Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have

by Allen Zadoff

Book Overview

FOOD, GIRLS, AND OTHER THINGS I CAN'T HAVE is the story of a boy who doesn't fit--in his pants, in his family, in his school, or in his life. If Andrew Zansky can only be thin enough, smart enough, or popular enough, he thinks everything in his life will be perfect. His father will come back home. The pretty girl in school will fall in love with him. His Mom will be happy again. While he's working to achieve this fantasy future, Andrew eats. A lot...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1606841513
• ISBN13: 9781606841518
• Release Date: February 2011
• Publisher: Egmontusa
• Length: 311 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

Smart, hilarious, poignant, timely

I was completely absorbed by this book, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! It is so well written, so funny, with such a wonderful message about being oneself in the face of the tremendous pressure of adolescence coupled with society's twisted love affair with food/war on fat. Given the recent statistic that 66% of Americans are overweight, this book lands smack in the middle of the national zeitgeist with compassion, razor-sharp intelligence and humor. This is a great book for teens and adults - fat or thin.

I laughed, I cried.

Well, I know nothing about football... and I can barely remember high school - but none of that mattered - this book is utterly absorbing and funny and it rings true on all levels. I laughed, I cried. I thought about it long after I finished it. And I'll tell you, even though this is a "Young Adult" novel - it held some poignant wisdom for this adult who has not been young for a while now. I can't recommend this book enough --both for the teenager who is the odd man out or geek or whatever non-mainstream moniker you want to apply AND for the football hero who could use to gain some insight and sensitivity about those on the other side of the fence. Man, I hope they make a movie out of this! Regardless - read it - and make sure your kids read it, too.

Laugh Out Loud Funny!

Okay, first let me say that this book had me literally laughing out loud...as in: I'm laying in bed reading and my kids keep coming into my room asking me "What's so funny?" Yes, it is THAT funny! Plus, anytime I find a book from a boys perspective that's NOT entirely about sports, well that's nice. Andrews character is very likable and realistic...and I suspect any teen (or adult for that matter) could relate to him even if they aren't overweight. Very few of us are completely happy with the way we look and most of us have dreamed at one point or another of being that person that everybody admires and envies. The author gives great insight to what its like to be so self conscious of yourself that it rules your every thought and action. Things like "Will I even fit in that desk in my classroom?" Or "Will I ever have a girlfriend/boyfriend?" Sometimes the desperation kids feel to "fit in" makes them do things they normally wouldn't do...as Andrew soon finds out. This is a funny, well written book that shines the light on what its like to be that overweight kid in school. A lot of people think its as easy as just watching what you eat or exercising, but really its a lot more than that as we find out in Andrews case. Heartwarming and inspirational without being overly sentimental (which might make boys avoid reading it) I highly recommend this book!

A Must Read

What a wonderful book! This extraordinary young adult novel can be read on many levels and has as much to offer its adult readers as its younger ones. The story is compelling, humorous, and always honest. The characters are vividly brought to life with a truth and complexity that is engaging from first page to last. The story is strongly universal but also has several twists that separate it from more common literature of the genre. A cross between HOW I PAID FOR COLLEGE and THE CHOCOLATE WARS, this is the perfect follow-up to Zadoff's memoir HUNGRY.

Great Book! I'm going to start reading it again tonight!

Allen Zadoff has created a really fun, funny character and put him in some hellacious situations. The character (Andrew Zansky) is a little naive - by his own admission he's a fat kid - and totally hilarious. I was really touched by him, and found a lot to enjoy with the female characters Nancy and April as well. This book reflects on the reality of high school with a saucy wit. "Food Girls.." is so fun to read - great for younger men and women, though Grown Ups as well will love this book. I don't know what else to say, except READ IT! You'll be so glad you did!