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The perfect romantic makeover story about an every-girl whose dream comes true . . .Beatrice Wilson is our lovable Cinderella, who just got dumped by her very first boyfriend and put on twenty-five pounds. But then she's discovered as a plus model. In the eyes of pop culture, Bee is Jessica Alba and then some! Now she must vanquish skinny rivals, fend off sleazy photogs, and banish jealous frenemies in her rise to superstardom. All the while, she's torn between her first love and the surprisingly sincere up-and-coming rapper she tutors in calculus. But what's better than finding your prince charming? Finally learning to love yourself!
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2009
12 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Chambers
63 books282 followersVeronica Chambers is a prolific author, best known for her critically acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl, which has been course adopted by hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country. The New Yorker called Mama’s Girl “a troubling testament to grit and mother love… one of the finest and most evenhanded in the genre in recent years.” Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, Ms. Chambers' work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage.
Her most recent non-fiction book was Kickboxing Geishas: How Japanese Women are Changing their Nation. Her other non-fiction books include The Joy of Doing Things Badly: A Girl’s Guide to Love, Life, and Foolish Bravery. She has also written more than a dozen books for children, most recently Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and the body confidence Y/A novel, Plus. Her teen series, Amigas, is a collaboration between Chambers, producer Jane Startz, and Jennifer Lopez.
Veronica spent two seasons as an executive story editor for CW’s hit series Girlfriends, and earned a BET Comedy Award for her script work on that series. She has also written and developed projects for Fox and the N.
Veronica has contributed to several anthologies, including the best-selling Bitch in the House, edited by Cathi Hanuaer, and Mommy Wars, edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner.
A graduate of Simon’s Rock College at Bard, she and her husband have endowed three scholarships at the college in the fields of music and literature. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Hodder fellowship for emerging novelists at Princeton University and a National Endowment for the Arts fiction award. She speaks, reads and writes Spanish, but she is truly fluent in Spanglish. She lives with her husband and daughter in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Her most recent non-fiction book was Kickboxing Geishas: How Japanese Women are Changing their Nation. Her other non-fiction books include The Joy of Doing Things Badly: A Girl’s Guide to Love, Life, and Foolish Bravery. She has also written more than a dozen books for children, most recently Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and the body confidence Y/A novel, Plus. Her teen series, Amigas, is a collaboration between Chambers, producer Jane Startz, and Jennifer Lopez.
Veronica spent two seasons as an executive story editor for CW’s hit series Girlfriends, and earned a BET Comedy Award for her script work on that series. She has also written and developed projects for Fox and the N.
Veronica has contributed to several anthologies, including the best-selling Bitch in the House, edited by Cathi Hanuaer, and Mommy Wars, edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner.
A graduate of Simon’s Rock College at Bard, she and her husband have endowed three scholarships at the college in the fields of music and literature. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Hodder fellowship for emerging novelists at Princeton University and a National Endowment for the Arts fiction award. She speaks, reads and writes Spanish, but she is truly fluent in Spanglish. She lives with her husband and daughter in Hoboken, New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 25, 2010
First page got me rooting for our heroine already. Her name is Beatrice but all her friends and family call her Bee. She is 5 foot 8 inches tall, 17 year old pre-med at Columbia (yes, absolute brain child. Her father is a scientist and her mother is an economist) and "had" a perfect boyfriend - Brian. Until he dumped her claiming she's so immature for his 19 year old male bravado. Seriously! wait till you read what a jerk he is. Anyway... Bee then started eating her emotions. She gained 25 lbs. from too much Chinese take out, Indian food delivery, Pizza, Ice Cream, etc... Then one day while waiting for her best friend Consuela (Chela), who by the way insist that they become friends after she found out that they dated the same Lying Brian. An agent spotted her eating at Dean de Luca, her name is Leslie from Chesterfield Modeling Agency and said she resemble a super model named Suzanne Hughes and that she is looking for a plus size model. With a little push from Chela she went and got the modeling contract that changed her life.
It is such a relief not to read anything about a model who either possess the perfect figure, young, rich and absolutely beautiful but so emotionally distraught and/or a complete primadonna. Or a model who keeps her figure by means of self induced regurgitation. I've been looking to read something like Bee for a while now. It was really interesting reading how a plus size model can make it big on present day society. I love how she made a difference even though skinny models / people in this book tried to put her down. Sure she did the gig so she can win her ex-boyfriend back. That was my only problem with Bee. I wanted to shake her, tell her to open her eyes and stop being so naive, but I guess first love makes us do some crazy and pathetic things. And at the end everything worked fine. I can also see why the people in her world admired her right away, she is really the prefect role model. Comfortable with her weight, a dean's lister even with her insane bookings, and she's down to earth. One thing's for sure Bee will never get fired like real life super model Filippa Hamilton because someone think she was too fat to wear their designer line.
It is such a relief not to read anything about a model who either possess the perfect figure, young, rich and absolutely beautiful but so emotionally distraught and/or a complete primadonna. Or a model who keeps her figure by means of self induced regurgitation. I've been looking to read something like Bee for a while now. It was really interesting reading how a plus size model can make it big on present day society. I love how she made a difference even though skinny models / people in this book tried to put her down. Sure she did the gig so she can win her ex-boyfriend back. That was my only problem with Bee. I wanted to shake her, tell her to open her eyes and stop being so naive, but I guess first love makes us do some crazy and pathetic things. And at the end everything worked fine. I can also see why the people in her world admired her right away, she is really the prefect role model. Comfortable with her weight, a dean's lister even with her insane bookings, and she's down to earth. One thing's for sure Bee will never get fired like real life super model Filippa Hamilton because someone think she was too fat to wear their designer line.
April 26, 2010
I had a lot of digesting to do after this one, and while I could rant about the topic of "plus-size" models, I really want my review to focus on the book.
What I liked: I liked how the book handled the issue of self-confidence. It gave me the impression that women shouldn't apologize for being plus-size, and that all women should embrace the bodies they have. Bee was given an exercise routine, which I thought also had a nice message (you don't need to be super-thin, but you should develop healthy habits). I liked Bee, to a point, and I loved Chela, Bee's closest friend. Chela became an important support for Bee, and encouraged her to get out of her comfort zone.
What I didn't like: Brian, and some of Bee's choices involving him. He was a horrible jerk, and I wish that Bee had realized what a disrespectful guy he was before he started to get in the way of her job. I also didn't like that Bee started bailing on her friends for her modeling pals. I'm a firm believer of being able to split time between friends. The story was also fairly predictable once Bee was recruited to model. This was a bit of a bummer for me, because I had enjoyed the first portion of the book. Finally, there was a scene in the book where a character gets drugged, and there aren't really any serious consequences for this. While this obviously happens in reality, I really wanted that character to find a way to get some retribution.
Overall, it was a decent read. There were a few things that bothered me over the course of the book, but Bee remained a fairly likable character.
What I liked: I liked how the book handled the issue of self-confidence. It gave me the impression that women shouldn't apologize for being plus-size, and that all women should embrace the bodies they have. Bee was given an exercise routine, which I thought also had a nice message (you don't need to be super-thin, but you should develop healthy habits). I liked Bee, to a point, and I loved Chela, Bee's closest friend. Chela became an important support for Bee, and encouraged her to get out of her comfort zone.
What I didn't like: Brian, and some of Bee's choices involving him. He was a horrible jerk, and I wish that Bee had realized what a disrespectful guy he was before he started to get in the way of her job. I also didn't like that Bee started bailing on her friends for her modeling pals. I'm a firm believer of being able to split time between friends. The story was also fairly predictable once Bee was recruited to model. This was a bit of a bummer for me, because I had enjoyed the first portion of the book. Finally, there was a scene in the book where a character gets drugged, and there aren't really any serious consequences for this. While this obviously happens in reality, I really wanted that character to find a way to get some retribution.
Overall, it was a decent read. There were a few things that bothered me over the course of the book, but Bee remained a fairly likable character.
