Quick Take

Blubber meets Steel Magnolias in this funny and honest story about body image and family. Rosemary Goode is smart and funny and loyal and the best eyebrow waxer in Spring Hill, Tennessee. But only one thing seems to matter to anyone, including Rosemary: her weight. And when your mom runs the most successful (and gossipy) beauty shop in town, it can be hard to keep a low profile. Rosemary resolves to lose the weight, but her journey turns out to be about everything but the scale. Her life-changing, waist-shrinking year is captured with brutal honesty and humor, topped with an extralarge helping of Southern charm. A truly uncommon novel about an increasingly common problem.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Artichoke's Heart

Introduction

"Artichoke's Heart" by Suzanne Supplee is a captivating coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of body image and family dynamics. The book follows the journey of Rosemary Goode, a smart, funny, and loyal teenager who struggles with her weight and navigates the challenges of high school and personal growth. With its witty writing and relatable characters, "Artichoke's Heart" offers a fresh perspective on the teenage experience and resonates with readers of all ages.

About Suzanne Supplee

Suzanne Supplee, the author of "Artichoke's Heart," is a talented writer known for her ability to create engaging and relatable characters. With a background in creative writing and teaching, Supplee brings a wealth of experience to her work. Her previous books, such as "When Irish Guys Are Smiling" and "Students Across the Seven Seas," have garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her skill in crafting compelling stories that captivate readers.

Analysis of Views

Realistic portrayal of body image struggles: Many readers praised "Artichoke's Heart" for its realistic portrayal of body image struggles. They appreciated the book's honest and raw depiction of Rosemary's journey, which resonated with them on a personal level. The book tackles the issue of weight and self-esteem with sensitivity and understanding, providing readers with a relatable and empathetic protagonist.
Humor and wit: Supplee's writing style was also widely praised for its humor and wit. The book features witty dialogue and clever observations that add depth to the characters and elevate the reading experience. Readers found themselves laughing out loud at Rosemary's comebacks and enjoying the lighthearted moments throughout the story.
Engaging characters: The characters in "Artichoke's Heart" were praised for their depth and complexity. Rosemary, in particular, was praised for her growth throughout the book. Readers appreciated her journey from feeling overlooked and unloved to finding self-confidence and acceptance. The supporting characters, including Rosemary's mother, aunt, and new friend Kay-Kay, added depth and nuance to the story.
Southern charm: The Southern setting of "Artichoke's Heart" was also noted for adding charm to the story. The book captures the warmth and hospitality of small-town life, creating a vivid and immersive setting that readers enjoyed. The Southern dialect and cultural references added authenticity to the story, making it feel like a true representation of life in the South.
Realistic ending: Many readers appreciated the realistic ending of "Artichoke's Heart." The book avoids the common trope of a perfect resolution, instead presenting a nuanced and honest conclusion that reflects the complexities of life. The ending left readers feeling satisfied but also contemplative, acknowledging that growth and change are ongoing processes.

Reasons for Recommendation

Relatable protagonist: Rosemary's journey of self-discovery resonated with many readers, making her an endearing protagonist. Her struggles with weight, self-esteem, and family dynamics are relatable to a wide range of readers, making "Artichoke's Heart" a book that can be enjoyed by anyone seeking a relatable and empathetic protagonist.
Humor and wit: The book's humor and wit added levity to the story, making it enjoyable to read. Readers appreciated the witty dialogue and clever observations that added depth to the characters and elevated the overall reading experience.
Engaging characters: The characters in "Artichoke's Heart" were praised for their depth and complexity. Rosemary's growth throughout the book was particularly noteworthy, as she learns to embrace herself and find self-confidence. The supporting characters added nuance and depth to the story, making it feel more realistic and relatable.
Southern charm: The Southern setting of "Artichoke's Heart" added charm to the story, creating a vivid and immersive atmosphere that readers appreciated. The Southern dialect and cultural references added authenticity to the story, making it feel like a true representation of life in the South.
Realistic ending: The realistic ending of "Artichoke's Heart" was praised by many readers for its honesty and authenticity. The book avoids the common trope of a perfect resolution, instead presenting a nuanced conclusion that reflects the complexities of life. This realistic ending made "Artichoke's Heart" a compelling read that left readers feeling satisfied but also contemplative.

Conclusion

"Artichoke's Heart" by Suzanne Supplee is a powerful coming-of-age story that tackles complex issues such as body image, family dynamics, and self-discovery. With its relatable protagonist, humor, engaging characters, Southern charm, and realistic ending, this book has resonated with readers from all walks of life. Supplee's writing style shines through in her ability to create relatable characters that readers can root for and empathize with. "Artichoke's Heart" is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating story that explores the challenges of growing up while finding acceptance within oneself.