The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky
By: Josh Galarza
Genre: YA
Number of Pages: 313
Published: July 23, 2024
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Dates Read: October 21, 2024 - October 27, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Trigger Warnings: Eating disorder, fatphobia, body dysmorphia, body shaming, underage drinking, parent with cancer, mentions of self-harm

Ever since Brett’s adoptive mother was diagnosed with cancer, he’s been slowly losing his grip on reality. To cope, Brett fuels all of his anxieties into fiction, including his intergalactic Kid Condor comic book series. When Brett’s journal and deepest insecurities are posted online for the whole school to see, he realizes he can no longer avoid his issues, especially with the coping mechanism he has been using. As his eating disorder escalates, Brett must be honest with not only himself and those closest to him, but also his new friend Mallory, who seems to know more about Brett’s issues than he does.

This book is definitely needed, even though it’s a tough read. There’s not a lot of books out there about boys with eating disorders or about boys really struggling with body image. This novel also features Brett and Reed’s relationship that challenges the traditional masculinity of boys’ friendships, processing a parent’s battle with cancer, and so much more. It takes all of these difficult topics and shines a light on them without sugarcoating anything, making the conversations and actions all the more realistic and raw.

I would highly suggest this read to anyone, but with a great deal of caution. Disordered eating is what Brett is dealing with most, but there are a lot of other sensitive topics addressed that could be triggering. Please read with caution.

*Thank you Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review