July 29, 2010
This is now one of my favorite YA novels. Bee is a typical college student, dealing with boys, trying to lose her virginity, and her weight, only to get dumped. While she's gorging, she gets discovered at la Lana Turner, and soon becomes a supe, aka a plus-size supermodel. Her whirlwind tour into the world of modeling come with its share of hilarity, as she tries to win back the boy who broke her heart, who, of course, is a total loser. Bee also has a new rival, the glamorous Savannah Hughes, who will stop at nothing to oust her.
Chambers has written a perfect summer read, a sassy you-go-girl story that finds Bee not only triumphing but doing so in all the right ways, while also discovering that the boy she dismissed for so long, who's now reemerged with his own fame, is actually the perfect boy for her. Yes, you can see that one coming but you don't care. Bee is a delight, and you even get a little art history lesson when she shoots a video with the hot band Guess Again Girl. All the pop culture references are entertaining, and while I have no clue what modeling life is like, Bee's world sounds realistic, including her and her friends' frank discussions about whether they'd give up modeling to be a size 2 and what it means to stand out as a big girl.
I liked Bee because while she didn't have all the answers, she stood up for herself, and admitted when she made mistakes. Yes, she wound up having an over-the-top life but within that, she was still a real girl. Charming, fun, with a message that doesn't get in the way of watching Bee glam it up.
Chambers has written a perfect summer read, a sassy you-go-girl story that finds Bee not only triumphing but doing so in all the right ways, while also discovering that the boy she dismissed for so long, who's now reemerged with his own fame, is actually the perfect boy for her. Yes, you can see that one coming but you don't care. Bee is a delight, and you even get a little art history lesson when she shoots a video with the hot band Guess Again Girl. All the pop culture references are entertaining, and while I have no clue what modeling life is like, Bee's world sounds realistic, including her and her friends' frank discussions about whether they'd give up modeling to be a size 2 and what it means to stand out as a big girl.
I liked Bee because while she didn't have all the answers, she stood up for herself, and admitted when she made mistakes. Yes, she wound up having an over-the-top life but within that, she was still a real girl. Charming, fun, with a message that doesn't get in the way of watching Bee glam it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2009
Plus is the perfect breezy read for a lazy day in summer. Since, it's a funny and well written novel, while still having a serious under tone.
Bee was a decent main character, though she had several faults that made her quite annoying at times. Her outlook on life and modeling was realistic, but I hated how at times she would dump her best friend, Chela, just to go hang out with her modeling friends. Also, don't even get me started on her whole relationship with Brian! He was a awful guy who got on my nerves constantly. I couldn't stand how even when he had hurt her with several words, she would go crawling right back to him. It was like, " Grow a back bone already!" Though, when Brian wasn't included in the scenes, Plus was quite the enjoyable of reads.
One of my favorite parts of Plus was the inside look to the modeling world. It was cool to see the different types of trips you would go on and the people you would meet if you were a model. Plus, Veronica Chambers writing added a bit to the plot- with the twists and turns to the story.
Overall, Plus was a okay book with a great message of " Be yourself no matter what people think" This definitely will be a must read on many girl's summer To Be Read Lists!
Grade: B-
Bee was a decent main character, though she had several faults that made her quite annoying at times. Her outlook on life and modeling was realistic, but I hated how at times she would dump her best friend, Chela, just to go hang out with her modeling friends. Also, don't even get me started on her whole relationship with Brian! He was a awful guy who got on my nerves constantly. I couldn't stand how even when he had hurt her with several words, she would go crawling right back to him. It was like, " Grow a back bone already!" Though, when Brian wasn't included in the scenes, Plus was quite the enjoyable of reads.
One of my favorite parts of Plus was the inside look to the modeling world. It was cool to see the different types of trips you would go on and the people you would meet if you were a model. Plus, Veronica Chambers writing added a bit to the plot- with the twists and turns to the story.
Overall, Plus was a okay book with a great message of " Be yourself no matter what people think" This definitely will be a must read on many girl's summer To Be Read Lists!
Grade: B-
September 10, 2010
I love, Love, LOVED this book! I am so glad Cosmo recommended it to me. The story is of Bee, a 17 year old college freshman. She gets dumped by her way too brainy boyfriend, and puts on the Freshman Fifteen (plus 10 for good measure) She gets discovered by a modeling agent, and becomes a role model for girls all over. There's cattiness behind the scenes with her and her lookalike, Savannah, but the humor and the manner in which the book is written made me want a sequel!
September 22, 2011
A light, fast read. It starts out fluffy, but gets a little deeper as the story goes along. I liked the behind-the-scenes details of the modeling world. I also liked the way the author incorporated the heroine's name, Bee, into the title of each chapter.
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September 2, 2016This book gives us a whole new different perspective of the modeling society! It turns out sometimes modeling isn't as easy as it looks, and that Bee's troubles were only beginning! This is a truly amazing book!
August 30, 2019
I liked the premise of the book, just not all of the execution of the book.
Bee is a premed student. Her boyfriend Brian broke up with her, crushing her heart and helped her expand her waistline. Then amazingly Bee gets noticed by a modeling scout. Bee ends up going full model and college student mode. She needs to stop tutoring Kevin, an aspiring rapper who wants to rap and have an education. Bee struggles with finding herself and what she stands for. Bee needs to watch herself around Savannah Hughes too - a bigtime supe model. Will she find herself in time? Or will Brian come back around like a boomerang and derail her? And what about the subtle hints that Kevin is dropping?
While it was a good read and I did enjoy it. I really wish there would have been more Bee and Kevin and less Bee and Brian. We know Brian is a dick and a user. You don't need to rehash that. But Kevin, there was something about Kevin that I wanted Bee to explore and maybe that's an adult book waiting to happen? Who knows.
Chela was great, I liked that she knew what she stood for. Probably because she is older than Bee. Bee fell flat. I just couldn't connect with her on any level. I wanted too, but I couldn't. I wanted to feel bad for her when Savannah Hughes goes after her, but I couldn't. Not when Bee was stealing all of Savannah's moves. Sorry Charlie, DO YOU!!
Bee is a premed student. Her boyfriend Brian broke up with her, crushing her heart and helped her expand her waistline. Then amazingly Bee gets noticed by a modeling scout. Bee ends up going full model and college student mode. She needs to stop tutoring Kevin, an aspiring rapper who wants to rap and have an education. Bee struggles with finding herself and what she stands for. Bee needs to watch herself around Savannah Hughes too - a bigtime supe model. Will she find herself in time? Or will Brian come back around like a boomerang and derail her? And what about the subtle hints that Kevin is dropping?
While it was a good read and I did enjoy it. I really wish there would have been more Bee and Kevin and less Bee and Brian. We know Brian is a dick and a user. You don't need to rehash that. But Kevin, there was something about Kevin that I wanted Bee to explore and maybe that's an adult book waiting to happen? Who knows.
Chela was great, I liked that she knew what she stood for. Probably because she is older than Bee. Bee fell flat. I just couldn't connect with her on any level. I wanted too, but I couldn't. I wanted to feel bad for her when Savannah Hughes goes after her, but I couldn't. Not when Bee was stealing all of Savannah's moves. Sorry Charlie, DO YOU!!
July 19, 2010
At only 17 years old, Beatrice Wilson is exactly where she wants to be: a student at a respected Ivy League college taking a full load and dating Brian, the boy of her dreams. Or, at least she was until Brian dumps her without warning and Bee is left stunned and depressed. Twenty-five pounds and one broken heart later, Bee is still determined to find a way to get Brian back when a modeling agency executive signs her as the newest, hottest plus-sized model. Although she's thrilled at first, the former egg-head turned fashionista quickly realizes that modeling encompasses a lot more than just standing around, taking pictures. Surprise! Bee's agent expects her to be dressed and ready for 5:00 AM shoots, follow a strict diet, work out twice daily and maintain her grades at school. But with encouragement from her best friend Chela and an up-and-coming rapper, Bee is determined to do the best she can -- even in the face of psychotic models and boys who just want to a ride on her fame.
