FAT: A Love Story

by Barbara Wersba ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1987

Rita Formica is fat. She can eat her way from one end of Sag Harbor to the other. She has tried diets and exercise programs, but nothing gives her enough incentive to lose weight--until she sees gorgeous Robert Swarm. Rita vows to lose weight in order to make herself attractive to him. But when she can't seem to generate interest, she agrees that her best friend, beautiful Nicole, should act as decoy while Rita sticks to a diet and actually begins to lose weight. Then Robert and Nicole fall in love, and Rita binges and puts the pounds back on. Luckily, someone who truly loves her gives her insight into her behavior and helps her through the crisis, changing her eating habits forever. This wise and funny book is peopled with quirky yet believable characters. The reader knows that Robert and Rita are not meant for each other, yet doesn't become frustrated when Rita pursues the relationship. Subconsciously, Rita is after something more than Robert--and the reader hopes she'll find it. Her eccentric, 30-year-old summertime boss, who likes Rita and approves of her unconditionally, shows her the light--as well as true love. Some may object to Rita's affair with an older man (and it is not quite believable that her parents don't), but Arthur Bromberg, a man of strong moral convictions, is perfect for Rita, and readers will cheer them along. A fine, funny novel.

Pub Date: July 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 128

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S