52 pages • 1 hour read
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304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
1993
YA
14-18 years
In Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes, Eric "Moby" Calhoune tries to help his friend Sarah Byrnes, who becomes catatonic and hospitalized. Both were once bonded by their outcast status, creating an underground paper targeting bullies. As Eric becomes busy with the swim team and starts losing weight, their relationship strains. He discovers Sarah's severe abuse by her father and helps her escape, while also navigating personal challenges and a new romance. The story includes depictions of child abuse and violence.
Emotional
Challenging
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Melancholic
14,660 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher is praised for its compelling storytelling and complex characters, handling mature themes like bullying and trauma adeptly. While some find the narrative gripping and thought-provoking, others critique it for occasional preachiness and predictability. Nonetheless, it is a powerful read that resonates with many, especially young adults.
Readers who enjoy realistic, emotionally driven young adult fiction will find Staying Fat For Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher compelling. Fans of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars and Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower will appreciate its exploration of friendship, resilience, and the struggles of adolescence.
14,660 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Steve Ellerby
Eric's best friend with a reflective faith that stands in contrast to others’ more dogmatic beliefs, influenced by personal loss in his family.
Sarah Byrnes
Eric’s close friend who enters a crisis, pushing him to uncover her struggles and reinforcing the importance of standing up for oneself.
Virgil Byrnes
Sarah's abusive father who serves as the main antagonist, posing threats to those who assist Sarah, particularly Eric.
Eric’s Mom
A minor character known for her open and warm relationship with Eric, who is careful about what he shares in order to protect Sarah.
Mr. Ellerby
Steve's father, a secondary character whose tolerant and flexible religious views stand in contrast to more rigid characters.
Mark Brittian
A peer of Eric who faces a moral dilemma, struggling with the consequences of his actions and his loudly expressed beliefs.
Mr. Brittian
Mark's father, who fails to support his son's mental health and instead shifts blame onto others during a family crisis.
Jody Mueller
Eric's romantic interest, who faces her own moral challenges and becomes a catalyst in key events through her personal decisions.
Dale Thornton
A former bully who earns Eric's trust and becomes a surprising ally, providing crucial information and assistance.
Mr. Mautz
The vice principal who perceives Eric as a troublemaker and opposes more thoughtful explorations in the classroom setting.
Ms. Lemry
Eric’s trusted teacher and swim coach who supports the students by encouraging them to question themselves and their beliefs.
Carter Middleton
Eric’s mom’s boyfriend, who shares his own difficult past with Eric and ultimately becomes a figure of resilience and action.
304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
1993
YA
14-18 years
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