Plus is a lighthearted, fun novel with a real winner in the voice of Bee Wilson. She's young and funny and most of her account was simply an entertaining read. As someone who will confess to being sucked in (repeatedly) by episodes of America's Next Top Model, Bee's metortic rise to superstardom was eye-opening and immensely gratifying. Who doesn't love a good Cinderella story? At times however, I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Bee because I could not understand why she persisted in chasing the horrible Brian. The guy treated her like dirt, broke her heart and then proceeded to use her repeatedly. I did not understand the attraction. Nor did I feel like Bee was always the best friend to Chela -- who had repeatedly rescued Bee -- but felt like she saw her as a 'fall-back friend.' And maybe it's the realist in me, but I couldn't see Bee (as a minor) jet-setting off to all these exotic locales without at least one of her parents along for the ride. If they had been, I'm thinking some of the tight spots Bee finds herself in would not have occurred. But that doesn't make for the best reading, does it?
What Veronica Chambers really excels at is broadcasting her message, loud and proud, that you have to learn to love yourself as a person first -- outside and in. It was immensely refreshing to encounter a plus-sized protagonist who is beautiful and smart and ready to tackle any challenge set before her. At each new obstacle Bee encountered, I found myself rooting for this funny young woman, hoping she'd be able to make things work. Overall, Plus is a light yet entertaining summer read with lots of heart.
Plus is a lighthearted, fun novel with a real winner in the voice of Bee Wilson. She's young and funny and most of her account was simply an entertaining read. As someone who will confess to being sucked in (repeatedly) by episodes of America's Next Top Model, Bee's metortic rise to superstardom was eye-opening and immensely gratifying. Who doesn't love a good Cinderella story? At times however, I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Bee because I could not understand why she persisted in chasing the horrible Brian. The guy treated her like dirt, broke her heart and then proceeded to use her repeatedly. I did not understand the attraction. Nor did I feel like Bee was always the best friend to Chela -- who had repeatedly rescued Bee -- but felt like she saw her as a 'fall-back friend.' And maybe it's the realist in me, but I couldn't see Bee (as a minor) jet-setting off to all these exotic locales without at least one of her parents along for the ride. If they had been, I'm thinking some of the tight spots Bee finds herself in would not have occurred. But that doesn't make for the best reading, does it?
What Veronica Chambers really excels at is broadcasting her message, loud and proud, that you have to learn to love yourself as a person first -- outside and in. It was immensely refreshing to encounter a plus-sized protagonist who is beautiful and smart and ready to tackle any challenge set before her. At each new obstacle Bee encountered, I found myself rooting for this funny young woman, hoping she'd be able to make things work. Overall, Plus is a light yet entertaining summer read with lots of heart.
June 13, 2012
I hope this is the right cover for PLUS; I've seen at least three making the internet rounds. Honestly, I don't like any of the three. They're either head shots or this foot shot. Let's see an awesome plus-sized model on the cover. (It's not like they'd have to put an actual plus-sized girl since plus-sized model means something like an 8-12 dress size. This is well-pointed out in the novel when the girls complain about their weight.)
I am amazed by how timely PLUS is. Veronica Chambers, a former magazine editor, probably has some insider know-how, but plus-sized models are having a moment right now. Crystal Renn walked for Chanel Resort despite Karl Lagerfeld's usual opinions about 'fat.' She also has the power to speak up about images of her being retouched to look skinnier. The 'trend' of high profile jobs for plus-sized models is here, though some predict it will end soon. Bee's Cinderella story is more plausible than ever.
Fortunately, PLUS doesn't fall for fashion's trend of not hiring people of color. Love interests, friends, and coworkers are populated by a variety of races without much comment. Yet while that issue is handled subtly, some may be put off by the heavy-handedness of PLUS's message.
Beatrice "Bee" Wilson begins the novel in a truly horrid relationship, though she can't see that because it's her first college, grown-up relationship and she quite likes Brian. When he dumps her, she gains weight and then gains a job - as a plus-sized supermodel. Yet despite being told she's lovely, Bee just can't believe she's model quality. She thinks of herself as the dowdy, smart fat girl.
Luckily, she's about to come into contact with a bunch of great people who can teach her how wonderful she is and help her learn to like herself, including her appearance. Chela, Brian's ex, is an unexpected friend who sticks by Bee even when Bee doesn't deserve it. Kevin, her tutoring client and prospective rap star, is ready to sweep her off her feet if she'll let him. Kevin and Bee had great chemistry, but he did frequently drop out of the narrative. I wish there had been a bit more about their relationship.
Unluckily, she's about to come into contact with some scum too. While most of her coworkers are fabulous, some are vindictive. Some are out to humiliate Bee. Some really should've faced police charges. But the book never dwells on the dark points long. PLUS may be an issue/message book, but it delivers it's message with froth and humor.
PLUS and Veronica Chambers aren't new loves. But PLUS is inarguably fun and a perfect book to help ease the transition from summer to school. Plus, as much as I love Violet and Nikki, models in YA could use a little body diversity.
I am amazed by how timely PLUS is. Veronica Chambers, a former magazine editor, probably has some insider know-how, but plus-sized models are having a moment right now. Crystal Renn walked for Chanel Resort despite Karl Lagerfeld's usual opinions about 'fat.' She also has the power to speak up about images of her being retouched to look skinnier. The 'trend' of high profile jobs for plus-sized models is here, though some predict it will end soon. Bee's Cinderella story is more plausible than ever.
Fortunately, PLUS doesn't fall for fashion's trend of not hiring people of color. Love interests, friends, and coworkers are populated by a variety of races without much comment. Yet while that issue is handled subtly, some may be put off by the heavy-handedness of PLUS's message.
Beatrice "Bee" Wilson begins the novel in a truly horrid relationship, though she can't see that because it's her first college, grown-up relationship and she quite likes Brian. When he dumps her, she gains weight and then gains a job - as a plus-sized supermodel. Yet despite being told she's lovely, Bee just can't believe she's model quality. She thinks of herself as the dowdy, smart fat girl.
Luckily, she's about to come into contact with a bunch of great people who can teach her how wonderful she is and help her learn to like herself, including her appearance. Chela, Brian's ex, is an unexpected friend who sticks by Bee even when Bee doesn't deserve it. Kevin, her tutoring client and prospective rap star, is ready to sweep her off her feet if she'll let him. Kevin and Bee had great chemistry, but he did frequently drop out of the narrative. I wish there had been a bit more about their relationship.
Unluckily, she's about to come into contact with some scum too. While most of her coworkers are fabulous, some are vindictive. Some are out to humiliate Bee. Some really should've faced police charges. But the book never dwells on the dark points long. PLUS may be an issue/message book, but it delivers it's message with froth and humor.
PLUS and Veronica Chambers aren't new loves. But PLUS is inarguably fun and a perfect book to help ease the transition from summer to school. Plus, as much as I love Violet and Nikki, models in YA could use a little body diversity.
April 21, 2010
Bee (Beatrice) wasn't real thin when she started gaining weight. It wasn't something that she realized overnight either. After being dumped by her boyfriend, she just sort of lets herself go and it wasn't till a bit later that she realizes her cloths just don't fit right anymore. One thing she never thought would happen is being asked to be a plus size model. Now if someone asked you to be a plus size model would find that flattering or insulting?
Bee takes on the job of being a plus size model with the wrong thing in mind. Will Brian want me back once he sees that I am a model and on a billboard sign. She doesn't think of how hard it will be to be a plus size model. Hollywood and the media make it seem like all women should be thin, so Bee and other plus size models take a lot of heat for flanting ther assests. Bee struggles a lot with liking herself as a plus size. She also lets the modeling go a bit to her head as I am sure most young girls would.
The one thing I didn't like was sometimes the book made me feel like even though it was about a plus size girl, it was still hinting to being thin. Yes, Bee has to come to terms in the end with liking herself as she is, but there was still to me a underlining message of being thin. I think Veronica Chambers does try to do her best with a huge subject of loving yourself the way you are whether plus or thin. Its a touchy subject. One other thing I did not like about this book was the ending. It just seemed to sum everything up to neatly. I can't really say anything with out giving away good stuff, but when you read it I think you will understand what I am talking about.
