I found it hard to get into this one as an ebook, but was seduced by it in paper form. It's surreal, bizarre, campy, and wholly unusual. Also, tells a great, fast-moving story and is a gradually unfolding tale of the unexpected. Phoebe is a winner, and the world is a doozy. Great fun! ( )

Attack of the 50 Foot Wallflower is thoroughly weird, slow, and entertaining and should appeal to any lover of sci-fi oldies.

Phoebe's narrative is believable and relatable, every man in this book is a creep and you feel as uncomfortable as Phoebe, but for the American 1950/1960's era there really was no mention of racism save for a "no coloreds" sign. All of Phoebe friends and family are really open-minded besides thinking that Native-Americans are "godless and sinful." Okay ... What I'm trying to say is you have to have some suspension of belief. I'm just surprised Phoebe didn't have any preconceived notions about different races and a blink-and-you-miss-it reference to gayness.

Anyway, the "4th-wall breaking" magical being, her dad, controlling the world through the TV remote is unique. That premise kept me interested through all the long drawn-out eating binges. I have never been so tired of reading about someone eating. I think my favorite part of this story is the familial relationship Phoebe and her mother have and how it contrasts with her other family members. *wink*

Another great part is the backstory of a character named Lear. It's dark and really made me feel for this character. The added surprise of the comic book strips was welcomed! A great way to tell Lear's story in a different medium. I hadn't been expecting that.

Overall, it was good. Sometimes, Beth seemed a little too perfect and her story's a little open-ended she's from the future???, and I don't really care too much about the forced Phoebe/Lear connection. Still, a nice change of pace from other YA stories with a cool cover.

2.5 ( )