What do you think?
Rate this book
Shortcomings
Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback, asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.
140 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Simpson
52 books27 followersGinger Simpson grew up reading anything by Laura Ingalls Wilder and became so fascinated with western historical novels, they've remained her favorite for more years than she cares to admit.
In 2002, Ginger decided to attempt writing her own novel, and in 2003 her first offering, Prairie Peace, was published. Since then, she's dabbled in other genres but always seems to migrate back to her favorite historical era.
At the beginning, Ginger accepted contracts with e-publishers with the realization her work would not be offered in actual stores, rather made available for sale by download or ordering through Internet sites. At the time, the reward of acceptance was enough, and the prayer that downloadable books would grow in popularity seems to have come to pass. Ginger admits she's no spring chicken, and her final goal is to see at least one of her works available in an actual "brick and mortar" store just so she can nod when someone asks if Walmart sells her books.
She's often joked that she may have to sneak a book into Walmart and leave it on the shelf next to one of Nora Robert's novels, but that's not really how she'd like her next novel to get there. Besides, there's probably a law that prohibits such a deed. She's already worked in a jail, so she doesn't care to experience the other side of the bars. Note from Ginger (2011): I actually did "sneak" a book into Walmart and take a picture of it on the "best sellers" shelve. I have the photo to prove it. I got a few weird looks from nearby people, but I didn't get arrested or escorted from the store. *smile*)
In 2002, Ginger decided to attempt writing her own novel, and in 2003 her first offering, Prairie Peace, was published. Since then, she's dabbled in other genres but always seems to migrate back to her favorite historical era.
At the beginning, Ginger accepted contracts with e-publishers with the realization her work would not be offered in actual stores, rather made available for sale by download or ordering through Internet sites. At the time, the reward of acceptance was enough, and the prayer that downloadable books would grow in popularity seems to have come to pass. Ginger admits she's no spring chicken, and her final goal is to see at least one of her works available in an actual "brick and mortar" store just so she can nod when someone asks if Walmart sells her books.
She's often joked that she may have to sneak a book into Walmart and leave it on the shelf next to one of Nora Robert's novels, but that's not really how she'd like her next novel to get there. Besides, there's probably a law that prohibits such a deed. She's already worked in a jail, so she doesn't care to experience the other side of the bars. Note from Ginger (2011): I actually did "sneak" a book into Walmart and take a picture of it on the "best sellers" shelve. I have the photo to prove it. I got a few weird looks from nearby people, but I didn't get arrested or escorted from the store. *smile*)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 16, 2011
This is a story about acceptance. It's about accepting others the way they are, shortcomings and all and about accepting YOURSELF, shortcomings and all.
Cindy's "shortcoming" is one leg being two inches shorter than the other. She's got a limp. The kids at school call her names, won't sit with her at lunch, laugh when other tease her, or just plain avoid her alltogether (which is no better).
Having grown up with a disability myself, I felt as though I was reading my own story, except it's a leg issue, not a hearing issue. I think the author pulled this off nicely and I feel it's a story that should be read by the masses, especially the young ones that this novel is aimed at. This moral cannot be repeated enough: "Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them." And as Cindy's friend says in the book, "You're never going to find someone who likes you until you like yourself."
To read full review, please click on the link:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
Cindy's "shortcoming" is one leg being two inches shorter than the other. She's got a limp. The kids at school call her names, won't sit with her at lunch, laugh when other tease her, or just plain avoid her alltogether (which is no better).
Having grown up with a disability myself, I felt as though I was reading my own story, except it's a leg issue, not a hearing issue. I think the author pulled this off nicely and I feel it's a story that should be read by the masses, especially the young ones that this novel is aimed at. This moral cannot be repeated enough: "Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them." And as Cindy's friend says in the book, "You're never going to find someone who likes you until you like yourself."
To read full review, please click on the link:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2011/...
July 6, 2011
The first sentence of Ms. Simpson's blurb for Shortcomings says it all…Our shortcomings don’t define us… But it’s the last part of her first sentence that should scream out at each and every one of us…UNLESS WE LET THEM.
