I had a difficult time with the beginning of this book. The body-shaming, negative talk, and unhealthy issues with food were almost too much. I understand why they were included, but I thought it was excessive. The fact that the main character could be "fixed" from the love of the right boy was also annoying. However, I found the story compelling and liked some of the characters. I think the main character was much too introspective for her age.

Sugar is a very thought provoking book and even quite emotional at times. Dare I say a tear jerker? Although I feel this is a good book that could be important for teens to read, it's not going to be for everyone. But maybe people that don't feel they will relate to this book are the ones that need to read it. 4 stars

This was actually a difficult one to read. This is about an overweight teenager and how she has to deal with bullying, school, her awful family and a new boy.

The parts I found difficult to read were definitely the realest parts. Her mum and brother are truly awful people are its hard to believe that people treat their family like they do in real life. But the scary part is that there are people that are living in the same situation as Sugar does.

I loved the writing style and really enjoyed the journey the main character went on.

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Sugar is a coming of age story in the best sense of the word. Mercy, known by the nickname Sugar, has an incredibly difficult home life made more difficult by her obesity and the bullying she endures in school. Hall's novel tells the story of Sugar's junior year in high school, her first romance, and most poignantly her growing understanding of the reality of her situation and her place in the world. The novel covers many difficult themes including bullying, eating disorders, abuse, relationships, loss, hopes and dreams, and weaves these all together through a character whose voice is lyrical and compassionate. At times Sugar's growing self-awareness seems unrealistic, or too obviously crafted to develop themes, but this didn't take away from the emotional impact, or my enjoyment of the novel, which I read in a few hours.

OMG this book...such a heart wrenching story about family, love, loss, abuse & bullying. My heart bled for Sugar, she was such a tortured soul and the verbal abuse she suffered from family members, those who are supposed to protect us, not harm us. But she persevered, and made a better life for herself.

I absolutely love Deirdre's writing and how she evokes feeling from her characters. I cannot wait to pick up another book written by her!!

Really loved this book! Sugar is a character who doesn't let circumstances bring her down and manages to go through her difficulties really well.