Rhino

by Sheila Solomon Klass

Annie hates her nose and decides that plastic surgery may be the answer

Genres: Young Adult

161 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

SHEILA SOLOMON KLASS has been writing fiction for young adults for nearly five decades. Her books include The Uncivil War; Shooting Star: A Novel About Annie Oakley; and Little Women Next Door. Ms. Klass lives in New York City.

Ms. Klass passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.

Reviews

[Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

There isn't a lot of fiction I don't like. It takes a lot to make me dislike something. To have actually found such a book surprises me, and I really regret the time I spent reading through it.

For almost the entire book, we have to deal with the constant complaints the main character has about her appearance, and how it's such a bother that she has a supposed bump upon her nose. And while I'm supposed to feel sorry or supportive for her (because this IS the story we are following), I can't help but feel annoyed by her. As the beginning of the book explained, her family may not have been very well to do, but she lived a content life with plenty of potential. Yet she kept harping about her nose as if it would ruin whatever chance of happiness she could have.

And I feel all the more bad about these feelings of mine, because I really don't have anything against plastic surgery (within reason mind you). If it's something that's physically bothersome and impedes your ability to live a full life, and you have the means to pay for it without tightening your belt, have at it. But just to stop the constant bickering of invalids and gain a little confidence in that sense?

This is a book that tries to put a spin on the positive effects plastic surgery can have, but it does so very poorly. It comes off as vain, with the summary being, "Talented teen gets upset and got what she wanted." You can find better pro-surgery books than this, trust me.

[Merary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Normally, I like books with the subject of insecurity and plastic surgery. It's just so interesting.
But this? No. NO. NOOO.

Why? Let me start by the fact that it was very annoying how the main character felt that having a "manly bump" on her nose will ruin her life forever. Ok, I got it. You don't have to say it again. I didn't find it realistic that her parents were willing to spend all their money on a surgery that will make their daughter happy. Yes, they did tell her to embrace the nose that makes her unique, but that didn't even last for long.

And the ending? UGH. Don't remind me. Little Miss Annoying Whiny Brat got her nose done and her and family lived happily ever after. THE END.
The book was just . . . UGH. Don't even pick this book.

[Mx.Lucey · Rating 5 out of 5]

very relatable for a book written in 1993 but I don't love that she goes through with nose job after all the trouble we went through....idk it felt a bit anticlimactic in the end.....most likely due to a lack of a sequel but otherwise I enjoyed every second.

[Courtney Wyant · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay not my favorite not a least favorite