Biggie

What I liked about this book is that it's something a teenager can relate to, and it's makes you feel a special connection with the book. i really like the story line for the book but one thing that I couldn't handle was the writing style. For me it was just too detailed and the characters just seemed to blur into the background. They weren't as well developed as they could've been and I feel as though if the characters were give a little more thought and detail the book would instantly be ten times better. I really enjoyed reading this and thank you giving me an early copy.

A book about Biggie? I love Biggie . . .

Wait, what?

Turns out this book was about a different big fella - a high schooler named Henry Abbott (or "Biggie" to everyone in his small Iowa town). Biggie wants what most other high school boys want - to make it through school without being ridiculed, to be valedictorian, to get into the college of his choice, and to get the girl. Getting the grades comes easy for Biggie. Getting through high school by being invisible was a bit harder, being that he's more than 6 feet tall and weighs over 300 pounds, but by sitting at the back of the room and never speaking Biggie has managed to keep people from teasing him as well. Getting the girl is nearly impossible, since she's in love with the jockiest jock in school and Biggie's wooing secrets involve just a bit of creepy cyberstalking. At 17, Biggie decides it's finally time to make a change. Not only to his outward appearance, but also to his personality. He's going to get fit, get a spot on the baseball team, and get the girl.

This is one of those lose/lose books for a YA author. Warning: Biggie acts like a 17 year old kid (well, actually even younger because he's socially inept). If you're a grown up, there's a good chance he'll annoy you. (However, if he would have been "oh so mature" there would have been another group complaining that he wasn't a realistic YA character. See? Lose/Lose.) I fell in love with Biggie. He was so unsure of himself, and so not realistic with his expectations, and he just reminded me so much of another chubby fella I adore that my heart constantly went out to him (even though my hands sometimes wanted to wring his neck!) . . .

I could totally picture a young Ethan Suplee playing Biggie, even though Biggie was considerably more intelligent than most of Suplee's characters . . .

One more warning: There's also a lot of baseball in this story. If you're not a fan of sportsball stories, once again you might find yourself put off by this one. Me? I spend my summers watching my kids play ball. Well, okay, I really spend my summers doing a lot of reading while pretending to watch my kids play ball, but what the kids don't know, won't hurt 'em ; )

I loved this book. It showed that if "you want something in life, you have to earn it " and sometimes even though you put in the work, you still don't get everything you want. It also gave a great lesson of perception not always being reality.

"It's a cold, lonely feeling when you realize that the person in the mirror is the villain in the story. This is the guy. This guy, now five feet from me, stalked a girl online, ignored and shut out classmates, lied to his mother on a daily basis, looked down on his stepfather, and threw his little brother up against the wall, just for telling me to support my teammates."
I love a good redemption arc! Almost as I love the Notorious B.I.G. Speaking of, time to wrap this up and listen to some hot jamz . . .

Review is scheduled to post at whitnage.blogspot.com on March 12, 2015.

Review: I loved this book. It is definitely my favorite YA Book I've read so far this year. Like many people, I've always been self-conscious about my weight and my teen years were particularly difficult so I was equal parts nervous and excited to see how Sullivan would tackle an issue that is very sensitive for many of us. First off, Biggie has such a unique voice that I was immediately sucked into the story. Although I have to admit that while I was sympathetic to Biggie, I was put off by some of his...stalkerish tendencies. But Sullivan handled that deftly in a way that wasn't just swept under the rug as 'boys will be boys' and Biggie learned his lesson. Apart from that, I really liked how I felt like losing weight for Biggie was such a struggle and journey, and the role that his family dynamics played in it. Many books that feature teens and weight loss seem to gloss over the struggle to lose weight like a makeover montage scene in a movie. More importantly, Biggie also distinguishes itself from being about a single issue, in this case the main character's weight, and really addresses many different aspects such as blended families, bullying, etc. I would highly recommend this book to teens and adults alike.

