This novel still remains a favorite. I loved the fact that it was set in Scotland, and the fact that it has a Bruce Willis lookalike in it, and it also makes me want to go swimming and see what kind of a difference I can make in my own life. Could I relate? I hear you ask. Of course I could, despite the facts that I'm not a boy and one that is still in school. I think anyone could, regardless of whether they have been bullied or not. School was difficult for most people, and this novel really digs into the mind of a young, amicable lad who just gets on with it. I'm proud of him and he is only a character in a book. I loved the whole 'dream' concept as well, it is symbolism at its best. It is one of the few novels that I can remember telling myself to read again whenever I had a slight break from reading novels for University; a novel I can come back to again and again, and go on the journey with Jim who just shines with his honesty and his gracious heart. I finished University this summer, and this novel again, was a 'must-read' as soon as I got home, waiting for me patiently, never failing to put a smile on my face and a quickened beat in my heart for such a modest and realistic character. A truly great read. I owe you, Jim.
What a lovely little novel.I read this because I'm teaching it to my S1 class, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I'm a bit old for most books aimed at kids, but this one was a treat. I felt myself getting extremely emotionally involved in Jimmy Kelly's troubles - even had moments reading it on the bus where my eyes were welling up for him!The characterisation is very good in this, and the progression of not only Jimmy's character but the character of his main bully Victor was very well done. A real heartwarming read, I'd urge anyone to read it if they fancy something simple and sweet.
What do You think about Fat Boy Swim (2006)?
Jimmy is a teenage boy who is overweight has no friends and gets picked on all the time. The one thing Jimmy does to escape into his own world is to cook and dream of being a chef. Jimmy can't tell anyone about his secret world of cooking because he would get picked on even more.Jimmy also wants to learn how to swim so with all his determination he takes on the challange.Author Cathrine Forde takes the reader through the thoughts and feelings of an overweight teenage boy. I really enjoyed this book and would recomend it for teenage boys and girls aged 13-16.
—Sandra
A really good teen book which covers the theme of bullying very well. Jimmy is an overweight teenager who is picked on by everyone at school including some of the teachers and has no friends so daily life at school is so hard.But he is a very good cook but unless he wants to be picked on even more, he has to keep it secret. He also wants to learn to swim so takes on the challenge and finds he is also very good at that. Putting effort into his swimming begins to make him fitter and begin to realise his binge eating is not good so that stops too.
—Den