Ms. Simpson’s book, Shortcomings, is a story of personal growth and building our own strengths as Cindy accepts and loves the person she is. We all have our own shortcomings; something we don’t like about ourselves, whether it is weight, hair, looks, or like Cindy, one leg shorter than the other. But it is how we accept ourselves that defines our lives. Cindy struggled with it—immensely. Ms. Simpson does a great job allowing the reader to see the depth of Cindy’s struggles. We can empathize and understand. Most of us have been there at one point or another.
Cindy, 17 and a senior in high school, has recently moved to a new town. Not only does she have to deal with being the new kid in school, but she must endure the stares, whispers and taunts of her ‘limp’ that make her self-conscious and embarrassed. When the star quarterback (her secret crush) asks her for help with his math, she ignores her desires thinking he only wants help because he needs to pass the class to remain on the team. When he asks her to a dance, she believes she is the butt of a cruel joke. Why would he ask her to a dance when she obviously can’t ‘dance!’
To ease her loneliness, Cindy applies for a job at a local salon and becomes the new go-for for the quirky, but confident, owner. Finally, Cindy makes a friend at school, only to witness her friend humiliated by the same antagonist that taunts her. Cindy jumps at the chance to help her friend grow, not even realizing her friend is helping her grow as well. Strength can be found in even the smallest of motives.
In this light romantic and compelling story Cindy triumphs over her shortcomings to become a positive role model for teens and adults alike; to express what it took for this one girl to overcome her own limitations and find happiness and acceptance. Ms. Simpson weaves a great story. It’s not an easy fix for Cindy. She doesn’t always make the right choices. And sometimes she is her own worst enemy. It’s a very true-to-life story which I found almost too coincidental with how I feel about my own self at times. But it’s a story I can use as a tool to manage my own self-esteem and grow in loving myself.
I enjoyed Shortcomings and give it five stars and hope all teens and pre-teens will read it and apply it to their own lives. For those that see their own shortcomings in themselves, I hope they will find the courage and strength to love themselves and not let those that would persecute them take their self-esteem away. And for those that are on the bullying side, may the see just what those cruel words and jokes do to the image of another.
Ms. Simpson’s book, Shortcomings, is a story of personal growth and building our own strengths as Cindy accepts and loves the person she is. We all have our own shortcomings; something we don’t like about ourselves, whether it is weight, hair, looks, or like Cindy, one leg shorter than the other. But it is how we accept ourselves that defines our lives. Cindy struggled with it—immensely. Ms. Simpson does a great job allowing the reader to see the depth of Cindy’s struggles. We can empathize and understand. Most of us have been there at one point or another.
Cindy, 17 and a senior in high school, has recently moved to a new town. Not only does she have to deal with being the new kid in school, but she must endure the stares, whispers and taunts of her ‘limp’ that make her self-conscious and embarrassed. When the star quarterback (her secret crush) asks her for help with his math, she ignores her desires thinking he only wants help because he needs to pass the class to remain on the team. When he asks her to a dance, she believes she is the butt of a cruel joke. Why would he ask her to a dance when she obviously can’t ‘dance!’
To ease her loneliness, Cindy applies for a job at a local salon and becomes the new go-for for the quirky, but confident, owner. Finally, Cindy makes a friend at school, only to witness her friend humiliated by the same antagonist that taunts her. Cindy jumps at the chance to help her friend grow, not even realizing her friend is helping her grow as well. Strength can be found in even the smallest of motives.
In this light romantic and compelling story Cindy triumphs over her shortcomings to become a positive role model for teens and adults alike; to express what it took for this one girl to overcome her own limitations and find happiness and acceptance. Ms. Simpson weaves a great story. It’s not an easy fix for Cindy. She doesn’t always make the right choices. And sometimes she is her own worst enemy. It’s a very true-to-life story which I found almost too coincidental with how I feel about my own self at times. But it’s a story I can use as a tool to manage my own self-esteem and grow in loving myself.
I enjoyed Shortcomings and give it five stars and hope all teens and pre-teens will read it and apply it to their own lives. For those that see their own shortcomings in themselves, I hope they will find the courage and strength to love themselves and not let those that would persecute them take their self-esteem away. And for those that are on the bullying side, may the see just what those cruel words and jokes do to the image of another.
May 19, 2014
Shortcomings is a short and sweet contemporary YA that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. It has a real-to-life authentic voice and a great pacing that allows for a light, but substantial, read. Although Shortcomings definitely isn't a novel that will take long to read, it is enjoyable throughout the entire ride.
