Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes

From School Library Journal Grade 7 Up-Chris Crutcher's stunning story of teen loyalty and courage (Greenwillow, 1993) is narrated by Johnny Heller. His convincing voice adds tremendously to the sense of immediacy with which 18-year-old Eric Calhoun tells the story of his friend Sarah Byrnes, horribly disfigured since age three. Doomed to live with the irrational and evil father who burned her on a wood stove and compelled her silence for years, Sarah finally reaches the limits of her endurance. Eric, an amazingly good swimmer despite his heavyweight size, struggles to uncover Sarah's nightmare past and find a way to help her. The two outcasts had been best friends for years, but the loyalty built on this odd friendship ultimately required enormous courage from both of them. The exciting story has it all: intense examination of values, normal teen concerns with friendship and personal growth, sports, dates and, above all, interesting and likable characters who make readers laugh through all kinds of pain, suspense, and even danger. Heller is perfectly cast as Eric with his comedic timing down so finely that listeners can hear Eric's wry perspective on himself coming through the action and introspection of this outstanding story. While keeping his tone and pitch centered beautifully on Eric, Heller manages to convey other characters' voices with only subtle modulations that contribute to making Eric an even more convincing narrator. No collection aimed at teenagers should miss this outstanding title presented in this equally outstanding way. Every adult who listens to this with a teenager will find it challenging, worthwhile, and a rare opportunity to experience something wonderful together. Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, Painted Post, NYCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.