A Whale of a Tale

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

Why did I read it?

The story actually starts last year with a book I read called Angry Management. Angry Management was written by Chris Crutcher as well, and in it he further explores the stories of side characters from his previous novels. Sarah Byrnes was one of the characters talked about in Angry Management, so I took the chance to read it for my YA Lit class.

What happened?

A swimmer who is big as a whale, and a burn victim who literally has Byrnes (pronounced Burns) as a last name don't seem like the likeliest of friends. But, Eric (Moby) Calhoune, and Sarah Byrnes have been inseparable for the majority of junior and senior high. Maybe it is their not-so-perfect home lives, or maybe it is having to deal with crap from others, but Sarah has always been the strongest person Moby knows, and he has always been there for her. However, when Sarah stops speaking, Moby has to figure out how he can help her deal with her demons; especially since she has never been one to accept help willingly.

What did I like or not like?

I'm a big fan of Chris Crutcher. He is able to deal with tough topics like abuse, bullying, and abortion, in a truthful, honest, and realistic voice that doesn't pull any punches. But, he is also able to discuss hope, courage, and friendship in a way that is so real that you have to appreciate it. Finally, Crutcher tells us a great story of someone who doesn't have anything to live for, and yet chooses to find the good in the bad and keep on going.

P.S. This book has some language in it.