Young Adult Literature - Artichoke's Heart

Supplee, S. (2008). Artichoke's Heart. New York: Dutton Books.

I read Artichoke's Heart to satisfy an assignment for my Young Adult Literature class.  The assignment was to read two books recommended by teenagers, one girl and one boy.  I read Monster after a teenage boy in my sophomore English class recommended it to me.  This book was passed on to me from a senior girl who was in my Pre-AP English class two years ago.  I must say, that I am glad that I got to read this book.  I think that the topics it deals with are so important for many teenage girls.  The main character must learn to cope with many problems in her life.  Rosemary Goode is overweight, lacking self-esteem, and dealing with her mother's cancer diagnosis.  On top of these problems, she is also trying to deal with the feeling of being an outsider, since her mother always sides with her aunt over everything.  Both her mother and her aunt try to pressure Rosemary into losing weight.  When she finally does start to come to terms with many of the underlying issues she has in her life, she is finally able to like herself and gain self-confidence.  In addition, she also loses fifty pounds.  Throughout this process, she becomes friends with a girl who she used to think had it all, and falls in love with the handsome, sensitive "jock" who sees her for the person she really is.  Rosemary's story sets a good example for any teenage girl who has ever had the feeling that she just isn't good enough.  Not only that, but Rosemary is a likeable character who makes the reader sympathize with her pain and laugh at her witty humor.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'm glad I had the chance to experience it.  Thanks, Courtney!