5/5 Stars

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I like the cover and blurb but I wondered how it that would translate into an entire book. Consider me impressed. This debut novel by Derek E. Sullivan examines what it's like to be Henry Abbot; the BIGGEST kid in your school (and the son of local baseball legend). I finished the book in one sitting and wish there were more to read; that is always a great feeling to have when finishing a book!

I particularly liked following Henry's growth over the course of the book as he ponders being healthier and having a healthier mindset. I look forward to adding Biggie to my classroom library and recommend this book to those looking for an enjoyable and engaging read.

Note: I recieved this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Henry "Biggie" Abbott is me.

I was the fat kid, the super smart kid, the kid who stood outside of the popular circle looking in. I preferred sitting in bed with a textbook (and the compulsory Mountain Dew) than feeling the weight (literally and figuratively) of trying to fit in at social events. Living out an entire romantic relationship with my crush in my head was simpler than waving to him in the hallway.
Henry's inner monologue isn't pretentious and doesn't overshoot his age and maturity level. He's a teenager. A really, really smart one, but a teenager nonetheless. His complicated family structure (his stepfather's vacillating between indifference and contempt for Biggie, the early abandonment by his birth father whose legacy sticks around as a jabbing reminder) is written with a mature voice and heartbreaking authenticity. His boyish (bordering on outlandish) ideas and behavior regarding all things Annabelle are an amusing snap back to reality, reminding the reader that late adolescence is truly a study in contrast.

Kudos to the author, in a climate of hyperbolized teenage characters and fantastical plotlines, for letting us into Henry "Biggie" Abbott's head for a while. In doing so, he shows us that even those kids without superpowers or tragic fates can leave an unforgettable mark on readers. Long live Biggie!

Sports books are never going to be my favorite. It's just not a topic that particularly interests me. Weight issues, on the other hand, are potentially fascinating. The interesting thing about this book is that literally all of Henry's problems are things he caused. His attempts to fix things tend to make them worse. He's a frustrating character, constantly wrong and making bad choices. I liked that things don't end perfectly for him. There's promise but not easy answers. A pretty solid read.

Biggie is the son of one baseball legend, and the step-son of another. Biggie feels the immense pressure to play sports at a young age, when his step-father enrolls him into t-ball. After a bad experience there, Biggie is convinced that he is not cut out for sports and withdraws into his own skin. He seeks perfection from himself academically rather than physically. He also eats to fill an emotional need, and finds that the bigger he gets, the more invisible he is to others.

After pitching a perfect game in wiffle ball during gym class, Biggie's interest in baseball is reignited. He, along with his younger brother Maddux, chase the elusive goal of throwing a perfect game in high school baseball. In the course of getting ready for his first baseball season, Biggie learns a lot about friendship, girlfriends, new social skills, and getting in shape. He also learns that being a perfectionist does not always have to be an all-or-nothing way of life.

I found myself alternately loving and hating Biggie. His struggles with his weight and reasons for constantly eating were at times very real, and at times seemed like rationalizations. Biggie often was often so absorbed in his fantasy online friends that he found little time to make friends in real life. His fear of getting hurt and fear of failure was evident throughout the book. Biggie learns not only that he can be happy with himself physically, but that a "perfect game" has multiple meanings.

As a librarian, I would recommend this book for high school libraries. There are mild sexual references, and frequent underage drinking.

I have always enjoyed books about outsiders or underdogs. I guess its because they’re very relatable and most of them have the funniest voice/monologue. They also do a great job of voicing out the thoughts of readers who has been on the same situation. Biggie/Henry is not an exception. Its amazing that even though I’m not a ‘fat’ person like Henry is and even though I’m not a guy, I totally felt for Henry. He’s totally relatable as a teen.

Henry or ‘BIGGIE’ to others is someone you would like as a friend. While reading the book, I was wishing for one thing: for Biggie to be real and for him to magically appear at my side to be my best friend. He’s funny. He’s realistically written. And he’s absolutely likeable. Derek Sullivan did a great job of writing a character that appeals to every reader. He’s not perfect. In fact, Henry can be stupid and jerk sometimes. Its kind of infuriating to read when he’s letting himself down but I can’t help but sympathize. I know all of us have done that.

