One Fat Summer (1977) is the first book in Robert Lipsyte’s Summer trilogy, focusing on fourteen-year-old Bobby Marks as he navigates insecurities about his weight and the challenges of summer vacation in 1942. Bullied at school, Bobby dreads wearing shorts and t-shirts, particularly as he prepares for a summer spent mowing lawns rather than attending camp, a prospect that horrifies him. With his best friend Joanie away for the summer, Bobby struggles with loneliness and the critical remarks of his employer, Dr. Kahn, who exacerbates his insecurities. As Bobby dedicates himself to his work, he gradually loses weight and gains confidence, learning to stand up for himself against bullies like Willie. Amidst personal growth, he faces familial turmoil when he discovers his father’s affair, complicating his emotional landscape. Ultimately, Bobby learns compassion and resilience, realizing that even bullies have their struggles. The novel explores themes of self-acceptance, the complexities of adolescence, and the importance of confronting one’s insecurities with courage.
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