Oxford English Dictionary

Jamie Carcaterra is a girl on a mission. She is writing a feature column for her high school newspaper called “Fat Girl,” with the goal of winning a “National Feature Award” scholarship. Jamie tells her readers, “Write to Fat Girl and send her to college!” Jamie has struggled with weight issues her entire life; through her column she shares her thoughts and feelings about weight while challenging others to explore their views. Jamie’s boyfriend, Burke, is overweight too, and his decision to have gastric bypass surgery sends Jamie reeling. Can she handle the repercussions involved with Burke’s weight loss? Will she win a scholarship? Will she be forced to stop the presses as she deals with the fallout? Big Fat Manifesto is laugh out loud funny and heart wrenchingly poignant.