I really liked the characters in Plus. Bee takes on a lot of pressure trying to be a model and a pre-med student. She is a bit whiny sometimes and I just wanted to say suck it up and go on, but other than that I felt myself rooting for her. Though I got mad at how she treated her friend Chela. Chela, is Bee's new best friend, and a skinny. The thing I like about her is that she never tells Bee she is fat, she is always very supportive of Bee's modeling. Chela and Bee met because they have both dated Brian.
Kevin, is the man you just have to love. He sounds sexy and he is a rapper who is going to college. Bee is tuturing him in math and he is always flirting with her, thin or plus, he always liked her. Bee sort of gives him the cold shoulder because she can't focus on anything but getting Brian back.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes good light-hearted reads.
Bee takes on the job of being a plus size model with the wrong thing in mind. Will Brian want me back once he sees that I am a model and on a billboard sign. She doesn't think of how hard it will be to be a plus size model. Hollywood and the media make it seem like all women should be thin, so Bee and other plus size models take a lot of heat for flanting ther assests. Bee struggles a lot with liking herself as a plus size. She also lets the modeling go a bit to her head as I am sure most young girls would.
The one thing I didn't like was sometimes the book made me feel like even though it was about a plus size girl, it was still hinting to being thin. Yes, Bee has to come to terms in the end with liking herself as she is, but there was still to me a underlining message of being thin. I think Veronica Chambers does try to do her best with a huge subject of loving yourself the way you are whether plus or thin. Its a touchy subject. One other thing I did not like about this book was the ending. It just seemed to sum everything up to neatly. I can't really say anything with out giving away good stuff, but when you read it I think you will understand what I am talking about.
I really liked the characters in Plus. Bee takes on a lot of pressure trying to be a model and a pre-med student. She is a bit whiny sometimes and I just wanted to say suck it up and go on, but other than that I felt myself rooting for her. Though I got mad at how she treated her friend Chela. Chela, is Bee's new best friend, and a skinny. The thing I like about her is that she never tells Bee she is fat, she is always very supportive of Bee's modeling. Chela and Bee met because they have both dated Brian.
Kevin, is the man you just have to love. He sounds sexy and he is a rapper who is going to college. Bee is tuturing him in math and he is always flirting with her, thin or plus, he always liked her. Bee sort of gives him the cold shoulder because she can't focus on anything but getting Brian back.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes good light-hearted reads.
August 10, 2010
Plus was an amusing and entertaining read that's perfect for the summer. The premise and characters were all really unique, and I enjoyed getting to read about the modeling world from someone who was actually experiencing it.
Bee was a likable main character, but at times she really got on my nerves. She let her life revolve around a boy that really wasn't nice at all. From the beginning I never liked Brian, he seemed to take Bee for granted and never cared about anyone but himself. I felt for Bee when he broke up with her, but she really hit rock bottom after that. She gained a lot of weight and just sat around moping all the time. Two good things came out of the break up. One, Bee made a good friend in Brian's previous ex Chela. Chela was different and spunky in a way that really gave Bee a new lease on life. Two, the main plot of the story, Bee was discovered at a restaurant by a top modeling agency- for plus models.
I really liked the model side of the book, it was interesting to see how dedicated and demanding the industry is and to see what it was like for a girl with no experience to shoot up to the top so quickly. After one really successful shoot, Bee was turning out to be America's number one plus model. There were a few problems with this. First of all, the model who feels she is being displaced by Bee launches her attack. Then as Bee becomes more and more popular she is being sent all over for shoots and doesn't have enough time for her best friend, Chela, or for school work.
I liked being able to experience things with Bee and watch her grow and change, and finally realize where she'd went wrong. Plus really proved how important it is to "do you" and be yourself. Bee knew how to stand up for herself, but it took a little hurting and betrayal before she realized which guy was right for her.
All in all, Plus was a fun summer read with more serious undertones. Bee was a sweet, albeit confused, main character who didn't always know what was best for herself. Plus proved how the modeling industry isn't always the nicest place and how models really have their work cut out for them. While it has it's flaws, Plus is, overall, a quick and entertaining read.
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Bee was a likable main character, but at times she really got on my nerves. She let her life revolve around a boy that really wasn't nice at all. From the beginning I never liked Brian, he seemed to take Bee for granted and never cared about anyone but himself. I felt for Bee when he broke up with her, but she really hit rock bottom after that. She gained a lot of weight and just sat around moping all the time. Two good things came out of the break up. One, Bee made a good friend in Brian's previous ex Chela. Chela was different and spunky in a way that really gave Bee a new lease on life. Two, the main plot of the story, Bee was discovered at a restaurant by a top modeling agency- for plus models.
I really liked the model side of the book, it was interesting to see how dedicated and demanding the industry is and to see what it was like for a girl with no experience to shoot up to the top so quickly. After one really successful shoot, Bee was turning out to be America's number one plus model. There were a few problems with this. First of all, the model who feels she is being displaced by Bee launches her attack. Then as Bee becomes more and more popular she is being sent all over for shoots and doesn't have enough time for her best friend, Chela, or for school work.
I liked being able to experience things with Bee and watch her grow and change, and finally realize where she'd went wrong. Plus really proved how important it is to "do you" and be yourself. Bee knew how to stand up for herself, but it took a little hurting and betrayal before she realized which guy was right for her.
All in all, Plus was a fun summer read with more serious undertones. Bee was a sweet, albeit confused, main character who didn't always know what was best for herself. Plus proved how the modeling industry isn't always the nicest place and how models really have their work cut out for them. While it has it's flaws, Plus is, overall, a quick and entertaining read.
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
December 10, 2016
Farai Major
Ms. St. Clair
English 10
7 December
Plus book review
This semester I had the joy to be able to read the book, Plus, by Veronica Chambers. This book is a story about a girl named Beatrice or for short, bee. Bee is just a regular college student going about her life until one day in a shop a modeling agent approaches her and her whole life changes. Bee decided to take up the offer for no reason other than why not? She becomes a known plus size model around the country.
I personally really enjoyed reading this story. I read it mainly at home and in the beginning of English class, so it was easy to split up my reading time. This book is written in a very relaxed, laid back style from the point of view of the main character. The style of writing is easy to follow while reading. The author has a great sense of humor which is displayed throughout the book. This book is also relatable because although Bee is a big time model, the author still paints her as just your regular girl.
One of our essential questions this year is, what does it mean to be an american? I believe that this book highly reflects that question. In the story Bee gets a lot of hate for being plus size in the modeling industry. Now days, for the most part "beauty" is confined to one very small very confined definition. Bee decides to brake barriers and go for what she wants without letting what she looks like stop her. She is following her true American Dream of becoming a model despite what others say. Bee says, "I could feel the tears coming and I could barely get the words out. You guys are the best, everything I wanted to say tumbling out of my mouth in a sloppy jumble. I don't know how to thank you. I'm the luckiest girl in the world."(Chambers, 264). In this quote, Bee is reflecting on everything that she has done and that has been done for her and is truly thankful for the opportunity.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy light reads. I would recommend for teenage girls to read it. It is a empowering book and shows that you don't have to look like a model to be beautiful. The story shows that if you go for your goals and don't give up. Overall this is a fantastic read!
Ms. St. Clair
English 10
7 December
Plus book review
This semester I had the joy to be able to read the book, Plus, by Veronica Chambers. This book is a story about a girl named Beatrice or for short, bee. Bee is just a regular college student going about her life until one day in a shop a modeling agent approaches her and her whole life changes. Bee decided to take up the offer for no reason other than why not? She becomes a known plus size model around the country.
I personally really enjoyed reading this story. I read it mainly at home and in the beginning of English class, so it was easy to split up my reading time. This book is written in a very relaxed, laid back style from the point of view of the main character. The style of writing is easy to follow while reading. The author has a great sense of humor which is displayed throughout the book. This book is also relatable because although Bee is a big time model, the author still paints her as just your regular girl.
