The Makedown

by: Gitty Daneshvari

Published by: Grand Central Publishing

Reviewed by Knevits Stephens

Anna Norton is a fat girl all through her school years. She suffers from the fat thighs that rub together, facial acne, and the ratted greasy hair. She even goes so far as to having a journal where she writes to herself as “Dear Fatty.” She is an excessive over eater and very unhappy with herself.

Ben Reynolds is a lawyer and so good looking that every one wants him. He wears expensive clothes, is a vegetarian and has a gym membership that he uses regular. He is the type that flirts with all girls and turns all their heads. He is always receiving smiles and glances from girls everywhere–and sometimes even from men as well.

Anna loses all her weight, takes care of the acne and gets new clothes. She falls in love with Ben at first sight even though she believes he is out of her league. They start to date and see each other frequently. With a guy like him she starts to get jealous about other woman taking her man.
Anna feels jealous of other women and comes up with a plan of a “make down.” She believes with a few changes in Ben, others will not be so attracted to him–and she can keep him all for herself with no worries. She will go to any length to give him, thus the reverse “make over.” She adds Nair to his shampoo for balding. Chocolate candy bars soon replace healthy granola bars. And she even goes so far as to tell Ben flannel shirts are the hottest statement and all men are starting to wear them.

Now the problem is can she live with what she has done to Ben And can their relationship last or will this ruin it?

The first five chapters of this book were a slow read and not so good. After I got past those, the book went fast and picked up a lot, and then I couldn’t put it down. The main character gives her point of view of how it feels to be overweight and about the ridicule you receive. I found this to be a very good read.

Armchair Interviews says: The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers.

Author’s Web site: http://www.GittyDaneshvari.com