Oaf

by Flora Doone

Rick wants to fit into more than just a pair of jeans... he wants to fit in! When his cousin Dylan comes to live with him, things start to change...but do they change for better or worse?

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2018

Reviews

[Mrs Rj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading Oaf knowing it was about a ‘fat kid’ at school and hoped it wasn’t going to be full of caricatures as are often portrayed today. I was not disappointed! This is an excellent read, a real page turner where you feel invested in the main character, feeling his pain as he travels through the horror that can be high school for the marginalised kids who don’t quite fit in. What surprised me though was how uplifting it was, telling the story with terrific humour, insight and was utterly moving.
The book subtly challenges preconceptions about overeating and gently explored the real issues of obesity without ever detracting from the story. You find yourself rooting for the protagonist and for understanding and compassion. I am pretty sure the author didn’t indeed the novel to be a self-help book in any way but as someone who is overweight, I found it made me feel positive about making some changes in own life.
This isn’t a book that solves all of life’s problems, but it certainly lets you know how someone can rise up and take on a challenge, finding self-acceptance and self-worth along the way. This really is a great book, funny, inspiring and so perceptive about the pain and angst of growing up as a teenager in today's world of perfection when you don’t fit in.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oaf is a hilarious young adult novel where the main character is an over-weight, smart, high schooler named Rick who is simply trying to find his way. From his Pepsi and milk snacks to adjusting to the arrival of his "jockstrap" cousin, Dylan, Rick shares his struggles with the reader in both a funny and engaging manner. Readers will enjoy that Rick doesn't lose weight to find happiness, nor does he become Mr. Popularity, instead he transforms his mind and finds self-acceptance. The story has a John Hughes/Breakfast Club-esque quality to it. Worth a read.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book. I enjoyed reading it as an adult, but could definitely see myself having enjoyed it as a tween. It's both humorous and heartwarming. It focuses on so many themes to which tweens and teens can relate. The ending is great! While perhaps not entirely surprising within the context, it's still a little bit different within the genre. Overall an entertaining and enjoyable read.