The romance was adorable and a bit surprising. Thumbs up for not sticking to the cliche romance plots that I’ve read in so many YA books already. The only downside of this book, FOR ME, is the baseball aspects which is pretty much half of the book since Henry is very good at it. Anyway, despite my lack of knowledge on that department, I still enjoyed all the new information I got by reading BIGGIE.

I really enjoyed Biggie and it took me by surprise by how poignant it is. Its about loving and accepting yourself despite the ugly and bad things that people are telling you. Its about letting yourself shine and enjoy life despite the ugliness that comes with it. Biggie is provocative, meaningful and perfect for every outsiders, underdogs and for teens who is having a hard time going through all the crap bad things that high school is throwing their way. I absolutely recommend it!!!

Last year I said I wanted to read something different from what I always read. Not because I am bored of the romance/erotica, but because it’s always good a change, and Biggie was definitely a big change for me. First, because this book has so much baseball - way too much for my taste, hence the 3,5 stars. - Second, Henry, or Biggie, was the kind of character I’ve never read before. He’s a young kid who doesn’t want to be noticed. His insecurities and all his teenager experiences makes him a very likable character. And third, the story, this book has a very interesting plot, how one kid who has been trying to have his own identity all his life, decides to make a change and finally find himself. I totally loved his relationship with Anabelle. I think she was good for him, she encouraged him to take the first step, helped him launch to a better person.

I totally recommend this book, the story is so good that even if you don't like baseball, like me, you’ll enjoy the book and love the characters

This is a coming of age book. At times you will feel sorry for Biggie, times angry at him and times rooting for him. The book is narrated by Biggie and in a way it is like a diary. A diary of Biggies year in which he comes to terms with many things. Biggie is a young man who hides behind his weight. He thinks that being quiet and overweight has kept him from being made from of. That it is his armour. But as we find it it isn’t. Biggie has crushes in which he goes to far with one of them and does some things he doesn’t want but does so that he can feel like he fits in. The so called friends have him do some degrading things.

Biggie comes to terms with love unrequited, tries to become better for his mom, starts to believe in himself more, finds someone who sees him for him and almost loses her, comes to terms with who his dad is and learns who he is. This is that story written in a honest and endearing way.

Mr. Sullivan writes a tale of joy, frustration and real. We see what cruelty high school can be. We see how when one holds back it hurts them and that having courage and letting go of fear of failure can free you. We see friendships form and people use others. We see kindness and joy but also frustration. We see Biggie find out what is important and what isn’t. You will love Biggie’s brother. He is a hoot and so believing in biggie.

A wonderfully realistic and endearing story, that will have you frustrated at times with Biggie but that is natural when reading of someone trying to survive high school and figure out who they are, of finding yourself and allowing yourself to be and fail and be okay with it.

Oh man, I loved this book!

Okay, so I GENERALLY love books, but this was one of those books I read in two sittings. And the only reason I read it in two sittings (rather than one) is because I started it before bed... then went to bed way too late... then was really looking forward to my son's nap time so I could pick it back up again (sorry, kiddo!).

What made Biggie so remarkable to me was the genuineness of Biggie's voice. He was a compelling character for lots of reasons - a complicated relationship with family members, the distance he's created for himself, the (very realistic) split between digital world Biggie and real world Biggie, and that feeling of first love.

Biggie is, as the title suggests, big. He comes from a family of athletes - his dad, step dad, and half brother - and has a mom who is concerned about his size, and cares for him. But Biggie has discovered the bigger he is, the more space he takes up, the less visible he is in the intimidating hallways of high school. Suddenly, he wants to become more visible to Annabelle, the girl he's admired since seventh grade.

And so, Sullivan takes us on Biggie's journey from the invisible big guy in the back of the room to someone who is as imperfect as the rest of us, trying to make changes.

I just love this story. Biggie struggles, and towards the ending, Sullivan doesn't cater to his readers by making everything perfect - he makes it real. I don't want to spoil anything, but I love a good, true ending, over a good, unrealistic ending. I hope that is vague enough.

I highly recommend Biggie.

The baseball stuff was a bit much for me, but the character of Biggie is so well drawn

This hits all the right notes and really captures the struggles of standing out - in a negative way - in high school. The story pulled me in right away and the character was well developed.

"I have noticed one undeniable fact: high school kids are cruel, mean sons-of-bitches, and not just toward fat people. Nobody is immued to the constant ripping"

Henry "Biggie" Abbot is 17 and on the plus side of 300 pounds. He has gotten so big that no one makes fun of him any more. He maintains high grades, keeps to himself and has so far avoided taking PE. His mother has tried and failed to get him to eat healthy and exercise. He has a vast amount of on line girlfriends but can't string two sentences together when talking face to face with anyone. Painfully shy he pretty much shuns people.

His plans on avoind PE have been thrawted by his mother and is forced to participate. He pitches a wifferball game in school and pitches a perfect game. This pleases him to no end as he has always looked upon sports as a certain failure, something he can't stand is failure. His biological father was a big name ball player and his stepfather is as well. When his half brother tried to get Biggie to perfect his pitch he tells him that he will be the first player to get a perfect game. This sets the ball rolling for Biggie. He thinks that if he pitches the perfect game the girl he has a crush on will fall for him. As things start to change for Biggie it doesn't all go to plan.

What I liked about this story is that it's not about a fat kid trying to get skinny and accepted by his peers, he tries to get in enough shape to pitch the perfect game and win his dream girl. it' doesn't go smoothly and it all doesn't go to plan but sometimes what you want and what you get aren't the same… and not always a bad thing.

Great writing style and a good read

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

To me a great book is one where the characters persist in your mind throughout the day, where you think of them as real people that exist somewhere out there. You can visualize their story carrying on and wonder what they’re up to from time to time…

“Biggie” accomplishes all of those things and more. I was surprised to learn that this is Sullivan’s debut novel. He captures of the personality and essence of a modern teenage male with seasoned talent. None of the dialogue feels disingenuous. He peppers in romance, angst and nerdy-guy talk whilst exploring some very deep emotions in his protagonist Henry (aka “Biggie”).

It was refreshing to read from a teenage male perspective. (Sorry ladies of YA Lit, I grow bored of your drama sometimes!) Rather than rehashing the overly-done high school scenes, Sullivan focuses on Biggie and life in his ironically little world. It’s both a heartwarming and gut-wrenching story of bravery and reaching outside of your comfort zone.

I would say that many teens who consider themselves “friendless” or who spend more time interacting with online friends than people irl would stand to gain some inspiration from Biggie. I find his story incredibly salient for todays’ teens who are increasingly overweight, over-connected and without a precedent to guide them. (Sorry grown-ups, it really *is* different today.)

Some reviewers have commented that the baseball scenes were overdone. I disagree. Part of the thrill of reading is delving into a world where you have little to no knowledge and taking a first-person perspective. I enjoyed the baseball action scenes, despite baseball being far from “my thing.”

Overall this is an uncommonly good read with a positive theme and a well developed protagonist. I would most definitely recommend it to all YA readers, particularly males.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance readers copy to review!

Love this book!!! It is perfect for teen boys. I know so many that would really be interested in reading about Biggie's struggle with weight loss, no father, sports, and girls.

A really nice book that I liked a lot and it was really great.

It was a good read. At the beginning I hated Henry but knowing him better I'm fond of him and his fragility.
Henry is a highly obese guy. He has no friends because almost everyone make fun of him for his physical aspect calling him Biggie. His mother is desperately, is afraid that he gets sick seriously. His father abandoned him before he was born and his stepfather is a great baseball champion. When he finally manages to convince him to maybe work out of, Henry's life begins to change. This city in Iowa where they live, loves baseball. Will he get the girl he loves, and gain the respect of his classmates?
Henry seems cocky and arrogant but just tries to hide his loneliness and suffering. He has so many virtual friends but no one in reality, except perhaps his brother. He 's very clever, perhaps too much for his age.
The story is very realistic, many people perhaps will see their life in high school.