One of our essential questions this year is, what does it mean to be an american? I believe that this book highly reflects that question. In the story Bee gets a lot of hate for being plus size in the modeling industry. Now days, for the most part "beauty" is confined to one very small very confined definition. Bee decides to brake barriers and go for what she wants without letting what she looks like stop her. She is following her true American Dream of becoming a model despite what others say. Bee says, "I could feel the tears coming and I could barely get the words out. You guys are the best, everything I wanted to say tumbling out of my mouth in a sloppy jumble. I don't know how to thank you. I'm the luckiest girl in the world."(Chambers, 264). In this quote, Bee is reflecting on everything that she has done and that has been done for her and is truly thankful for the opportunity.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy light reads. I would recommend for teenage girls to read it. It is a empowering book and shows that you don't have to look like a model to be beautiful. The story shows that if you go for your goals and don't give up. Overall this is a fantastic read!
October 28, 2010
As expected from almost page one you can guess how the story is going to play out but despite that this was an enjoyable book to read. It was light and funny so the perfect book if you need a pick me up.
The Characters
Initially I found Bee to be some what irritating. When she was mooning over her ex-boyfriend Brian I really wanted to shake her and I had to remind myself that this was a 17 year old girl who was just dumped by her first boyfriend. After awhile I could start to relate to her. Despite being a successful super model she still had her doubts about her body image and her self worth. She and some of her fellow super star plus size models have a discussion about if they would give up the $20,000 a day pay check if they could only be a size 2 for the rest of their lives. The answer is not as clear cut as you might first imagine. Some may not understand the dilemma but I could understand where Bee and her friends were all coming from.
Bee's best friend Chela was a crack up. She is pretty much the perfect best friend. She supports Bee when she needs to, accepts her for who she is and forgives her any of her flaws.
The Romance
Bee's potential romantic interest was fascinating and I wish we could have seen more of the build up in their relationship. We know they have a history together and what we do see you can obviously tell he has a thing for Bee but I would have liked to see more interaction between the two of them to really make the romance seem like a given.
Bee's ex is your typical jerk ex-boyfriend who wants a second chance once Bee reaches stardom. How does Bee handle it when he comes crawling back to her? You will have to pick up the book to find out
The Story Line
Like I mentioned above the story line is pretty predictable as Bee is the Cinderella who after gaining 25 pounds still manages to become a super model, makes mega bucks per day modeling, still manages to make the Dean's List at school and has the perfect best friend. Chambers still made the story fun to read and despite the main irritation of Bee making up her own Latin phrases to describe the situations she gets herself into I found it hard to put down.
The Characters
Initially I found Bee to be some what irritating. When she was mooning over her ex-boyfriend Brian I really wanted to shake her and I had to remind myself that this was a 17 year old girl who was just dumped by her first boyfriend. After awhile I could start to relate to her. Despite being a successful super model she still had her doubts about her body image and her self worth. She and some of her fellow super star plus size models have a discussion about if they would give up the $20,000 a day pay check if they could only be a size 2 for the rest of their lives. The answer is not as clear cut as you might first imagine. Some may not understand the dilemma but I could understand where Bee and her friends were all coming from.
Bee's best friend Chela was a crack up. She is pretty much the perfect best friend. She supports Bee when she needs to, accepts her for who she is and forgives her any of her flaws.
The Romance
Bee's potential romantic interest was fascinating and I wish we could have seen more of the build up in their relationship. We know they have a history together and what we do see you can obviously tell he has a thing for Bee but I would have liked to see more interaction between the two of them to really make the romance seem like a given.
Bee's ex is your typical jerk ex-boyfriend who wants a second chance once Bee reaches stardom. How does Bee handle it when he comes crawling back to her? You will have to pick up the book to find out
The Story Line
Like I mentioned above the story line is pretty predictable as Bee is the Cinderella who after gaining 25 pounds still manages to become a super model, makes mega bucks per day modeling, still manages to make the Dean's List at school and has the perfect best friend. Chambers still made the story fun to read and despite the main irritation of Bee making up her own Latin phrases to describe the situations she gets herself into I found it hard to put down.
January 23, 2018
Great
This books follows the ride and emotional rollercoaster bee goes through in her careers as a woman. It's amazingly perfect.
This books follows the ride and emotional rollercoaster bee goes through in her careers as a woman. It's amazingly perfect.
October 18, 2010
Plus was a surprisingly cute, funny book. It was a great look into the world of plus-size modeling, something I never would have thought to read about.
Bea is brilliant. She always has been. That's why she skipped a year of high school and joined the pre-med program at Columbia. Her life is great until her boyfriend dumps her and she gains the freshman 15 plus 10. Eating is all that seems to help these days and surprisingly, it leads to a modeling career. The money and fame are only perks though. The real reason she's modeling is to get Brian back but will she lose her best friend and a real chance at romance because of that?
Bea was obnoxious. She was obsessed with Brian and getting him back. There were times where I wanted to reach into the book and slap her. He was not a good guy and she deserved so much more. She just couldn't seem to get that. She also had some problems mixing real life with modeling but she did get back on track eventually. I actually began to like her after that and she grew into a great character.
Bea may have had her flaws but she was always a strong character. She believed that she was beautiful and that she should be a role model to others. Her and all the other plus models she worked with showed that skinny is not all there is. They may have been plus but they were confident, gorgeous, and sometimes even sexy. More models (and girls) should be like these girls. This book showed that you don't have to be like everyone else to be beautiful.
Overall, Plus was just an all around good book. I needed a fun read and this was definitely it. I found myself cracking up so many times at Bea's sense of humor and I think others will too!
Bea is brilliant. She always has been. That's why she skipped a year of high school and joined the pre-med program at Columbia. Her life is great until her boyfriend dumps her and she gains the freshman 15 plus 10. Eating is all that seems to help these days and surprisingly, it leads to a modeling career. The money and fame are only perks though. The real reason she's modeling is to get Brian back but will she lose her best friend and a real chance at romance because of that?
Bea was obnoxious. She was obsessed with Brian and getting him back. There were times where I wanted to reach into the book and slap her. He was not a good guy and she deserved so much more. She just couldn't seem to get that. She also had some problems mixing real life with modeling but she did get back on track eventually. I actually began to like her after that and she grew into a great character.
Bea may have had her flaws but she was always a strong character. She believed that she was beautiful and that she should be a role model to others. Her and all the other plus models she worked with showed that skinny is not all there is. They may have been plus but they were confident, gorgeous, and sometimes even sexy. More models (and girls) should be like these girls. This book showed that you don't have to be like everyone else to be beautiful.
Overall, Plus was just an all around good book. I needed a fun read and this was definitely it. I found myself cracking up so many times at Bea's sense of humor and I think others will too!
April 8, 2011
Bee seemed like a real seventeen year old girl who just got dumped by her boyfriend. She becomes depressed and only worries about how she will win him back. I've been there, as I'm sure many other girls have too. Bee also happens to be very smart, overweight and almost overnight becomes a super model.
I liked the author's writing, the way she develops Bee's story and how Bee seems to "grow" through her experiences. I was rooting for her the entire book and hoping she would realize what a jerk Brian really was so she could focus and more suitable guys. She ends up feeling pressured in the modeling world, becomes stressed out with school and although she has much more money, she doesn't spend it like crazy. Just those little things made her seem a bit more real and I felt connected with her.
The other characters, like her best friend Chela, the cute guy she tutors, Kevin, and her parents are also great characters to read about and so much fun. The diversity of each character was a great addition to the story. Even the other models were all great and I really loved each person individually. They all added a lot to the book and I really liked the relationships they had with Bee and how they all dealt with her modeling differently.
The story had its ups and downs and although the ending was a very cliche sort of "happily ever after" with everything sort of wrapped up, it sort of left a few questions open. I don't know if there is going to be a second book, but it would be nice to know what happens to Bee next. But if there isn't, I was pretty satisfied with how the story concluded. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted read about a girl learning to love herself. It's a really sweet novel and I really enjoyed reading it.