Cindy is a very likeable character. She is caring and funny, and has to deal with a lot given the small defect that she has. Nearly every teenage girl is self-conscious about at least one part of her body, so the feelings about her slight limp are completely relatable. Besides, we've have enough of the perfectly perfect female characters. Being born with one leg longer than the other is not only a main part of the plot, but it allows Cindy to be more unique, as well as flawed. If there is one thing I love in novels, it's flawed characters.
The relationship between Cindy and Cody is incredibly sweet, and I loved the natural way that it grew. At times, it seemed that Cindy was being a little ridiculous (of course he likes you) but I suppose it is understandable. When you tell yourself something enough, it is hard to convince you otherwise.
The themes in Shortcomings were excellent. Especially for those in middle school and high school who seem to forget about them altogether. Everyone has their little faults, but we can't let them get in our way. I absolutely loved the ongoing theme of not being defined by our shortcomings, and the clear way it is incorporated into the story.
Simply put, Shortcomings is a fun, but strong, read that will satisfy readers. Sweet and entertaining the entire way through, it is definitely worth a look at.
Cindy is a very likeable character. She is caring and funny, and has to deal with a lot given the small defect that she has. Nearly every teenage girl is self-conscious about at least one part of her body, so the feelings about her slight limp are completely relatable. Besides, we've have enough of the perfectly perfect female characters. Being born with one leg longer than the other is not only a main part of the plot, but it allows Cindy to be more unique, as well as flawed. If there is one thing I love in novels, it's flawed characters.
The relationship between Cindy and Cody is incredibly sweet, and I loved the natural way that it grew. At times, it seemed that Cindy was being a little ridiculous (of course he likes you) but I suppose it is understandable. When you tell yourself something enough, it is hard to convince you otherwise.
The themes in Shortcomings were excellent. Especially for those in middle school and high school who seem to forget about them altogether. Everyone has their little faults, but we can't let them get in our way. I absolutely loved the ongoing theme of not being defined by our shortcomings, and the clear way it is incorporated into the story.
Simply put, Shortcomings is a fun, but strong, read that will satisfy readers. Sweet and entertaining the entire way through, it is definitely worth a look at.
June 27, 2014
Shortcomings was a great read about high school and our flaws...or shortcomings. I found this book entertaining. The story was different from your normal high school themed books. It was nice to see a story about a girl with flaws/shortcomings that sent a nice positive message. We are all flawed in some way and no matter what your flaw may be, it does not define you or take away from your beauty.
Cindy has a hard time making friends because she is so self-conscience of her limp due to her short leg. Her classmates can be mean and say some of the cruelest things. Because of that she tends to keep to herself and steer clear of everyone else.
Cory is cute and he's the quarterback of the high school football team. Cindy is surprised when he asks her for tutoring in math. Yes she's smart but she didn't expect him to seek her out. When he invites her to prom she figures he did it on a dare and immediately rejects his invitation.
This is a good book and worth checking out!
Cindy has a hard time making friends because she is so self-conscience of her limp due to her short leg. Her classmates can be mean and say some of the cruelest things. Because of that she tends to keep to herself and steer clear of everyone else.
Cory is cute and he's the quarterback of the high school football team. Cindy is surprised when he asks her for tutoring in math. Yes she's smart but she didn't expect him to seek her out. When he invites her to prom she figures he did it on a dare and immediately rejects his invitation.
This is a good book and worth checking out!
July 11, 2016
I was swept away by this young adult novella's theme that contains a positive message for everyone; "Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them."
We bear witness to the cruelty that Cindy faces due to poverty and because she has one leg that is shorter than the other. Shortcomings is beautifully written with equally beautiful characters and the moral of the story is appropriate for readers of all ages. This is a true gem and everyone should read it as it teaches that we should love ourselves. I wish I could give it more than five stars.
- See more at: https://www.yainsider.com/b/shortcomi...
We bear witness to the cruelty that Cindy faces due to poverty and because she has one leg that is shorter than the other. Shortcomings is beautifully written with equally beautiful characters and the moral of the story is appropriate for readers of all ages. This is a true gem and everyone should read it as it teaches that we should love ourselves. I wish I could give it more than five stars.
- See more at: https://www.yainsider.com/b/shortcomi...
Read
July 15, 2014This is my first attempt at a YA.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews