The Middlesteins

by Jami Attenberg

Edie Middlestein is eating herself to death. Plain and simple.

This novel examines how Edie got so big and how her family feels about her and her weight problem. Meet the family:

• Richard, her husband, who has recently left her,
• Benny, her pot-smoking son, who refuses to confront his mother,
• Robin, her schoolteacher daughter, whose struggles have been similar to Edie’s, and
• Rachelle, Benny’s super-thin wife, who is determined to help Edie.

Through flashbacks to Edie’s various weight milestones, we come to understand the woman and her issues with food. But this is not a completely sad story. We experience comic relief via the amazing b’nai mitzvah party planned by Rachelle. It is awesome.

This is a funny and touching novel about people and food. Believe me: after reading this, Chinese food will occupy a special place in your heart.

12/23/13