THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHER BIG ROUND THINGS

With her best friend in Seattle, Virginia Shreves feels isolated in her sophomore class. At home she compares herself to her thin "perfect" siblings, and her teen psychologist mother has only enough time to highlight her failings. But when her brother is found guilty of date rape, Virginia is forced to reevaluate her family and herself. From confronting her mother to starting kickboxing, Virginia finds strength and self-acceptance. Johanna Parker's tone reflects the right mix for an urban upper-middle-class self-loathing teenager. Listeners will experience Virginia's growth as Parker delivers her challenges, triumphs, and setbacks with clarity and sincerity. J.M.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 05]