I liked the author's writing, the way she develops Bee's story and how Bee seems to "grow" through her experiences. I was rooting for her the entire book and hoping she would realize what a jerk Brian really was so she could focus and more suitable guys. She ends up feeling pressured in the modeling world, becomes stressed out with school and although she has much more money, she doesn't spend it like crazy. Just those little things made her seem a bit more real and I felt connected with her.
The other characters, like her best friend Chela, the cute guy she tutors, Kevin, and her parents are also great characters to read about and so much fun. The diversity of each character was a great addition to the story. Even the other models were all great and I really loved each person individually. They all added a lot to the book and I really liked the relationships they had with Bee and how they all dealt with her modeling differently.
The story had its ups and downs and although the ending was a very cliche sort of "happily ever after" with everything sort of wrapped up, it sort of left a few questions open. I don't know if there is going to be a second book, but it would be nice to know what happens to Bee next. But if there isn't, I was pretty satisfied with how the story concluded. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted read about a girl learning to love herself. It's a really sweet novel and I really enjoyed reading it.
August 27, 2010
At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like Plus. It didn’t really seem like something I would really enjoy. But after I finally got into it, I couldn’t stop because I was, plain as can be, addicted. I was up for hours saying to myself just one more chapter, just one more chapter until it was over.
Bee is a very likeable character. She is a little odd, but that makes her so much more relatable. There is only one problem: she loves a huge jerk, to put it nicely. This was probably my only problem with the book, she kept going back to Brian. Her friends that she meets along this extremely entertaining journey were all fantastic and delightful. I would want each and every one of them as my own friend.
The writing style Chambers used in Plus was very unique and very cute. It made this book a very smooth ride, which I enjoyed thoroughly. The writing makes it all that more cute, which I definitely enjoyed. It made it a funner (yes I know it’s not a word, but it should be) book to read.
The story in Plus was so fun. A perfect book for a lazy summer day at the beach. Or any day, actually. It’s that good. I thought it was going to be pretty girly, which it was, but I still loved it. It was really cool to see a whole new world that actually a reality in this world. I have never read or seen anything about modeling so I came into this with a fresh eye, which probably made me enjoy it more.
Plus is a fantastic book that I really loved, though I didn’t think I was going to. It has entertaining and likeable characters, a unique and cute writing style, and a very addicting story, one that kept me engaged nonstop for hours on end. This is a perfect book for anyone looking for something light, fluffy, but undoubtedly fantastic.
Bee is a very likeable character. She is a little odd, but that makes her so much more relatable. There is only one problem: she loves a huge jerk, to put it nicely. This was probably my only problem with the book, she kept going back to Brian. Her friends that she meets along this extremely entertaining journey were all fantastic and delightful. I would want each and every one of them as my own friend.
The writing style Chambers used in Plus was very unique and very cute. It made this book a very smooth ride, which I enjoyed thoroughly. The writing makes it all that more cute, which I definitely enjoyed. It made it a funner (yes I know it’s not a word, but it should be) book to read.
The story in Plus was so fun. A perfect book for a lazy summer day at the beach. Or any day, actually. It’s that good. I thought it was going to be pretty girly, which it was, but I still loved it. It was really cool to see a whole new world that actually a reality in this world. I have never read or seen anything about modeling so I came into this with a fresh eye, which probably made me enjoy it more.
Plus is a fantastic book that I really loved, though I didn’t think I was going to. It has entertaining and likeable characters, a unique and cute writing style, and a very addicting story, one that kept me engaged nonstop for hours on end. This is a perfect book for anyone looking for something light, fluffy, but undoubtedly fantastic.
October 11, 2010
I enjoyed reading book. The title was very brief and made you wonder what the book was going to be about.
At the beginning of the book, I felt bad for Bee, the main character because she was willing to give herself up to Brian and out of nowhere, he like “left” her. What was up with that? Why did he do that? So that night that was supposed to be romantic was really like a goodbye… the end. I also noticed that to deal with her sorrow, Bee started to eat continuously and wouldn’t stop.
Then Bee got a modeling job, as a plus size model. Her motivation to do it was to get Brian bad back so bad. But why does Bee want Brian back so bad after he acted like a jerk anyway? She should have stopped acting desperate before Brian broke her heart again. There are other fish in the sea!
Toward the middle/ end of the book, I started to get frustrated with Bee and disappointed in her because she had great friends and life but it went in the toilet because her and Brian got together again and it ruined everything. Especially after he acted like a jerk again. He really didn’t like Bee the second time, he just wanted to be famous in some way.
After she broke up with Brian, she had no one and her life was slowly falling apart. I felt bad for her but really, it was mainly her fault. She made all bad decisions. Going out with Brian, making her relationship public, and ditching her best friend.
I really am glad I bought this book at the book sale. It was a book about life, love and friendship and I loved the ending. I also learned about modeling which was great too!
At the beginning of the book, I felt bad for Bee, the main character because she was willing to give herself up to Brian and out of nowhere, he like “left” her. What was up with that? Why did he do that? So that night that was supposed to be romantic was really like a goodbye… the end. I also noticed that to deal with her sorrow, Bee started to eat continuously and wouldn’t stop.
Then Bee got a modeling job, as a plus size model. Her motivation to do it was to get Brian bad back so bad. But why does Bee want Brian back so bad after he acted like a jerk anyway? She should have stopped acting desperate before Brian broke her heart again. There are other fish in the sea!
Toward the middle/ end of the book, I started to get frustrated with Bee and disappointed in her because she had great friends and life but it went in the toilet because her and Brian got together again and it ruined everything. Especially after he acted like a jerk again. He really didn’t like Bee the second time, he just wanted to be famous in some way.
After she broke up with Brian, she had no one and her life was slowly falling apart. I felt bad for her but really, it was mainly her fault. She made all bad decisions. Going out with Brian, making her relationship public, and ditching her best friend.
I really am glad I bought this book at the book sale. It was a book about life, love and friendship and I loved the ending. I also learned about modeling which was great too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2009
Bee Wilson is in college and in love when her boyfriend breaks her heart. She gains 25 pounds, and feels miserable--until an agent approaches her in a restuarant and asks her if she's a plus-sized model. Almost overnight, Bee goes from dumped and chubby to large and fabulous. So what if she's failing physics? And so what if she barely has time for her old friends anymore? But the higher Bee climbs, the more she has at stake--until she has to make the ultimate choice.
I really enjoyed this book--up to a point. Bee has a great, engaging voice--totally down to earth and realistic. Like someone I'd like to be friends with. For the first half of the book, I was totally loving it.
But then it derailed towards my least favorite of all plot cliches--the one where someone is on a meteoric rise to fame/fortune/success, and the first half of the book is all parties and fabulousness. And then somewhere in the middle they start neglecting their friends. And then at the end they have to make a choice--an incredible move for their career, or choose to be with the people who theoretically should be the most important to you? And of course Our Hero chooses friends/family/love.
I hate that plotline so much, and you can smell it a mile away. Once this book snapped into that old familiar groove, I could barely read it. It was just so predictable and irritating. And once it did, it didn't surprise me at all.
I really enjoyed this book--up to a point. Bee has a great, engaging voice--totally down to earth and realistic. Like someone I'd like to be friends with. For the first half of the book, I was totally loving it.
But then it derailed towards my least favorite of all plot cliches--the one where someone is on a meteoric rise to fame/fortune/success, and the first half of the book is all parties and fabulousness. And then somewhere in the middle they start neglecting their friends. And then at the end they have to make a choice--an incredible move for their career, or choose to be with the people who theoretically should be the most important to you? And of course Our Hero chooses friends/family/love.
I hate that plotline so much, and you can smell it a mile away. Once this book snapped into that old familiar groove, I could barely read it. It was just so predictable and irritating. And once it did, it didn't surprise me at all.
March 20, 2013
Okay, all I can say is..
This truly is a great book, it's addicting, it's nice to see her mature throughout this book, it's nice to see her stand up to others! This was a good book, just that she was like, truly, truly stupid at times.
Bea was really stupid throughout most of the book!
I was like, GET A GRIP WOMAN!
Bea was like, so desperate to get Brian back.
GIRL, He's a man wh-re.
Why do you want him back?
Listen to Chela, she's awesome.
