Diary of a Mad Fat Girl, a review

I’m not sure why, but every time I sign up for a book review I put off reading the book and dread starting it (even though I make it a point to only sign up for books that look interesting to me). Despite all the dreading and putting off I've done I’ve loved every book. And this one was no exception. In fact, it's safe to say this one has been my favorite.

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee takes place in the fictional (I think) town of Bugtussle, Mississippi. Just the fact that this book takes place in the South was reason enough for me to continue reading past page two. The story follows Ace and her two best friends, Lily and Chloe, as they bring down the local bad guys (and by bad guys I mean morally bad guys) who have set out to ruin the girls' lives. We’re talking a principal, Mrs. Hillard, who is itching to fire Ace, the high school art teacher, and at the same time accuses Lilly of inappropriate actions with a high schooler because Mrs. Hillard is having problems of her own at home. And then there’s Chloe’s cheating and abusive husband, Richard Stacks the Fourth. But with the help of Ms. Peacock, her unlimited access to every surveillance camera in Bugtussle, and connections to everyone in the town, Ace, Lilly, and Chloe are able to bring Mrs. Hillard and Richard Stacks the Fourth down (along with a few others) and return to their normal lives in the jobs they love.

This story isn't just about securing jobs and maintaining friendships through all the trials, there's also love interest, of course. Which brings me to the part of the story line that had me hook, line, and sinker. Ace’s love interest, Mason McKenzie, is a boy she met when she was just 11, at a church youth group function. He's now grown up, and a lawyer, and has come back to town to win her back and help out the girls. Hello. This is my life! (Except I was 8 and my friends weren’t wrongly accused of some pretty bad things.)

All in all, the book was a very good, light read thanks to the humor and clever naration. I was honestly not able to put this book down (even though my bed time had quickly come and gone). It wasn't too deep and didn't require too much thinking on my part (which is great for my pregnancy brain) and is a big plus when I am choosing a book to read for pure enjoyment. Too bad I’ve already read it, otherwise I’d put it on the list for summer beach reads.

This was a paid review for BlogHer Book Club, but the opinions expressed are my own.