becoming pretty, she did it for herself. To feel and be healthier.

Although it was a bit predictable at times, I highly recommend Fat Cat. It had great messages about being overweight and friendship also played a big role. Another thing I really liked was the cooking. Cat was a great cook and she and Amanda even helped revive a restaurant. I learned about a bunch of new recipes and really want to try cooking more myself now!

All in all, Fat Cat was a light read with a great message. Perfect for all girls to read.

Rating;

Plot: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Ending: 9/10

Enjoyment: 9/10

Cover: 7/10

Overall: 45/50= 90%

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot to love about FAT CAT, November 3, 2009

By 

Jennifer J. Stewart "children's book author" (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fat Cat (Hardcover)

This book is both smart and funny, and like its first person narrator, there's a lot to love about it.

In an attempt to take home top prize at the science fair, Cat decides to live like a cave girl: meaning no modern technology or conveniences (exceptions made for safety), and no processed foods (fruits and nuts are allowed; diet coke is out).

It's kind of the direct opposite of that movie Supersize Me. And if that were all it was, it would still be entertaining and insightful.

But Cat's experiment is not only for scientific glory; she hates being fat, and she fully intends to shed some weight along the way. The weight comes off along with the major chip Cat carries on her shoulder, and she learns a lot about herself, teenage boys, and love, especially that she has used her fat as an insulator, to avoid taking chances on relationships.

I hope many teens will read this book, because it has heart and humor, and a heroine for the modern, as well as the stone age!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, January 24, 2010

By 

Mariah "A Reader's Adventure" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fat Cat (Hardcover)

This was a really powerful book. I felt that Robin poured herself into this novel, because you can't write a book about such a personal issue without having some back story. Maybe I am wrong but that is the impression I got.

Cat is a like-able character she is funny and unlike many other fat book main characters she does not really look down on herself. Because I am scientifically minded as well I enjoyed how she made changing her life into an experiment. All of the nutrition advice, while sometimes being too much, was informative, and interesting. This book really inspired me to get up and eat healthier.

Besides the nutrition aspect, the love story was really cute, while sometimes being obvious, i really loved Matt, and her other friends were so wonderful. I would love to be friends with any of these characters.

I enjoyed this book, it made me look at my eating choices through a good plot, and a cute love story. One of my favorite books I read in 2009.