I really think Bea made a huge mess at first..
Like, really?
Ditching Kevin because she's so desperate for Brian? UGHH.
But, I totally loved how when they told her they'd give her 5 a day she assumed it was $5 a day,
Let me just say this, this book will leave you screaming at it at 1 AM saying, "DAMN IT BEA, DON'T YOU HAVE SELF RESPECT?"
In the end, she finally realizes Brian is an idiotic macho jerkwad who deserves to be dumped.
And, finally, she shares a kiss with kevin.. IN THE END.
In a very public place with like millions watching, but hey, no pressure.
Seriously though, after so much reading I only get like a few pages of Bea x Kevin. ;________;
That's it. I'm done.
This truly is a great book, it's addicting, it's nice to see her mature throughout this book, it's nice to see her stand up to others! This was a good book, just that she was like, truly, truly stupid at times.
Bea was really stupid throughout most of the book!
I was like, GET A GRIP WOMAN!
Bea was like, so desperate to get Brian back.
GIRL, He's a man wh-re.
Why do you want him back?
Listen to Chela, she's awesome.
I really think Bea made a huge mess at first..
Like, really?
Ditching Kevin because she's so desperate for Brian? UGHH.
But, I totally loved how when they told her they'd give her 5 a day she assumed it was $5 a day,
Let me just say this, this book will leave you screaming at it at 1 AM saying, "DAMN IT BEA, DON'T YOU HAVE SELF RESPECT?"
In the end, she finally realizes Brian is an idiotic macho jerkwad who deserves to be dumped.
And, finally, she shares a kiss with kevin.. IN THE END.
In a very public place with like millions watching, but hey, no pressure.
Seriously though, after so much reading I only get like a few pages of Bea x Kevin. ;________;
That's it. I'm done.
February 13, 2016
This book, it sounded so good.. It wasn't that good.
The problems:
1 to infinity: Brian, Brian, Brian. Our main girl kept going on and on and on about her ex Brian, how she wanted him back, how she went modelling for him, how she would betray her best friend to get him back.
She gets him back, and you can guess what happens, yeah it ends up bad. Dear Lord, the whole book was either about Brian (mister Dickhead (sorry for the language) as I call him) or about her modelling/school.
Seriously Brian is just a mean dude. Hello he DUMPED you, Hello he is making mean remarks about you being a plus-size girl and all you do is drool and want him???????? WTF?
Infinity and further: The whole Savannah business? The whole book we don't hear about her after the thing that happened, and at the end, BOOM there is Savannah again. I felt like that just didn't fit any more and the author just felt like: Oh yes I had a mean girl character named Savannah, ah darn my book is ending. Quick, quick! Let's put her in and let her do something mean. Fixed!...
The only redeeming factor in this all, was Kevin. Sadly we don't get any action until the last pages of the book. :\
In overall, I expected better. 1 star, and only for Kevin.
The problems:
1 to infinity: Brian, Brian, Brian. Our main girl kept going on and on and on about her ex Brian, how she wanted him back, how she went modelling for him, how she would betray her best friend to get him back.
She gets him back, and you can guess what happens, yeah it ends up bad. Dear Lord, the whole book was either about Brian (mister Dickhead (sorry for the language) as I call him) or about her modelling/school.
Seriously Brian is just a mean dude. Hello he DUMPED you, Hello he is making mean remarks about you being a plus-size girl and all you do is drool and want him???????? WTF?
Infinity and further: The whole Savannah business? The whole book we don't hear about her after the thing that happened, and at the end, BOOM there is Savannah again. I felt like that just didn't fit any more and the author just felt like: Oh yes I had a mean girl character named Savannah, ah darn my book is ending. Quick, quick! Let's put her in and let her do something mean. Fixed!...
The only redeeming factor in this all, was Kevin. Sadly we don't get any action until the last pages of the book. :\
In overall, I expected better. 1 star, and only for Kevin.
August 28, 2014
I thought this book was really great! I loved the intensity of it all and how I could connect to the book. Just to read the life of a regular college girl turn into something practically impossible and see how hard it really was for a plus sized model. The book was overall just spectacular. I also really liked the ending I thought it was so cute. The morals of the book were some minor thought messages that manage to have a big impact on average girl going through tough times. Like how boyfriends come and go, but a group of really good friends will stick by you through anything, even if you stand them up at place you offered to take them. Some of the things Bee did to Chela were pretty messed up, but the fact that Chela still chose to be a good friend and forgive her was just amazing. I remember a time my best friend and I had an argument and I was acting like a jerk and such, for a while she didn't talk to me but I asked for her forgiveness and it just brought our friendship closer. She means a lot to me and so I know how that must've kind of felt when Bee had Chela really upset at her for going behind her back and everything else she did to her. There were a lot of great morals throughout the book that made this book really inspiring. It's helped me to reflect on myself and how I am as a person. I should be able to go out into the world and "do me" like Chela tells Bee throughout the entire book. This will remain one of the best books I've ever read.
November 27, 2010
After her boyfriend dumps her, Beatrice (Bee to her friends) goes into a spiraling depression that leads her to that infamous “freshmen-fifteen,” though in her case, she added ten to that. But a chance encounter at a restaurant leads her to whirlwind career as a plus-size model. Now she’s famous, but has multiple problems: the model who has it out for her, trying to juggle her new life while keeping her old friends and maintaining a 3.8 GPA, and whether she truly wants to get her ex-boyfriend back. Can she really do all of this without losing a piece of herself?
Told in a cute tongue-in-cheek first person, Bee becomes a character you not only love, but want to get behind. This was definitely not a book I would have normally picked up to read, however, I must admit, I did enjoy it. Though it was a little predictable—obviously she’s going to realize the boyfriend she was trying to get back wasn’t worth the trouble, and she’s going to end up with the friend who she never realized was in love with her—the overall message was a good one (even if sometimes it came across in a somewhat cheesy way): that it doesn’t matter what you look like, so long as you’re happy with who you are and enjoying what you’re doing. It’s definitely a girl book, and due to a slightly sexual nature, I would say mid to late teens (15-19).
Told in a cute tongue-in-cheek first person, Bee becomes a character you not only love, but want to get behind. This was definitely not a book I would have normally picked up to read, however, I must admit, I did enjoy it. Though it was a little predictable—obviously she’s going to realize the boyfriend she was trying to get back wasn’t worth the trouble, and she’s going to end up with the friend who she never realized was in love with her—the overall message was a good one (even if sometimes it came across in a somewhat cheesy way): that it doesn’t matter what you look like, so long as you’re happy with who you are and enjoying what you’re doing. It’s definitely a girl book, and due to a slightly sexual nature, I would say mid to late teens (15-19).
October 20, 2015
I will be writing a book review on Plus by Veronica Chambers. The genre this book is realistic fiction, some of the characters in this book are Beatrice Wilson, and Jessica Aiba. Bee (short for beatrice) and her boyfriend went everywhere together. But soon Bee got dumped by her first boyfriend, and gains twenty-five pounds. She did not know what to do what was her next step in life she was sad. She began to think that she had no one to go to then suddenly she found a friend they meet after work to hang out. One day she meet someone and they thought she would me a perfect plus model. She went to the audition to try it out suddenly it was her turn.As she was walking in, she was thinking i wonder if I walk out cry like all the other girls that did. At the same time she was thinking what if i come out smiling like half the girls that came out.Then they started to ask questions and she answered.
I liked this book because it helps me know not to judge a book by a cover as in do not judge someone by the way they look, act, smell, or religion. I love this book i can not think of one thing that I do not like about it. It is a real inspiring book I think it tells people a life lesson, this book tells me that it does not matter what you look like it matters whether you look good or not.
I liked this book because it helps me know not to judge a book by a cover as in do not judge someone by the way they look, act, smell, or religion. I love this book i can not think of one thing that I do not like about it. It is a real inspiring book I think it tells people a life lesson, this book tells me that it does not matter what you look like it matters whether you look good or not.
