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Book Summary

Reviewed by Kate Pavao

Veronica -- known as Vee to her friends -- moves to Hollywood with big acting dreams. She's also hoping to connect with the mother she barely remembers, whom she recently learned also pursued stardom. But, once in California, Veronica finds that her plus-sized figure is all people see, not her natural ability or her pretty face. Can Vee catch a break -- or will she have to return to Arizona defeated?

Is It Any Good?

3

This is a story with a good heart. Readers will be drawn to funny, talented Vee, and they will empathize with the plus-sized actress who faces harsh scrutiny by Hollywood casting agents -- and even the owner of the coffee shop where she works. The author is to be applauded for bringing these important body image issues to the forefront -- and for creating a big girl protagonist who stands up for herself (and even though she is much bigger than her skinny friend, Big Vee still gets the guy).

What the author doesn't do as well is paint a vivid world around Vee. The other storylines -- such as her scheming best friend who throws Vee's headshots in the garbage, or her father, who is so heartbroken about her mother's death many years ago that he keeps her a mystery from his daughter -- fail to seem as real, or as captivating, as the criticism Vee faces at her casting calls. In the end, this is a book that readers will value more for the topics it tackles than for its literary merit.

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