August 14, 2010
I was very very pleasantly surprised with Plus! It's a feel good kind of read. Bee is just your normal 17 year old girl, well, except she is already in collage, but other than that she could be any other teenage girl. So when she gains 25 pounds and becomes a plus size model no one is more surprised than Bee.
I don't usually enjoy fluff, and while this book is definitely fluffy, it's also a lot of fun. Bee did some silly things at times, but nothing too over the top. Her whole relationship with Brain was a little annoying, but Bee needed to go through something like that to help her find herself. That's really what this book is all about. Bee coming into her own and learning to love herself. By the end of the book I really loved Bee and all her friends.
I have always had a fascination with the modeling world. I used to be addicted to America's Next Top Model. Thankfully I have kicked that habit, but it was so fun reading about the photo shoots and behind the scenes action. We are hearing it from a very knowledgeable source too. Veronica Chambers is a journalist who's work has appeared in Vogue and Glamour.
All in all, this was a very fun read. Bee will have you giggling throughout! Before you know it, you will be turning the last page and wanting more!
I don't usually enjoy fluff, and while this book is definitely fluffy, it's also a lot of fun. Bee did some silly things at times, but nothing too over the top. Her whole relationship with Brain was a little annoying, but Bee needed to go through something like that to help her find herself. That's really what this book is all about. Bee coming into her own and learning to love herself. By the end of the book I really loved Bee and all her friends.
I have always had a fascination with the modeling world. I used to be addicted to America's Next Top Model. Thankfully I have kicked that habit, but it was so fun reading about the photo shoots and behind the scenes action. We are hearing it from a very knowledgeable source too. Veronica Chambers is a journalist who's work has appeared in Vogue and Glamour.
All in all, this was a very fun read. Bee will have you giggling throughout! Before you know it, you will be turning the last page and wanting more!
May 3, 2011
Bee just started college and has caught the eye of a very popular boy. She can't believe it even though she is pretty, she is a plus size girl. As they begin to date, Bee gains confidence in herself and at school where she is studying pre-med. Out of the blue, she gets dumped and gains more weight. When she is sitting in a coffee house, she gets discovered by a plus size modeling agent and in no time becomes a plus size supermodel! Bee is loving her new life and hopes that this will win back the heart of her ex-boyfriend. What she doesn't count on is a rival supermodel and her own change in attitude that affects her relationship with her best friend and her grades. Bee's life begins to take a turn for the worse as her career gains momentum. Can Bee balance work and school and life or will she start to fail at all three?
I loved this book, Bee is a plus size character that you don't normally see in young adult literature and she becomes a model. I think young overweight girls would like this book because they will see Bee as a character to look up to. I don't think that I would teach this book but I would have it on hand for a girl who might need a little inspiration in their life.
I loved this book, Bee is a plus size character that you don't normally see in young adult literature and she becomes a model. I think young overweight girls would like this book because they will see Bee as a character to look up to. I don't think that I would teach this book but I would have it on hand for a girl who might need a little inspiration in their life.
August 12, 2016
Overachiever Bee, a 17 year old premed freshman at Columbia (which just screams overachiever!!), has it all - great, but geeky parents, a hot sophomore boyfriend who she feels is on the way to the White House and her new life in New York. Only one small problem - Brian the boyfriend is a jerk and dumps her. Bee does what any normal 17 year old would do - makes plans to get him back, follows him around campus, drowns her sorrows in chocolate and takeout. Unlike most 17 year olds, Bee's freshman 15 (plus 10 from the breakup) lead to a plus-sized modeling contract.
Plus is a enjoyable addition to the ranks of coming of age YA novels, ala Princess Diaries. Bee deals with adult issues with charming naivete and typical teen issues with almost sterotypical teen angst. Along the way, she learns to be true to herself, to recognize true friends and to balance the important things in life.
Although there are quite a few points in the book which call for suspension of reality (jetting off to Italy for a job with Prada for your first gig?), the balance between a fairy tale pop culture lifestyle with the life of a college freshman will appeal to most YA readers or anyone looking for a little escapism.
Plus is a enjoyable addition to the ranks of coming of age YA novels, ala Princess Diaries. Bee deals with adult issues with charming naivete and typical teen issues with almost sterotypical teen angst. Along the way, she learns to be true to herself, to recognize true friends and to balance the important things in life.
Although there are quite a few points in the book which call for suspension of reality (jetting off to Italy for a job with Prada for your first gig?), the balance between a fairy tale pop culture lifestyle with the life of a college freshman will appeal to most YA readers or anyone looking for a little escapism.
April 3, 2012
Can we just say--book that satisfied my teen angst plus reality-tv-in-a-book desire? Yep, I really enjoyed this quick read. In fact, I kind of smiled at the end, even though it had a characteristic cheesy and predictable ending. Yes, Beatrice is a "thick" girl--*cough, cough* not really. Honestly, Beatrice is a girl who had a messy break up and eats like a normal girl. However, we all know that "plus size" models probably have a different standard than other plus-size gals, right?
Anyway, I digress. Beatrice is a nice enough character who is riddled with weaknesses that come out clearly in her story. She makes stupid mistakes with men, and has insecurities that far outweigh her plus-size physique. In short, she has issues that can be annoying, but it's not as if she doesn't have a forgivable air to her that allows us to suspend judgement and just enjoy the book.
I enjoyed Beatrice's Top Model-esque story and found it to be a fun, quick read. There are some pretty fun, catty moments in the book (yes, they're fun), and also that hint of seriousness to keep us cheering on Beatrice's future. This was a surprisingly enjoyable read that I could 100% see myself indulgently liking as a teen--as I do now. It all feels familiar, but is still a fun little book.
Anyway, I digress. Beatrice is a nice enough character who is riddled with weaknesses that come out clearly in her story. She makes stupid mistakes with men, and has insecurities that far outweigh her plus-size physique. In short, she has issues that can be annoying, but it's not as if she doesn't have a forgivable air to her that allows us to suspend judgement and just enjoy the book.
I enjoyed Beatrice's Top Model-esque story and found it to be a fun, quick read. There are some pretty fun, catty moments in the book (yes, they're fun), and also that hint of seriousness to keep us cheering on Beatrice's future. This was a surprisingly enjoyable read that I could 100% see myself indulgently liking as a teen--as I do now. It all feels familiar, but is still a fun little book.
November 7, 2012
Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.com
Bee's life is nearly perfect. She's having a great year in college with her boyfriend, Brian. Then he dumps her and it feels like her world is coming to an end.
She's got to find a way to get him back and becomes obsessed about it. Then she meets Chela, who once used to date "Lyin' Brian." She convinces Bee that he's not worth it and the two become fast friends. Bee is enjoying life again and realizing that while she still misses Brian, she will be okay.
Bee is launched into the world of modeling when she is "discovered" by an agent. The plus-size realm is competitive, and Bee becomes an instant enemy with Savannah Hughes, who is at the top of all the campaigns. Bee is whisked to far away places, wearing amazing clothes, and attending premieres and award events. Even Brian comes crawling back to her!
Can Bee juggle it all - her dream of being a pediatrician, a modeling career, plus her boyfriend and friends? Not to mention Savannah, who insists on knocking her down whenever possible?
This was a terrific novel that moves very quickly. I didn't want to put it down!
Bee's life is nearly perfect. She's having a great year in college with her boyfriend, Brian. Then he dumps her and it feels like her world is coming to an end.
She's got to find a way to get him back and becomes obsessed about it. Then she meets Chela, who once used to date "Lyin' Brian." She convinces Bee that he's not worth it and the two become fast friends. Bee is enjoying life again and realizing that while she still misses Brian, she will be okay.
Bee is launched into the world of modeling when she is "discovered" by an agent. The plus-size realm is competitive, and Bee becomes an instant enemy with Savannah Hughes, who is at the top of all the campaigns. Bee is whisked to far away places, wearing amazing clothes, and attending premieres and award events. Even Brian comes crawling back to her!
Can Bee juggle it all - her dream of being a pediatrician, a modeling career, plus her boyfriend and friends? Not to mention Savannah, who insists on knocking her down whenever possible?
This was a terrific novel that moves very quickly. I didn't want to put it down!
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